Gear Driven Rotor Sprinkler Heads
Rotors generally operate at higher pressures than spray heads.
They put out between 0.2 and 0.5 inches per hour and cover turf areas with 30-50 foot radius. Because the rotor rotates
up to 360-degrees and has to cover a larger area, it has to run 30-60 minutes per zone to deliver the same amount.
Spray Head Stationary Sprinklers Heads
The spray heads are stationary sprinklers; they have no moving parts except popping up and down.
They generally operate at lower pressures and cover smaller areas (10-17 foot radius). They are often used for shrubs and
small turf plots. Spray heads have higher application rates than rotors (1 - 2 inches per hour), therefore require only
10-20 minutes per zone.
Other things to keep in mind...
Have uniform spacing of the irrigation heads for better coverage.
The spray from one rotor (or spray head) should almost touch the head of the adjacent rotor (or spray head). Sprinklers spaced too far apart will apply too much in some areas and not enough in other areas.
Ensure there is little or no turf or vegetative interference.
One common problem is that some pop up spray heads are too short for St. Augustine grass. Many homeowners have the 3 or 4" pop up spray heads, where the 6" pop up would give better turf coverage .
Check for damaged or leaking rotors and spray heads.
Lawnmowers, trimmers and other equipment can damage the heads. Moreover, normal wear and tear over time can cause heads to leak.
Install a rain sensor, if you do not already have one.
Shut the irrigation system off during periods of extended rainy weather. Too much water for turf and shrubs encourages
diseases such as Pythium or Phytophthora.
St. Johns River Water Management District recommends watering St. Augustine only once or twice a week in the summer and
every 8-14 days from December through February. Remember, a good rainfall would count as an
irrigation.
Although it is easy and convenient, try to stay clear of the rigid irrigation schedule. Water only when the plant shows
some signs of water stress. By watering the plant only when it needs it, the root system will grow deeper, thus making
the plant more drought tolerant!!!
Did you know…
...that over 50% of our drinking water is used to water our lawns.
... or that millions of gallons of fresh drinking water each day run off yards and into retention ponds.
