How to Water Narrow Strip of Lawn

Let’s face it, watering a narrow strip of the lawn requires technique and patience. You’ll want to use a reasonably sized water hose or sprinkler to ensure that all areas are irrigated properly. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the knowledge needed to get your narrow lawn strip appropriately watered and keep it in good condition.

How To Water Narrow Strip of Lawn

Select Your Preferred Spray Systems

Many spray systems can be used for lawn irrigation. By knowing the difference between each system, you’ll have more control over how to water your lawn’s narrow stripes. Here are the most common spray systems.

Traditional Spray System

The traditional spray system consists of pop-up and ground heads that can spray water in half or a full circle. While this system is known for its widespread coverage, the water doesn’t fully penetrate the soil. As a result, it can lead to overwatering plants which is detrimental to your lawn’s health.

If you plan on using this spray system for your lawn, make sure that the sprinkler heads are working at a fair distance. This can ensure that the multiple shower heads can cover up the missed areas.

Also read ->How to Trim Grass Around Sprinkler Heads

Drip System

The drip system is great for narrow lawn patches. It can be used for different plants, is water-efficient, and uses less water than the traditional spray system. It works by supplying water to the soil and allows it to obtain nutrients at a slow pace.

Drip system devices come in the form of soakers, micro-sprayers, drippers, and bubblers. They are customizable and can be used based on your lawn’s requirements.

However, you shouldn’t install the different drip system types at once. For example, avoid using soakers and bubblers because you might not achieve the desired result. Instead, plan out different zones in your garden for each type to achieve optimal results.

Rotor System

Try the rotor system if you want a more robust irrigation system for your narrow lawn. It can distribute water at similar speeds as the drip system when in use. Here are some examples of the rotor system:

Gear-Driven

Gear-driven rotors are more cost-effective and can be used for medium-large-sized areas. For lawns with slopes, they are more effective than pop-up sprinklers because of their lower precipitation rate, which increases the soil’s infiltration rate.

Impact

In addition, the rotor system can create multiple water streams. It produces streams within an angle range of 40° – 360°. The spray radius is between 20ft-150ft, with a precipitation rate of .25 to 3.81 cm. However, this will require regular forms of maintenance because it creates noise that’s not suitable for residential areas.

Rotary nozzles are a great way to water a narrow strip of lawn via overhead irrigation. When in use, these nozzles use a rotating stream of water that reduces misting, cuts through the wind, and distributes water slowly so the nutrients can be absorbed.

Modern rotary nozzles are designed to add water to tough spaces. Corner rotary nozzles are good for areas with irregular shapes. Meanwhile, side strip rotary nozzles are designed to rinse small areas.

Micro Irrigation

Micro-irrigation is starting to increase in popularity amongst lawn owners. The reason why is because lawn owners can use it in areas with arid climates. Thus, it is useful for lawns in dry regions (i.e., Israel).

Crops that grow in desert climates would not have been made possible without the help of drip irrigation. Based on water conservation efforts, some of the world’s dry areas use drip irrigation as a primary way to irrigate their lawns.

Here are the supplies needed for micro-irrigation:

Sod staples
½ poly tee fitting
360-degree blubbers
Hole puncher
Tubing end enclosures
Poly tubing (½)

First, you’ll want to place the ½ poly tee on an existing sprinkler. You’ll want to include a small raiser to increase the pipe’s point level. This simple device screws directly on the PVC riser.

Next, you’ll want to attach the poly pipe to the tee. Do this by holding the pipe and then screwing and fitting the locking collar. When turning the collar firmly, you can attach a pipe to the water source.

There is a point where you can install emitters and go back for transplanting another time. The bright orange area that is hole punched can be pushed via the poly pipe with minimal effort.

You’ll want to install blubbers near the plants and open up the cap so water can spray through it. Continue this process until there are over nine strips around the area.

Lastly, you’ll want to place ½” of the closures on each open area of the pipe. The pieces will make the pipe kinked off, reducing any leaking from the ending.

Use Plastic Bottles

Plastic bottles are a great DIY way to irrigate your lawn. Since there is a narrow strip on the lawn, the small bottle size will help reach the targeted area.

First Method

First, you can fill your plastic bottle with 2 liters of water. Place a small piece of foam on the neck of the bottle and not the cap. Then, you can place the bottle underneath the tree root.

Add water into the bottle for each crop you plan on irrigating. After the bottles are empty, you’ll have to refill them.

Second Method

Alternatively, you can cut the bottom area of a bottle and ensure there’s water at the cork. Some gardens tend to keep the cork intact and only screw it lightly so the water can flow through.

For optimal results, get a support holder. You can create a holder-slingshot from both flower bed ends. And you can make a crossbar placed on the top. Hang the bottles and start to pour water into them.

Cover the soil via water droplets, cover the area with a little piece of film, then sprinkle it in the earth. This allows the drops to fall towards the film and flows to the ground. Since it doesn’t rust, this method is safer for those wanting the least lawn aftercare issues.