Cut Lawn & Landscape Shrubs Around Sprinkler Heads

Sometimes I get a questions something like, "what is the best way to cut my lawn around the sprinkler heads?" Well, my answer to this question is that you shouldn't have to worry about it if your sprinkler heads are properly installed! The sprinkler heads should be just below grade level so that you can run over them with a lawnmower and not cause any damage to them. But, you don't want the heads too low either because they can get clogged up with dirt or not pop up high enough to get proper water coverage on your grass.

Many people have sprinkler heads on risers or pipe that put the spray above bushes. These type of heads can get cut when trimming your shrubs if you are not careful. It is best to turn on your system and identify where each sprinkler head is located prior to cutting your bushes. Use a small mark-out flag, a stick, or anything that will bring your attention to where the heads are located so that you do not cut them.

I actually don't like sprinkler heads on risers because I think they look ugly. Some people may argue that you must have them in certain cases, but I disagree. It is true that it may be the most convenient way to get water coverage over a bush and on to the entire bed or lawn area, but proper watering can be accomplished another way.

If you have separate zones for your lawn and shrub/flower beds then you do not have to water above the bushes. Remember that you don't really need to water the tops of the bushes, it is the root system that needs the water. You can use typical 4" pop-up sprays and let them water the ground underneath the leaves on the plants or bushes. You could also install drip tube for the flower beds. Just make sure that no plants are blocking coverage over your lawn area. This method of watering will be out of sight and not create the eye-sore of big tall, leaning sprinkler heads.

Scott
http://www.autolawnsprinklers.com/