Best Sprinkler & Irrigation in Florida Ranked

A well-designed sprinkler and irrigation system is essential for maintaining a healthy, vibrant landscape in Florida's unique climate. These systems deliver water efficiently to your lawn and plants, conserving a precious resource while saving you time and effort. Finding the right local professional for your irrigation project-whether it's a new installation, a smart upgrade, or essential repairs-ensures your system is effective, compliant with state and local regulations, and tailored to your property's specific needs.

Turfside

jacksonville

Turfside is a landscaping company based in Jacksonville, FL, specializing in artificial turf installation, landscape design, yard drainage, sprinkler installation and repair, land clearing, and grading services. They offer comprehensive landscaping solutions including the installation of putting greens and K9 turf, with a focus on detailed design and precise installation. Turfside is known for its hands-on management approach and thorough project oversight, ensuring quality results. The company has built a strong reputation over many years and is recognized for its professional and meticulous work.

5.0

206 Reviews

The Landscape Guy LLC

jacksonville

The Landscape Guy LLC is a landscaping company based in Jacksonville, FL, offering a wide range of outdoor services. Their expertise includes custom landscape design, irrigation system installation and repair, hardscaping with features like patios, walkways, and retaining walls, as well as lawn care, fertilization, sod and artificial turf installation, fence installation, landscape lighting, tree services, and pressure washing. Founded by Alex, who has a lifelong passion for landscaping inspired by his grandfather, the company serves Northeast Florida and surrounding areas. They focus on creating functional and attractive outdoor spaces tailored to clients' styles and needs.

5.0

153 Reviews

DoneByDar

jacksonville

DoneByDar is a landscaping and irrigation company based in Jacksonville, FL. They offer sprinkler installation, sprinkler repair, and comprehensive landscaping services for residential and commercial properties. The team focuses on enhancing outdoor spaces with an emphasis on water conservation and efficient irrigation systems. With years of experience, DoneByDar is committed to quality and attention to detail to help landscapes thrive sustainably.

5.0

120 Reviews

Conserva Irrigation of Northeast Florida

jacksonville

Conserva Irrigation of Northeast Florida provides irrigation system installation, repair, and yard drainage services in Jacksonville, FL. They specialize in designing and maintaining efficient sprinkler systems that help reduce water usage while supporting healthy landscapes. Their services include system inspections, repairs, upgrades, and smart irrigation technology installations to optimize water conservation and lawn health. Conserva Irrigation serves multiple nearby communities, including Atlantic Beach, Fleming Island, and Saint Augustine. The company operates 24 hours a day to address irrigation needs promptly.

4.9

1.2k Reviews

Hulihan Territory Outdoor Solutions

1177 Atlantic Blvd, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233

Hulihan Territory Outdoor Solutions is a Jacksonville, FL-based company providing a range of outdoor services including irrigation, landscape lighting, drainage, well and pump systems, and seasonal Christmas lighting. They specialize in sprinkler installation and repair, yard drainage and grading, and outdoor lighting solutions to enhance and maintain residential and commercial properties. The company offers estimates for new installations and serves clients throughout the Jacksonville area.

4.9

579 Reviews

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Understanding Florida's Irrigation Landscape

Florida's weather presents distinct challenges for landscape watering. Periods of intense afternoon sun and heat are punctuated by seasonal heavy rains. An efficient irrigation system doesn't just water your plants; it manages this delicate balance, preventing both drought stress and wasteful overwatering. Modern systems are designed to apply water precisely where and when it's needed, which is a cornerstone of the statewide Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles ¹.

The goal is to create a resilient landscape that thrives with minimal supplemental water. This starts with a proper system designed for Florida's sandy soils and plant varieties, and is governed by strict watering rules designed to protect the state's aquifer and water bodies ^{2 3}.

Core Components of a Modern Florida System

A typical residential irrigation system in Florida is more than just a few sprinkler heads. It's an integrated network of components working together.

• Water Source & Backflow Prevention: The system connects to your home's main water line or, where available, a separate reclaimed (recycled) water line. A critical safety device called a backflow preventer is legally required to stop contaminated water from siphoning back into the clean drinking water supply ^{4 5}.
• Piping Network: PVC or flexible polyethylene pipes are buried in trenches to distribute water from the source to various zones across your property.
• Zones & Valves: Your yard is divided into zones-groups of sprinklers or drip emitters that water plants with similar needs (this is called hydrozoning). Each zone is controlled by an automatic valve that opens and closes on command ^{2 6}.
• Sprinkler Heads & Emitters: For turf grass, pop-up spray heads or rotary nozzles are common. For beds, shrubs, trees, and vegetable gardens, drip irrigation or micro-sprayers are highly recommended as they deliver water slowly and directly to the root zone, drastically reducing evaporation and runoff ^{1 7}.
• The Controller & Smart Technology: This is the "brain" of the system. In Florida, any automatic system installed after 1991 must include a functioning rain sensor that shuts off irrigation during rainfall ^{1 3}. Upgrading to a weather-based or "smart" controller is a major step toward efficiency. These devices use local weather data to automatically adjust watering schedules, often saving significant water ^{2 4}.

System Design & Professional Installation

A successful irrigation system begins with a thoughtful design. Professionals will assess your property's sun exposure, soil type, slope, and plant material to create a zoning plan. Proper design ensures uniform coverage without overspray onto sidewalks or driveways.

Installation is a multi-step process:

1. Trenching: Pathways for the main and zone lines are dug.
2. Pipe Laying & Assembly: Pipes are laid, connected, and secured.
3. Head and Emitter Placement: Sprinkler heads are positioned for optimal overlap, and drip lines are snaked through planting beds.
4. Wire & Valve Installation: Low-voltage wires are run from the controller to each valve box.
5. Final Connections: The system is connected to the water source, backflow preventer, and controller.
6. Programming & Testing: The controller is programmed for each zone's runtime and schedule, and the entire system is tested for leaks, coverage, and proper operation ^{7 8 6}.

While DIY installation is possible for the handy homeowner, professional installation ensures compliance with local codes, proper performance, and often comes with a warranty ⁹.

Florida's Watering Rules & Conservation

Florida has mandatory year-round watering restrictions to promote conservation. While specific days and times can vary by local water management district and county, common rules include:

• Watering Days: Typically limited to 1-2 days per week. Schedules are often based on whether your street address is odd or even numbered ³.
• Allowed Watering Hours: Irrigation is usually only permitted during early morning and late evening hours (e.g., 4:00 AM to 10:00 AM). Watering is prohibited during the hottest part of the day (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM) to minimize evaporation ^{1 3}.
• Rain Sensor Requirement: Your automatic system's rain sensor must be operational. If it has rained sufficiently (usually ¼ to ½ inch), the sensor must override the scheduled watering cycle ¹.
• Application to All Water Sources: These rules generally apply whether you use potable city water, well water, or reclaimed water ³.

Adhering to these rules is not just about avoiding fines; it's a vital part of sustainable living in Florida.

Cost Considerations for Installation & Repair

The investment in an irrigation system varies based on your property and choices.

• New System Installation: For a typical Florida home, a professionally installed automatic sprinkler system often ranges from $3,500 to $6,000, though complex or large properties can exceed $7,000 ^{10 11}. Key cost factors include property size, number of zones, type of controller (standard vs. smart), and the complexity of the site (e.g., rock removal, numerous planting beds).
• Drip Irrigation Systems: Installing a drip system for planting beds, gardens, or trees can be a more focused project, often starting in the range of $1,500 to $3,000 ^{7 12}.
• Repair Costs: Repair costs are highly variable and depend on the issue. Common repairs include fixing leaks in pipes or at valves, replacing broken sprinkler heads, clearing clogged drip emitters, or updating an old controller. A professional diagnosis is the best first step to get an accurate estimate for necessary repairs ^{10 12}.

Maintaining Your System for Peak Performance

Regular maintenance is key to water conservation and system longevity. Simple monthly checks can make a big difference:

• Inspect for Leaks & Breaks: Look for soggy spots, geysers, or misaligned heads.
• Clear Obstructions: Ensure grass, mulch, or plants aren't blocking spray patterns.
• Adjust Heads: Straighten any tilted heads and adjust spray arcs to avoid hardscapes.
• Seasonal Controller Updates: Change your watering schedule with the seasons-less in the cool winter, more in the hot, dry spring.

An annual check-up by a professional can catch hidden issues like underground leaks, failing valves, or a non-functional rain sensor ².

Embracing Florida-Friendly Practices

Your irrigation system is one part of a water-smart landscape. Integrating Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles maximizes its effectiveness:

• Right Plant, Right Place: Group plants with similar water needs together in hydrozones.
• Use Mulch: Mulch in planting beds retains soil moisture and reduces evaporation.
• Manage Soil Health: Healthy, compost-amended soil holds water better.
• Capture Rainwater: Use rain barrels to collect water for hand-watering plants ^{1 4}.

By combining an efficient, well-managed irrigation system with these landscape practices, you can enjoy a beautiful yard while being a responsible steward of Florida's water resources.

Frequently asked questions

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