Key takeaways
- Zones are limited by how much water your supply can deliver at once.
- Lawn, beds and trees need separate zones.
- Sun and shade areas often need their own zones.
- A flow test beats a guess.
Why zones exist
A home's water supply can only deliver so many gallons per minute at a usable pressure. A sprinkler system divides the yard into zones so that only part of the heads run at once, each zone within that flow.
More flow means bigger zones and fewer of them. Low flow means smaller zones and more of them.
How zones are grouped
Good design groups areas by plant type, sun exposure, soil and head type. Lawn needs more water than shrubs; a drip bed needs different timing than a spray zone; a shady side yard dries out slower than a sunny front yard.
Slopes often get their own zone with shorter cycles to prevent runoff.
A typical lot
A typical quarter-acre family lot often ends up with four to eight zones: two or three for front and back lawn, one for a side strip and one or two for beds and trees on drip.
Your own number depends on measured flow and pressure, which is why a test comes before a quote.
Related services
Quick answers
Can I add zones later?
Often, if your controller has open stations and your supply has capacity. We check both first.
Does more zones cost more?
Yes: each zone adds a valve, wire, pipe and heads. But well-sized zones water better.
Ready to talk it through? Get a free estimate or call 615-431-3789.