Best Sprinkler & Irrigation in New York Ranked

A well-designed sprinkler and irrigation system is a cornerstone of a healthy, vibrant New York landscape, ensuring your lawn and garden receive the right amount of water without waste. With varying local water restrictions and the need for efficient resource use, a professional system is more than a convenience-it's a responsible investment. This guide will help you understand your options, the installation process, local regulations, and how to connect with qualified professionals in your area to design and maintain an effective watering solution.

Old Mill Sprinkler Company

1862 Newbridge Rd Suite B, Bellmore, NY 11710

Old Mill Sprinkler Company is a landscaping and irrigation service provider based in New York, NY. They specialize in sprinkler installation, sprinkler repair, landscape lighting installation, and landscape design. Their team is trained to handle both residential and commercial irrigation systems, offering services such as routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and system monitoring that can adjust watering based on weather conditions. The company emphasizes using premium equipment to ensure long-term functionality and supports healthy plant and tree care through proper irrigation. They also provide landscape design and planting services.

5.0

154 Reviews

Heroes Lawn Care

231 Herbert Ave Space E, Closter, NJ 07624

Heroes Lawn Care provides lawn fertilization, weed control, sprinkler installation, and irrigation repair services in New York, NY. They focus on eco-conscious lawn care using environmentally responsible products and techniques. Their licensed team offers comprehensive lawn maintenance, including aeration and pet waste removal, tailored to each property. Heroes Lawn Care serves Northeast Bergen County and nearby areas with a proactive approach and quality assurance on every project.

5.0

96 Reviews

Green-Way Irrigation

34 Grove St, Midland Park, NJ 07432

Green-Way Irrigation is a family-owned company based near New York, NY, offering comprehensive irrigation, outdoor lighting, and yard drainage solutions. Serving multiple communities in Bergen County, they specialize in installing and maintaining water-efficient irrigation systems, low-voltage outdoor lighting, and custom drainage systems designed to protect lawns and homes from water damage. With over 35 years of experience, Green-Way Irrigation also provides outdoor audio system installations to enhance outdoor living spaces. They offer emergency services and are fully licensed and insured.

4.9

219 Reviews

Aquascape Irrigation

634 NY-303, Blauvelt, NY 10913

Aquascape Irrigation is a family-owned and operated company based in New York, NY, specializing in irrigation and landscape lighting services. With 40 years of experience, they offer sprinkler installation, sprinkler repair, and outdoor lighting installation. Their licensed and certified team focuses on professionalism and attention to detail to deliver quality results.

5.0

71 Reviews

Sullivan & Son Landscaping Management

18 Belltown Rd, Stamford, CT 06905

Sullivan & Son Landscaping Management is a landscaping and hardscaping company serving New York, NY, with over 30 years of experience. They provide a wide range of services including lawn care, fertilization, weed control, sod installation, landscape lighting, tree services, yard drainage, sprinkler installation and repair, as well as hardscaping such as pavers and retaining walls. The company specializes in landscape construction and maintenance, offering expertise in retaining walls, patios, walkways, and outdoor living spaces. They also provide snow and ice management and junk removal services. Sullivan & Son is known for their detailed consultations and comprehensive project management to meet customer expectations.

4.9

155 Reviews

See more providers in New York

Understanding Your Irrigation System Options

Choosing the right type of system is the first step toward efficient watering. The primary goal is to deliver water precisely where it's needed, minimizing runoff and evaporation.

In-Ground Sprinkler Systems This is the most common solution for lawns. An in-ground system consists of a network of buried pipes connected to pop-up sprinkler heads that water specific zones. Each zone is tailored to the water needs of different areas, such as sunny lawns, shaded gardens, or slopes ¹. The system is controlled by an automatic timer, providing consistent, hands-free watering.

Drip Irrigation For garden beds, shrubs, trees, and vegetable plots, drip irrigation is the gold standard for efficiency. This method delivers water slowly and directly to the root zone through a network of tubes and emitters ^{1 2}. It drastically reduces water loss from wind and evaporation, promotes deeper root growth, and helps prevent weed growth and plant diseases caused by wet foliage.

Smart Controllers Modern irrigation goes beyond simple timers. Smart controllers can adjust watering schedules based on real-time weather data, soil moisture sensors, or local evapotranspiration rates ^{1 3 2}. These devices automatically skip a cycle after rainfall or adjust run times for seasonal changes, ensuring optimal water use and often paying for themselves through water savings.

The Professional Installation Process

Installing a reliable irrigation system is a multi-step process best handled by experienced professionals. Here's what a typical installation entails:

1. Design & Permitting: A certified installer will start with a detailed site survey, noting soil type, sun exposure, slope, and plant material. They will design zones to group plants with similar water needs. Crucially, they will identify and obtain any necessary local permits, which often require the installation of a backflow prevention device to protect the public water supply ^{1 4}.

2. Trenching & Pipe Laying: Following the design plan, trenches are dug for the mainline and lateral pipes. The depth is critical to protect pipes from freezing in New York's winters and from lawn equipment.

3. Water Connection & Backflow Prevention: The system is connected to your home's main water supply. A professional will install a backflow preventer-a mandatory device in most New York municipalities-and set up the zone control valves, which act as faucets for each section of your yard ^{5 4}.

4. Head & Emitter Placement: Sprinkler heads (for lawn zones) or drip line emitters (for bed zones) are installed and positioned to ensure proper coverage without overspray onto driveways or sidewalks.

5. Controller Setup & Programming: The irrigation controller (timer) is mounted and wired to the valves. The professional will program initial watering schedules based on your landscape's needs and local watering rules ¹.

Navigating New York's Watering Rules

Water conservation is taken seriously across New York State, and local rules are strictly enforced. While specific regulations can vary by town or water authority, common guidelines include ^{1 5}:

• Odd/Even Watering: Many areas mandate watering based on your street address number. Odd-numbered addresses may water on odd-numbered calendar days, and even-numbered addresses on even-numbered days.
• Time-of-Day Restrictions: Watering is frequently prohibited during the peak evaporation hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Nassau County, for example, enforces this ban ⁵.
• Local Schedules: Some water districts assign specific watering days for different zones. It is essential to check with your local Department of Public Works or water provider for the exact rules that apply to your property.

A professionally installed and programmed smart controller is an excellent tool for ensuring automatic compliance with these often-complex schedules.

Investment and Cost Considerations

The cost of an irrigation system in New York is an investment in your property's health and value, and it varies based on system size, complexity, and property specifics.

Installation Costs For a typical residential property, you can expect a starting investment for a basic system to be around $1,500 or more ¹. Costs are often calculated by the square foot, with a range of $0.88 to $1.65 per square foot, or by the zone, which can cost between $600 and $1,340 per zone for larger or more complex designs ^{3 6}. Factors influencing price include the size of your lawn, the number of zones, the type of sprinkler heads, and the inclusion of smart technology or drip irrigation lines.

Permit and Repair Costs Don't forget to budget for permits, which can range from $50 to over $1,000 depending on your locality's requirements ⁷. Ongoing maintenance is also a factor. Repair costs for issues like leaky valves, broken sprinkler heads, or controller malfunctions vary widely based on the problem's complexity and parts required ¹.

Choosing the Right Professional

Given the technical and regulatory aspects, selecting a qualified installer is key. Look for licensed irrigation contractors with experience in your local area. They should be familiar with New York's specific permit processes, soil conditions, and frost line requirements. Always obtain multiple detailed quotes that include a full design, a list of materials (brands and models), a breakdown of labor and permit fees, and a warranty for both parts and workmanship. A reputable professional will handle the entire process, from design and permitting to installation and initial programming, ensuring your system is efficient, compliant, and ready to go ^{1 5 3}.

Maintaining Your System for Longevity

A well-maintained system lasts longer and performs better. Essential maintenance includes:

• Spring Start-Up: Having a professional pressurize the system, check for winter damage, and adjust sprinkler heads.
• Seasonal Adjustments: Changing watering schedules as temperatures rise and fall.
• Fall Winterization: The most critical step in New York. A professional will blow out all water from the pipes using compressed air to prevent freezing and cracking, which can cause costly repairs.

Investing in a professionally designed and installed sprinkler and irrigation system saves you time, conserves water, and protects your landscaping investment. By understanding the options, rules, and processes outlined here, you can make an informed decision and enjoy a lush, healthy outdoor space.

Frequently asked questions

Sources