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Landscape Irrigation - FAQs
For over 20 years Drip Irrigation, more recently known as “Subsurface Irrigation”, “Under Turf Irrigation” and “Invisible Irrigation” and other names, has been used to irrigate vineyards, olive groves, tomatoes, strawberries and many more agricultural crops in West Australia.s
Earth & Water specialise in drip irrigation; supplying systems into the agricultural sector and residential market. So, considering that nearly every tomato or rose you see at the local veggie market is grown with drip irrigation why does the common gardener doubt that drip irrigation will work in their garden?
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it work?
Yes, of course! The difference between the farmer and the gardener is that farmers know their crop and soils and use an engineered drip irrigation system, usually installed by a professional.
What is drip line?
Drip line is made from an extruded polyethylene tube with small drippers actually inserted into the tube every 30cms. All you see is the hole on the outside. Each dripper controls the flow rate of water out of the hole you can see. Proper drip irrigation is not the button type drippers that you punch into the tube at each plant.
Will Ants get in it?
No. If this was the case farmers all over Australia would reject drip irrigation as the ants cannot get past the dripper that is inside the tube.
Will Roots grow into it?
No. Roots are looking for the best soil conditions with air, water and nutrients. As water drips out of the drip system it regularly makes a very wet zone just around each dripper where the nutrients have been pushed away - too much water and not enough food. Some drip systems use Trifurilan to prevent root intrusion. It is approved by all relevant Australian Government Bodies and works well.
Will the drippers block?
No. The drip line we use has drippers that snap shut after each irrigation cycle; this prevents the roots from growing into the system. The drippers have a flexible slipper type diaphragm which controls the flow rate of the dripper and also massages the dripper passages clean. The drippers are especially made for iron or calcium water bores.
Fertiliser – You can use a fertigation system that injects liquid soluble fertiliser back at the solenoid valves for simple central fertiliser distribution through the drip system straight to the plants roots.
How long do you irrigate for?
25 minutes of irrigation twice a week will provide enough water in summer. Drip systems put the water on slowly and use only half as many valves to cover twice the irrigated area compared to a sprinkler system, and much less pressure.
Where do I buy a drip system?
The Earth & Water warehouse and offices are at 125 Welshpool Road, Welshpool.
Drip Irrigation - How much does it cost?
Compared to a sprinkler system it is about 20% more expensive, but in many cases it is cheaper. For example:
- For the medium strip on High Road, City of Canning the drip system was 30% cheaper than sprinklers.
- For most flower beds it is the same price as sprinklers or cheaper in cases where you might only plant Australian Native plants which require drip lines spaced wide apart.
- Narrow long lawns
But what about my garden? This is the question we get all the time and one we cannot give a specific price until we see your garden design.
Average Prices
Before Earth & Water Installed Irrigation
For a 640sqm block
The cost for a well designed sprinkler system is about $ 2,000
The cost for a drip irrigation system would be about $ 2,500
By using drip:
- you will not waste water on paving, or down the road
- you will not sprinkle the next door neighbours place too!
- no sprinklers for lawn mowers or dogs to chew on
- no sprinklers on the verge for cars to snap
- your water goes straight to the plants roots
- the system is hidden from view – no vandals or kids will break it
- you can irrigate day or night – you could be sitting on the lawn and irrigating
- no moving parts – minimum maintenance
- no iron stain if you are on a bore
- lower pressure and fewer stations required
- we cluster your valves near the controller – no need to hunt for solenoid cables or “lost” valves
Just 8 Months After
Price per square metre (sqm)
- Garden Beds – from $ 5.00 / sqm to $ 15.00 / sqm
- New turf – from $ 10.00 / sqm to $ 20.00 / sqm
- Existing turf – from $ 15.00 / sqm to $ 25.00 / sqm
- Call us to for more information on 08 - 9258 7372
