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How much does an Irrigation system cost?

NKY Irrigation & Outdoor Lighting is a people-first business. You won't see us in expensive vehicles, or high end offices. We pay our employees well above industry average and keep our overhead only to expenses that will help improve the quality of our work and services. That allows us to provide very high quality work for below the average cost in the area. A typical full yard in a residential neighborhood should cost you between 5-8 thousand. Size of yard, layout and scope of the job are all factors in cost. 

Install Practices 

At NKY Irrigation & Outdoor Lighting we pride ourselves on quality work and transparent communication. Irrigation is a business of convenience. You've probably started looking into irrigation because you have a busy life and your tired of dragging the hose around in the hot summer sun. Yard maintenance is a full-time job and that's why we're here to help. A few things we do to help make your lawn watering as easy and convenience as possible are..

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  • All code guidelines are followed. A permit pulled by a licenses plumber insures there are no issues with code enforcement and the person tying into your main water line is licensed and insured to do so.

  • Outside tie in's. While not always possible, and a little more work, we always try to tie in from the meter outside. This allows us access to your system in the future without the need to get inside your home. No need for 4-hour service windows or taking off work to have your system serviced. 

  • Wi-fi controller. We use Hunter's Hydrawise controller. This user-friendly controller allows you to not only control your irrigation from the click of a button, but it also will connect with local weather data and make changes for you throughout the year.

  • Quality heads. Not all sprinkler heads are the same. We use only high-quality hunter industries heads in your yard. This helps prevent future issues and improves the life span of your system 

  • PVC System. We use a full PVC system for our all new sprinkler installations. PVC is a very durable product that can stand up to harsh Cincinatti area soils and not deteriorate over time. The electronics and mechanics will go out over time, but with proper maintenance, PVC can last up to 50 years!

  • Online booking. No need to wait for business hours to set up a consultation. Simply fill out our form and request a day and time. We will either approve the date or reach out if we need to reschedule within 24-hrs. 

10 Reason to Invest in Irrigation

Installing irrigation in Northern Kentucky can provide numerous benefits, particularly for managing the region's variable climate, ensuring healthy plant growth, and maintaining efficient water usage. Here are some reasons why you should consider installing irrigation:

1. Unpredictable Weather Patterns

Northern Kentucky experiences variable rainfall, with periods of heavy rain followed by drought-like conditions. A reliable irrigation system can ensure your lawn, garden, and crops receive consistent moisture, preventing stress during dry spells.

2. Efficient Watering

With a properly installed irrigation system, water is distributed more efficiently compared to manual watering methods like hoses or sprinklers. It can target specific areas and minimize waste by delivering water directly to the roots.

3. Cost-Effective in the Long Run

While the initial cost of installing an irrigation system can seem high, it can lead to savings over time by optimizing water usage. You won't waste water, which can help lower water bills, especially during the dry months.

4. Time-Saving

An automated irrigation system saves you time and effort. Once installed, it can run on a schedule, so you don't have to worry about watering your plants or lawn manually, giving you more time for other activities.

5. Better Lawn and Garden Health

Consistent watering ensures healthy plant growth. An irrigation system helps maintain the right moisture levels, preventing overwatering or underwatering, both of which can stress plants, damage roots, and promote diseases.

6. Reduced Soil Erosion

In the event of heavy rainfall, an irrigation system can be set to water earlier in the day or evening when evaporation is lower, reducing water runoff and minimizing soil erosion that can occur from overwatering during heavy rains.

7. Increase Property Value

Well-maintained landscapes with healthy grass, trees, and plants increase curb appeal, and having an efficient irrigation system in place may add to your property’s value.

8. Support for Agriculture

If you're a farmer or grow crops, having a reliable irrigation system is vital for maintaining yields and crop health. During the dry months, irrigation systems can ensure that your crops receive the necessary water for optimal growth and productivity.

9. Compliance with Watering Restrictions

Many areas, especially those that experience droughts, impose water restrictions. Installing a smart irrigation system with weather sensors can help you stay compliant by adjusting watering schedules based on current weather conditions.

10. Sustainability

With an efficient irrigation system, you are practicing water conservation. Modern systems use rain sensors, soil moisture sensors, and weather-based adjustments to minimize water wastage, contributing to more sustainable water use in the region.

Overall, installing an irrigation system in Northern Kentucky helps ensure that your landscaping and crops thrive, especially in a climate with unpredictable rainfall and temperature fluctuations.

Grass Close Up
Why Install Sprinklers Before Sod?

Installing an irrigation system before laying sod is an essential step for ensuring the long-term success and health of your lawn. Here are several reasons why it's important to set up your irrigation system prior to installing sod:

1. Ensure Proper Watering from Day One

Fresh sod requires consistent, deep watering to establish roots and thrive. Installing the irrigation system before sod ensures that the water is properly distributed across the new lawn right from the start, promoting strong root development. Watering with a system is more efficient and consistent than trying to water manually.

2. Prevent Sod Stress

Laying sod creates a new, delicate environment for grass to grow. New sod needs adequate water to establish itself, and an irrigation system will guarantee that water is delivered consistently and evenly. If you lay sod first, you risk poor root growth or even sod dying due to inconsistent watering.

3. Avoid Damage to New Sod

Installing irrigation after sod is laid can damage the delicate root systems of the sod as you might need to dig trenches or move it around. By installing the irrigation system beforehand, you can avoid disturbing the sod, which would allow the roots to establish without interference.

4. Save Time and Effort

Once sod is laid, you must water it frequently, especially during the establishment period. With an irrigation system already in place, you can automate this process, ensuring that your sod receives the proper amount of water without the need for manual labor, and you won’t have to worry about moving hoses or sprinklers around.

5. Avoid Overwatering or Underwatering

A new sod lawn requires careful watering—too much water can lead to rot and fungal issues, while too little can prevent the roots from taking hold. A properly designed irrigation system, especially with moisture sensors or timers, helps prevent both overwatering and underwatering by providing the correct amount of water at the right times.

6. Prevent Uneven Sod Growth

If the irrigation system is installed after the sod, there’s a higher chance that some areas of the lawn may receive too much or too little water. Installing the irrigation system beforehand ensures that all areas are covered evenly, providing uniform growth and appearance of the sod.

7. Simplify Lawn Care

When you install the irrigation system first, you eliminate the hassle of trying to fit irrigation lines around your newly laid sod. You can focus on maintaining the sod and helping it establish itself without worrying about how to water efficiently.

8. Long-Term Lawn Health

Proper watering is essential for establishing a healthy lawn. An irrigation system ensures the consistent water supply needed for the sod to develop a strong root system and thrive over time. Without proper irrigation, your lawn might not reach its full potential, resulting in patchy, unhealthy grass.

9. Efficient Water Usage

When installing an irrigation system before sod, you can plan and adjust it to provide the most efficient water coverage based on the size and shape of your lawn. This avoids wasting water and helps ensure your lawn is receiving optimal moisture from the very beginning.

10. Lawn Care Convenience

As your new sod grows and matures, you will likely want to adjust the irrigation system to suit the lawn's changing needs. Installing the irrigation system before laying the sod allows for easy modification and adaptation to the lawn’s water requirements over time, without the hassle of working around established sod.

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