As your landscape changes, so should your drip system in order to efficiently water the plants.
A lot of landscapers put the drippers right at the (root) ball of the plant or trunk of the tree, says Greg Tolson, owner of Tolson's Irrigation Repair Service (296-0427, www.tolsonsirrigation.com).
Emitters, or drippers, that aren't moved will discourage healthy root growth and may eventually be swallowed up by the plant growing around them, Tolson says.
Emitters should be moved toward the edge of a tree's or shrub's canopy as the plant grows.
An emitter may also need to be plugged if it no longer is watering a plant, but a caution comes from Steve Mallgren, manager of Horizons West Landscape Contractors (881-1643).
"You have to be careful cutting off water because you might cut off water to roots of trees growing in that area," says Mallgren. A lot of roots around an emitter indicate that nearby plants are using the water from it.
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Regular inspection catches changing needs early. Here are some maintenance tips from Mallgren and Tolson:
• Annually: Clean the filter. Flush the main distribution line by opening the end caps and running water until it's clear.
• Every three years: Closely check system for working condition, including controller, lines and emitters. Reconfigure as needed to match landscape changes.
•After nine years: Besides annual maintenance, watch closely for major defects that call for major repair or replacement.
• Up to 15 years: Prepare to replace the system, especially if annual repairs are becoming costly.
When it is time to upgrade or replace a drip system, consider these components:
• Sophisticated controllers. The choices are growing and prices are shrinking.
• Commercial-grade parts. These are not usually more expensive than residential-grade parts, but they last longer.
• Pressure compensating emitters. These maintain appropriate water flow in a drip system of at least 50 emitters. Nonpressure compensating emitters may have less water flow because they are far or uphill from the main distribution line.
• PVC piping. The stiffer pipe installed as the main distribution line lasts longer than polyethylene tubing.
• Irrigation zones. Multiple lines based on watering needs make it easier to meet varying irrigation schedules. One would go to trees and mature shrubs, for instance, says Tolson, while others would water, respectively, succulents, the lawn, potted plants and flowering plants.
In a similar vein, Mallgren suggests creating a xeriscape in which plants with similar watering needs are grouped in your yard and then a dedicated line leads to it.
• As-built plan. A map of your drip system will make it easier to find lines for maintenance and repositioning. Update it whenever you change the configuration.
WaterSmart classes
Steve Mallgren will teach Pima County Cooperative Extension's five 2010 Residential Landscape Irrigation classes. To see a schedule and to register for these and other free WaterSmart Landscapes classes, call 626-5161or visit cals.arizona.edu/pima/smartscape/workshop_water.html
Contact local freelance writer Elena Acoba at acoba@dakotacom.net