Back to Menu
Written by Alan Garza | Irrigation Manager, KW Landscape Architects
Effective irrigation is a vital, yet often overlooked, component of every project. It plays a critical role in supporting plant health, preserving the investment made in the landscape, and enhancing the visual quality of a space throughout the seasons. Thoughtful irrigation design ensures landscapes remain sustainable and resilient, using water efficiently while maintaining the lush, thriving environments that enrich communities.
Alan and Brad, two of our irrigation specialists at KW, share below some common misconceptions about irrigation and highlight why this service is so important across our projects. Together, they support a wide variety of project types and help communicate these vital components to teammates and clients, ensuring every landscape we design has the strong foundation it needs to flourish for years to come.
The Critical Role of Irrigation in Landscape Architecture
Irrigation is essential because it maintains plant health, especially during dry periods or in regions with inconsistent rainfall. A well-designed irrigation system ensures water is delivered efficiently, supporting long-term sustainability by reducing waste and preserving natural resources. When irrigation is thoughtfully planned, it allows us to create and maintain vibrant, green environments without putting unnecessary strain on local water supplies.
Addressing Misconceptions About Irrigation
A common misconception most people believe is that all plants can be watered the same way or that more water always leads to healthier plants. In reality, different plant types such as turf, trees, and native plants have unique water needs. Irrigating them within the same zone can result in overwatering some areas while underwatering others.
Another misconception is equating zone runtime with water applied. Irrigation application rates are measured in inches per hour, which vary by emission device. For example:
- Spray heads and nozzles: 1.5”/HR
- Rotors: 0.6”/HR
- Rotary nozzles: 0.4”/HR
A 15-minute runtime per zone would apply:
- 0.37” with sprays
- 0.15” with rotors
- 0.10” with rotary nozzles
To achieve 1” of water per week on turf:
- Sprays would run ~40 minutes per week
- Rotors would run ~100 minutes
- Rotary nozzles would run ~150 minutes
Understanding these details helps ensure water efficiency and plant health across the site.
How Irrigation Design Impacts Project Performance
Effective irrigation design is a cornerstone of project success. It sustains plant life by ensuring grasses, trees, and other vegetation receive the right amount of water for healthy growth and long-term survival, preserving the aesthetic quality of a project and client satisfaction over time. Proper irrigation planning reduces the risk of plant loss, limits maintenance issues, and helps ensure that the landscape matures as intended, enhancing the value and visual appeal of the project for years to come.
Early Collaboration is Key
Collaboration during the early phases of a project is essential to integrating effective irrigation design. This includes working closely with designers, clients, and project managers to understand:
- Local regulations and restrictions from municipalities or water districts
- Geographic information and climate considerations
- Available water sources, including potable and non-potable supplies
Early discussions often guide clients toward using reclaimed water for larger, multi-phase projects, allowing irrigation flexibility during periods of water restrictions. Additionally, understanding seasonal watering restrictions helps guide plant palette decisions, encourages the effective use of alternative materials in place of lawn areas, and can highlight opportunities for artificial turf in high-traffic zones.
Communicating the Value of Irrigation Design
To clients who may not initially prioritize irrigation, it is essential to frame irrigation design as a long-term investment and a key factor in the success of their landscape. While many clients focus on visual impact or upfront costs, poor or inadequate irrigation can lead to plant loss, increased maintenance costs, and wasted water over time. By prioritizing irrigation from the start, we ensure the landscape not only looks beautiful on day one but continues to thrive sustainably in the years ahead.
At KW, we are committed to integrating thoughtful irrigation design into every project to support healthy, resilient landscapes that enrich communities while honoring the environment. We look forward to partnering with our clients to continue creating spaces that thrive and bring lasting value for generations to come.
