ᐅ Irrigation Systems: Are Matting Solutions Effective?

Created on: 18 Jul 2022 13:11
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DASI90
Hello everyone,

We are considering whether to install an irrigation system and, if so, what type of system to choose. Our landscape gardener strongly recommends irrigation mats from iMat. According to him, with these mats, you no longer have to worry about watering, and the plants receive water exactly where they need it. On the other hand, another landscaper said he would only install a basic irrigation system with sprinklers in the lawn area.

The concept behind the mats sounds quite plausible, but they are also quite expensive. Additionally, I am concerned that they could be very inflexible for future modifications in the garden, which I think are quite likely. Besides, I would prefer to invest the money in the pool project. Wouldn’t it be possible to plan and install something practical myself that reliably covers the basics, such as watering the lawn?

What are your experiences if you are already using similar systems or faced the same question?
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haydee
20 Jul 2022 14:06
Phew, you can save a lot by doing some work yourself.
DASI9020 Jul 2022 16:06
Yeah, I think so too, based on what I’ve heard. I believe I’ll really take care of it myself. Thanks to everyone.

Do you mean that I might not be getting enough water pressure from the outdoor water connection?
rick201820 Jul 2022 16:11
It won't be much, but this can be solved with smaller spray patterns. Manufacturers like Hunter provide flow rates for each nozzle.
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BBaumeister
21 Jul 2022 08:58
DASI90 schrieb:

Yeah, I think so too based on what I’ve heard. I believe I’ll really take care of it myself. Thanks to everyone.

Do you think I’m getting too little pressure from the water connection that will be routed outside?


Hard to say. Basically, you can increase the pressure at the pressure reducer to 5.5 bar (80 psi) without risking damage inside the house. That should provide a good flow. Otherwise, you can set up several smaller circuits. This is especially important for the spray range of the pop-up sprinklers on the lawn. Drip pipes already have their own pressure reducer that limits the flow rate to 1,000 liters per hour (264 gallons per hour).
rick201821 Jul 2022 09:05
XFS dripline can withstand pressures over 4 bar (60 psi) and does not necessarily require a pressure reducer. I would not limit the flow rate. XFS is pressure-compensated and can be up to 100m (330 ft) long. There is one dripper every 30cm (12 inches).
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HeimatBauer
21 Jun 2023 14:17
By now, after reading the many useful insights here, I have completely ruled out using anything "underground" for hedges and individual plants. Only for the lawn am I still considering it—and one aspect is definitely discretion: With a robotic lawn mower, I’m already seen as the ultimate offender here—if the sprinklers come on in the evening, the mob with torches and pitchforks would be at the door that very same night. Underground mats would prevent that 😉