Oct 8, 2026, 1:03:16 PM
As a Memphis homeowner who cares about the appearance of your property, you want a healthy and thriving lawn and landscape. But there’s simply no way to achieve this without proper irrigation.
Irrigation systems in Memphis are particularly critical due to our hot Mid South climate. It’s not uncommon to have long stretches of 90+ degree days here in Memphis, making water an incredibly valuable resource. Of course, we understand that a high-quality system can be a substantial investment and you want to feel confident about making that decision.
That’s why we’ve put together a complete guide on everything you ought to know about residential irrigation systems in Memphis.
Why Do I Need Irrigation in Memphis?
A residential irrigation system delivers controlled amounts of water to different areas of a lawn and landscape. A properly designed system helps plants develop healthy roots, reduces hand watering, and prevents the dry spots, runoff, and overwatering caused by poor coverage.
Benefits of a Professionally Designed Irrigation System in Memphis
What Is Irrigation Backflow Prevention and Why Does It Matter?
How to Choose an Irrigation Company in the Greater Memphis Area
A residential irrigation system is an automated watering system designed for the plants and turf areas around your home. Instead of having to drag a hose with a portable sprinkler attached, a residential irrigation system will commonly use a series of underground pipes and fixed sprinkler heads to water the lawn and landscape.
The terms “irrigation” and “sprinkler system” are often used interchangeably by homeowners. Most people do have a system that involves underground piping and sprinkler heads, so we understand why it’s frequently used.
However, technically speaking, irrigation is a broader category that covers any system that is designed to deliver water. A sprinkler system is a type of irrigation system, which includes sprinkler heads to distribute the water.
Type of irrigation systems might include drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, soaker hoses, or even portable sprinkler systems. Anything that delivers water can be considered irrigation.
Irrigation systems work by moving water through underground pipes and distributing it to desired areas like the lawn and to the plant beds.
In a typical residential irrigation system in Memphis, a controller tells the system when to water. Valves open and water is carried through the underground pipes and comes out via sprinkler heads or drip emitters, depending on the type of irrigation system.
Once the watering is complete, the controller closes the valve and the system will stop.
Today’s latest technology includes smart irrigation which utilizes smart control technology to make more precise decisions. This includes weather data from rain sensors, moisture sensors, and flow sensors to adjust watering based on actual need.
Irrigation systems use zones because different areas of your property have different watering needs. By dividing a property into zones, these different watering needs can be accommodated appropriately.
Flowers and shrubs, for instance, typically need less frequent but deeper watering than turf. You wouldn’t want your flower beds receiving the same amount of water as your lawn.
Water pressure will definitely have an impact on the performance of your Memphis irrigation system. Adequate water pressure is necessary for water to be distributed evenly. When water pressure is too low, it can lead to uneven or inadequate coverage. If water is too high, it can also lead to uneven coverage and also wasted water.
This is one of the reasons why irrigation is divided into zones. Not every zone will require the same amount of water pressure.
Some of the main components of a typical irrigation system might include:
A professionally designed irrigation system in Memphis is going to be customized for your specific property and its watering needs. That includes factoring in things like sun exposure, plant types, spacing, soil conditions, and more.
Having a professionally designed system can mean better coverage, improved efficiency, proper water pressure, and overall healthier lawn and plants. It can also mean fewer complications. After all, irrigation design and installation can be more complex than people tend to realize.
We understand many of you work hard year-round to keep your yard looking beautiful, but attempting to install your own irrigation system can result in significant frustration and damage to your watering systems and your landscape. Hiring a professional can save you time and money, and they’ll also be equipped to handle any problems that arise during installation and setup.
Here are a few more things to keep in mind about professional irrigation:
As we mentioned, irrigation can be complex. Planning a new irrigation system should involve considering a large number of factors including:
While we’d love to say that every irrigation company in Memphis is taking all of these details into account when planning your residential irrigation system, we know that there are plenty of companies that aren’t so comprehensive. But in order to truly get the most out of your investment, all of these details are important.
In order to get the process started and consider all of the factors mentioned above, your irrigation installation company should be performing a property and landscape evaluation.
After the evaluation, your irrigation provider will be able to create an irrigation design that is optimally suited for your property and its specific needs. That will help ensure optimal coverage based on watering needs.
It also involves planning around existing hardscaping but also future projects, as well. Perhaps you have plans in the near future to add a patio. It never makes sense for an irrigation system to be watering your hardscaping now…or in the future! You want to make sure that this is all accounted for in the design.
The cost of a residential irrigation system depends on the size and layout of the property, the number of watering zones, site conditions, equipment choices, and the complexity of installation. A property evaluation is the most reliable way to develop an accurate estimate.
If you’re getting numerous irrigation system quotes, you might be tempted to go with the lowest option. But shopping on price alone can be risky.
Factors like inadequate coverage, poor zoning, low-quality components, rushed installation, and future repair costs can end up costing you a lot more money down the road if you don’t make a wise choice in irrigation installation in Memphis.
Choosing a smart irrigation system with the newest technology can also impact the price for an irrigation system in Memphis. But investing in some of these features can really help you maximize what your system can do.
Some of the newest smart irrigation technology includes freeze, rain, and soil moisture sensors. These allow the system to update to actual conditions. Some smart irrigation systems also use local weather station data to make real-time adjustments.
There are numerous factors that come into play when it comes to creating an optimal watering schedule.
Some of these deciding factors include:
All of this will be considered by an irrigation professional in creating the right watering schedule for your Memphis property. Because your property is completely unique, it might look different from that of your neighbors’.
Ultimately, the goal is always to water deeply enough to support healthy roots. Keep in mind that if you have new sod or new plantings installed, there is an establishment period that can change the watering needs of that zone. We always talk to homeowners about the fact that landscapes are living and evolving things and cannot be treated stagnantly. You definitely want to work with an irrigation professional that can help you make updates if needed.
People tend to automatically think about the problems associated with too little water. But too much water is just as problematic. Some of the potential signs that your lawn or landscape are receiving too much water include:
If you notice any of these, it’s important to talk to your irrigation professional about what needs to be done.
Of course, your lawn and landscape do need enough water in order to survive. Too little can also cause problems.
Some signs that your lawn or landscape might not be receiving enough water include:
Lawn or landscape areas that aren’t receiving enough water can ultimately start to struggle and die. If you suspect that there is an under-watering issue, be sure to connect with your irrigation professional.
If a problem arises with your irrigation system, that can be incredibly frustrating. Not only is an irrigation system a fairly substantial investment, but when it’s not functioning properly, you start to get worried about the health of your lawn and landscape (which are also a substantial investment).
Getting to the bottom of the problem quickly will be key.
Here are some of the common irrigation problems that can arise and what they might mean.
Possible causes include controller issues, wiring problems, valve failure, or low water pressure. Check the schedule and if it’s truly not running when it should, it’s time for a professional diagnosis.
Possible causes include poor coverage, a clogged head, an incorrect nozzle, blocked spray, or an inadequate watering schedule.
This commonly points to a misaligned, damaged, or poorly selected sprinkler head. Overspray should be corrected to reduce waste and slippery surfaces.
Possible causes include low pressure, debris, soil buildup, or a damaged head.
Possible causes include an underground leak, excessive runtime, poor drainage, or a broken fitting. Recommend shutting down the affected zone if a significant leak is suspected.
This may indicate a failed rain sensor, poor sensor placement, or incorrect controller programming.
Possible causes include hidden leaks, broken heads, excessive watering schedules, or zones running longer than intended.
This may point to a valve or controller problem. Turn off the irrigation water supply and arrange an irrigation repair.
We know that people are often tempted to attempt DIY irrigation fixes. Sometimes that’s reasonable. Minor controller schedule changes, cleaning visible debris, or correcting an obviously misaligned head may be manageable for some homeowners.
However, in a vast majority of cases, you really should call in professional irrigation repair in Memphis. You don’t want to risk making a problem worse.
Any of these issues can be more serious and definitely require a professional diagnosis:
Irrigation systems are outside in the elements and exposed to everyday potential damage. For that reason, it makes sense to invest in irrigation maintenance to help prevent bigger (and more costly) repairs.
Unfortunately, some irrigation problems are subtle and may go unnoticed for a while. Hidden system failures might include underground leaks, wiring issues, or controller malfunctions. By the time that you notice damage, the problem might have already been occurring for a while.
Because things can go wrong, keeping up with irrigation system maintenance can be an important way to protect your investment in your lawn and landscape. It’s also a proactive way to identify problems before they become more serious.
Spotting a minor leak early on will allow you to correct it before it becomes a substantial issue. Part of irrigation maintenance should be identifying repairs like this, as the need arises.
Common irrigation system repairs include sprinkler head replacements, valve repairs, pipe repair or replacement, and wiring or electrical issues.
With regular maintenance, these issues can often be detected early while they are still a simple fix. While it can be tempting to tackle DIY repairs, you don’t want to risk further damage or costly mistakes. A certified irrigation system technician is best-equipped to diagnose and repair your system.
Properly starting and shutting down your irrigation system is essential to keeping everything in optimal shape.
During an irrigation startup, the system is brought out of its winterization state and readied for the season. A thorough irrigation startup should be performed by certified technicians who pressure-test lines, adjust and check all spray heads, and carry out minor repairs. Any more significant problems should also be diagnosed and quoted for maintenance at this time.
Since a landscape is living and evolving, it’s also valuable to get recommendations for improvement based on the growth of the plants in your landscape. Often, adjustments may need to be made to ensure everything is watered optimally for the coming season and beyond.
Irrigation systems in Memphis are winterized to protect the system from damage. Hydroexpansion due to freeze can cause the sprinkler, pumps, pipes, and other parts to break or burst. But when irrigation zones are professionally winterized, they are protected from this type of freeze damage.
Should you just winterize your system on your own? Blowing out the zones of an irrigation system seems relatively straightforward. However, when you attempt to winterize an irrigation system with a regular air compressor, you risk leaving some water behind.
Only a professional-grade air compressor can guarantee that enough water has been removed to protect your system. That’s why we insist on professional winterization. Think of it as a valuable protection of your investment in irrigation.
Because irrigation water can potentially reverse direction under certain conditions, irrigation backflow testing is an important service.
Irrigation backflow testing involves an annual inspection of the backflow preventer device that is required to prevent water from flowing back into your main water supply. This device is designed to protect against the contamination of potable water from non-potable sources, such as irrigation water.
When this device is tested, a certified technician will make sure that it is connected and operating properly, measure the rate and pressure of the water, and test the device for cross-contamination. Upon a passing result, the results will be submitted to your utility’s online system (if applicable). Requirements for this can vary by jurisdiction and system.
Upgrading your irrigation system can be an opportunity to enhance its performance, which could mean less hassles and headaches for you, increased efficiency, and better results. As we mentioned, because a landscape is a living and evolving thing, changes over time might be necessary to keep up with what’s growing on your property.
But there’s also the fact that technology continues to improve and what was available when your irrigation system was installed might be outdated now. If you do not have smart irrigation, you might be missing out on cost savings and greatly enhanced efficiency.
Smart irrigation technology comes with a lot of benefits. Some key considerations to keep in mind if you are thinking about upgrading include:
If you do have an older system, you might be faced with figuring out whether it makes sense to repair, upgrade, or completely replace your system. It makes sense to walk through the options with an irrigation professional.
There are a few key considerations you can weigh if you are trying to decide whether to repair, upgrade, or replace your system.
There are a few important considerations as you determine whether you should repair or replace.
Before choosing an irrigation company in Memphis, it’s important to do your research. Here are a few helpful tips.
One of the first things that you can do when looking at irrigation companies is hop on their website and take a look around. Good companies have comprehensive websites that give you plenty of information about them. You’ll be able to answer a lot of your questions and learn a lot about the company this way.
Online reviews are “social proof” about whether a company is as good as they say they are. Lots of irrigation companies make claims about how great their work is but you can use online reviews to actually substantiate those claims. Online review sites allow people to not only give a rating but provide comments about their experience with a company.
If you’ve gotten as far as asking an irrigation company for a quote, then you can also use the proposal to get more information about the company and its expertise. The proposal should be thorough and detailed.
Before accepting a proposal, don’t hesitate to ask any questions that you might not have answered yet. Questions to ask an irrigation company in Memphis include:
Finally, be sure to watch out for some red flags that could alert you it’s not going to be a great situation. Some examples include:
The cost of a residential irrigation system depends on the size and layout of the property, the number of watering zones, site conditions, equipment choices, and the complexity of installation. A property evaluation is the most reliable way to develop an accurate estimate.
Zone count depends on pressure, flow, property layout, turf, beds, and watering needs. The biggest factors are water pressure and flow rate as a zone can only run as many sprinkler heads as the home’s water supply can support.
The timeline for irrigation installation varies by property size, complexity, access, weather, and project scope. Keep in mind that the installation is a lot more than just installing sprinkler heads. Crews must lay pipes, install valves, connect the water, wire the system, and more.
Periodic observation, seasonal checks, and service whenever performance changes are all valuable in keeping your irrigation system in top shape. It’s important to invest in irrigation maintenance and repair as this will protect your investment in your system.
If your irrigation system is leaving behind dry spots, there could be something wrong. This could be due to damaged heads, poor alignment, clogs, pressure problems, plant obstruction, incorrect nozzles, or inadequate design. It’s worth having a qualified irrigation professional come make a diagnosis.
Yes, a smart irrigation controller can be worth the investment. It will improve your watering efficiency and can save you money in the long run on water bills. You can also protect your landscape investment by making sure it is always watered properly. The last thing that you want is to lose trees or shrubs due to improper watering. These are costly to replace.
Yes, we recommend irrigation winterization in Memphis. Irrigation systems in Memphis are winterized to protect the system from damage. Hydroexpansion due to freeze can cause the sprinkler, pumps, pipes, and other parts to break or burst. But when irrigation zones are professionally winterized, they are protected from this type of freeze damage.
Irrigation backflow testing involves an annual inspection of the backflow preventer device that is required to prevent water from flowing back into your main water supply. This device is designed to protect against the contamination of potable water from non-potable sources, such as irrigation water.
At Mid South Irrigation & Landscape, we are here to help. Each of our installations is professionally and locally tailored to achieve the highest water efficiency and results possible.
In addition to irrigation installation, we also offer inspections and repairs, winterization, spring start-up services, and emergency services. This gives you the full spectrum of all irrigation services that you might require.
At Mid South Irrigation & Landscape, we are truly here for YOU. This will help you let go of your worries and feel confident that you are in good hands for all of your irrigation needs.
Request an Irrigation Consultation
Tell us what is happening on your property or what you are planning. Our team can help determine whether you need a repair, upgrade, seasonal service, or a professionally designed irrigation system.
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