Efficient Irrigation for Small Spaces

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Small Space Scenarios (2:30)

• Shrub beds
• Gardens
• Hedge rows
• Pots
• Parking Medians
• Parkways
• Street trees
• Small turf areas
• Raised planters
• Green roofs
• Green walls

 

Likely Locations (3:05)

• Small residential spaces
• HOQ common areas
• Shopping centers
• Schools
• Commercial space
• Street medians

 

Small Space Irrigation Challenges (3:40)

• Preventing overspray
• Preventing runoff due to high application rates
• Preventing water damage to adjacent property
• Short radius usually = high application (precipitation) rates
• Curves and irregularly shaped edges
• Heat island effect from hardscape and utilities
• Drainage issues
• Lots of equipment in small spaces
• Heavy foot traffic
• Scheduling challenges
  • Sun exposure
  • Reflective light
  • Mixed application rates
  • Mixed plant type

 

Design Considerations (5:20)

• Local watering ordinances
• Hydro-zones
• Zone budgeting
• Plant water relationship
• Soil type (water holding capacity)
• Water source
• Dynamic system pressure
• Filter and pressure regulation
• “Defensible Design”
• Mature plant size
• Overhead vs. drip
• In-line emitter tubing vs. point source emitters
• On-grade vs. subsurface emitters
• Important to have clear written notes and details for depth of installation
• Contractors need specifics to bid project accurately

 

Small Space Challenges

• Tight spaces
• Small spaces in high-traffic areas
• Irrigation potted plants
• Small spaces, tall grasses
• Raised planters
• Small spaces with mixed sun exposure

 

Determining Sun Exposure and Shadows (11:50)

• Anticipate shadows next to structures
• Biggest maintenance challenge
• Look for reflective surfaces such as windows
• North vs. southwest facing
• Break up area irrigated into smaller hydro-zones to avoid over / underwatering

 

Designing Around Utilities and Heat Islands (12:34)

 

More Utilities Than Soil (13:04)

 

Maintaining Optimal Plant Health (13:40)

 

Small-Space Solutions to Consider (14:22)

• Short-radius sprays
• MP800SR
• Bubblers
• Micro sprays
• Deep root watering systems
• Drip “Micro Irrigation”
• In-line emitter tubing
• Point source emitters
• Subsurface solutions

 

Overhead Solutions (15:45)

• Overspray is no longer socially acceptable
• Attention to detail with head layout

 

Sprays for small spaces (17:05)

• Lower efficiency
• 1/8” – 7” per hour
• Average soil intake rate: .25 – .75 per hour
• 30-PSI regulation recommended
• 2’ – 6’ radius
• Dedicated zone recommended
• High traffic areas
• Susceptible to clogging
• Cycle and soak recommended

 

Short-radius spray nozzles (17:58)

• MP 800SR (Short Radius) (18:10)
• MP Side Strip (20:00)
• MP Side Strips vs. Conventional Strip Sprays (20:30)
• Pro Spray PRS40 (20:56)
• MP 800SR Optimal Performance (21:15)

 

Bubbler Systems (21:39)

• PCB Bubblers (21:52)
• MSBN Nozzles (22:20)
• Hunter Pop-Up Bubbler Nozzles (22:50)
• MSBN/PCBN Retractable Bubbler Nozzles (23:07)
• MSBN Nozzles on Popups (23:30)
• Center Strip Bubbler Nozzles (23:54)
• Multi-Stream Micro Irrigation (24:32)
• Micro Sprays (25:07)

 

Question: Can you recommend a valve for irrigation in small spaces? (25:36)

Answer: Definitely a low-flow valve. See slides at 29:17 in this presentation.

 

Root Zone Watering (26:56)

Deep Root Watering Systems (26:56)

• Designed for trees and large shrubs
• Allows water, oxygen, and nutrients to entire rootball
• Installs flush with grade
• Ideal for areas with hardscape:
  • Parking islands
  • Median strips
  • Small planters
  • Narrow row plantings

 

Root Zone Watering System (RZWS) (27:37)

 

Low-Flow Valves Required for Smaller Systems (29:17)

 

Filtration Kits (30:00)

 

Point Source Emitters (30:30)

• Ideal for sparse plantings
• Pressure-compensating
• Consistent flow front to back of line
• Fairly inexpensive
• Diaphragm
• Coined edge for easier handling

 

Self-Piercing Barb & Threaded Models (32:36)

 

½” Female Thread (12mm) (33:10)

 

Micro Products Made in the USA (33:45)

 

 

On-Grade Drip (34:07)

Drip (Micro) Irrigation Terms and Concepts (35:09)

• Application rate
• Self-flushing
• Root intrusion/ Physical root barrier
• Pressure compensation
• Check valve / non-drain anti-siphon

 

Emitter Line – Standard (37:06)

 

Hunter Professional Landscape Dripline (PLD) (37:31)

• Ideal for Densely Planted Spaces
• Fits great in tight spaces
• Ideal for hedge rows

 

PLD On-Grade Installation (38:21)

 

Spray Retrofit Applications (38:53)

 

Snake Layout (39:14)

 

Standard On-Grade Drip (40:08)

Benefits:

• Easy to install
• Inexpensive to install
• Easy to repair
• See it running / inspection

 

Issues:

• Coverage/water movement
• Vandalism
• Sustainability
• Appearance
• Not as effective for subsurface applications

 

Subsurface Irrigation Products: Eco-Mat and PLD-ESD (41:32)

Traditional Inline Drip Adapted to a Subsurface Application (42:38)

 

Traditional Inline Drip Wetting Pattern (42:33)

 

Problem: Horizontal Water Movement By Soils (Sandy soil vs. clayey soil) (44:10)

• Sandy soil: use 12” spacing
• Clayey soil: use 18” to 24” spacing

 

Two Subsurface Product Offerings: Eco-Mat and PLD-ESD (Enhanced Subsurface Drip) (45:13)

• Eco–Mat Layout Technique (45:45)
• Ideal installation is just below the optimal root depth. (46:43)

 

Project Examples Using Fleece Technology (Eco-Mat) (47:04)

 

Subsurface Irrigation Challenges (52:00)

• Additional labor and material cost to project
• Relatively new concept domestically
• Managing soil moisture
• Soil moisture sensors recommended
• Fertigation system recommended
• Temporary overhead irrigation may be required for establishment
• Advise maintenance staff of install depth

 

Example of Temporary Overhead Irrigation (53:06)

 

Vegetation Benefits of Subsurface Drip Irrigation (53:38)

• Water supplied directly at the roots means healthier roots.
  • Study shows 2” longer average root growth
• Possible supplementation with fertilizer injection systems
• Increased water storage capacity of soil
• Reduction of soil erosion and improved plant health
• Enhanced soil capillary action

 

PLD-ESD (54:08)

PLD-ESD Installation Examples (54:20)

 

Ideal Placements for PLD-ESD (55:00)

 

Green Roofs (57:00)

Green Roof Benefits (57:00)

• Insulation
  • Energy savings from heating/cooling
• Heat mitigation
  • Urban “heat island” effect
    • Green roof: 36 degrees Celsius
    • Traditional roof: 70 degrees Celsius
• Stormwater runoff
  • Quality and Quantity
• Increased usable space
• Visual appeal

 

Green Roof Basics (57:20)

 

Hunter’s Green Roof and Wall Product Support (57:54)

 

Green Roof Resources (58:38)

 

Green Roof Support (58:52)

 

Hunter Drip Design Guides (available at HunterIndustries.com) (59:22)

 

Additional References (59:45)

• Irrigation Association (irrigation.org)
• American Society of Irrigation Consultants (ASIC.org)
• ASLA Sustainable Sites Initiative (ASLA.org/sites.aspx)
• CA AB 1881 (www.water.ca.gov)

 

Q & A Section on Eco-Mat (1:00:20)

Recommendations:

• Don’t drive on any turf
• Recommended depth: 6”
• Lifespan: 25 years
• Roots can grow through Eco-Mat without creating problems

 

Question: Does Hunter offer a multi-port drip emitter?

Answer: As of 2014, no. However, they’re currently expanding their drip product line and may very well offer one in the future.