Top Sprinkler & Irrigation in Chesapeake, Virginia Ranked

A well-designed sprinkler or irrigation system is the cornerstone of a healthy, vibrant lawn in Chesapeake. Given the region's hot, humid summers and varied soil conditions, an automatic watering system provides the consistent, efficient hydration your landscape needs to thrive. This guide explains how these systems work, what to consider for your property, and how to connect with local professionals who can design, install, and maintain an effective watering solution for your home.

Meadow Lawn & Pest

21401 Brewers Neck Blvd, Carrollton, VA 23314

Meadow Lawn & Pest is a family-owned lawn care and pest control company serving Norfolk, VA, and surrounding areas including Carrollton, Smithfield, and Newport News. Established in 2008, they offer a range of services such as lawn mowing, fertilization, weed control, irrigation and sprinkler repair, landscaping, tree removal, and landscape lighting installation. Their team is licensed, certified, and insured, providing expertise in both indoor and outdoor pest control as well as yard drainage solutions. With over 16 years of experience, Meadow Lawn & Pest emphasizes consistent quality through regular maintenance and staff training.

4.9

415 Reviews

Aubrey's Tree Service & Landscaping

630 Carter Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23322

Aubrey's Tree Service & Landscaping is a family-owned business serving Chesapeake, VA, and the Hampton Roads area for over 25 years. They offer a wide range of services including tree removal, stump grinding, landscape design and installation, hardscaping, sod installation, irrigation, drainage system installation, and lot clearing. Their team is certified by OSHA and ISA and provides 24/7 emergency tree services to address urgent needs promptly. With extensive experience and comprehensive capabilities, they handle projects from concept to completion, including commercial and residential properties.

4.9

314 Reviews

Bay Area Irrigation

744 Shillelagh Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23323

Bay Area Irrigation provides sprinkler installation and repair services in Virginia Beach, VA. They specialize in home irrigation systems designed to meet individual watering needs. The company is licensed and insured, ensuring professional standards in their work.

5.0

88 Reviews

Hydra Irrigation

120 S Plaza Trail, Virginia Beach, VA 23452

Hydra Irrigation is a Virginia Beach, VA-based company specializing in irrigation system installation, maintenance, and repair, along with outdoor and landscape lighting installation. Serving the Hampton Roads area, they offer tailored sprinkler systems designed to provide efficient watering that adapts to local weather conditions. Their expertise includes well pump installation and winterization services to protect irrigation systems during colder months. Hydra Irrigation has installed thousands of sprinkler heads and feet of piping, demonstrating extensive experience in the field.

4.9

231 Reviews

Impact Landscaping

5041 Jakeman St, Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Impact Landscaping is a landscaping company based in Virginia Beach, VA, offering a wide range of outdoor services including sod and artificial turf installation, fence and hardscape construction, landscape lighting, tree and yard maintenance, sprinkler system installation, and land clearing. They specialize in custom garden design, concrete and paver work, and drainage solutions using industry-leading products. The team also provides property rehabilitation and real estate rescue services to restore and enhance outdoor spaces. Impact Landscaping partners with local experts for irrigation and custom deck and fence installations to deliver comprehensive outdoor improvements. Their skilled crew focuses on quality craftsmanship and personalized service, working on projects throughout Virginia Beach and nearby areas. Phone support is available 24/7, and they operate on-site daily from dawn to dusk.

4.9

179 Reviews

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How Automatic Lawn Watering Systems Work

An automatic irrigation system is a sophisticated network designed to deliver water precisely where and when your landscape needs it. At its core is a controller, often called the system's "brain." This programmable timer sends low-voltage signals to a series of electric zone valves, which open to allow water to flow through a network of underground PVC pipes to the sprinkler heads. ^{1 2 3}

When a zone is activated, water pressure causes the sprinkler heads to pop up and distribute water across a designated area. After the programmed run time, the valve closes, and the heads retract. Modern systems in Chesapeake increasingly feature "smart" technology, integrating Wi-Fi-enabled controllers and rain sensors that automatically skip a watering cycle during rainfall, preventing overwatering and conserving resources. ^{4 5 6 7}

Key Components of a Residential System

Understanding the parts of your landscape watering system helps in maintenance and troubleshooting.

• Controller/Timer: The central command unit. Modern smart controllers can adjust schedules based on local weather data.
• Zone Valves: Electrically operated valves, usually housed in valve boxes in the yard, that control water flow to individual zones.
• PVC Piping: The underground arteries, typically buried 2 to 6 feet deep to avoid freeze damage, that carry water from the source. ²
• Sprinkler Heads: The delivery endpoints. These come in different types:
  • Spray Heads: Fixed-pattern heads for smaller, regular-shaped areas like side yards. They typically cover a radius of 8 to 17 feet. ^{8 9}
  • Rotor Heads: Heads that rotate a stream of water, covering larger areas (25 to 40+ feet) and are ideal for big lawns. ^{10 8}
• Drip Irrigation: A separate, highly efficient system of tubing and emitters that delivers water slowly directly to the root zones of plants, shrubs, and trees in landscaped beds, minimizing evaporation and runoff. ^{11 7}

Designing an Effective System for Chesapeake Properties

Professional design is critical for efficiency. A good layout accounts for Chesapeake's specific challenges, including sun exposure, soil type (sandy near the coast, heavier clay inland), and different plant water needs. ³

The property is divided into zones-groups of sprinklers that run on the same valve. Zones should separate areas with different water requirements; for example, sunny turf, shady grass, and drip zones for planting beds should all be on separate valves. ^{4 12} Proper head spacing is achieved through "head-to-head coverage," meaning the spray from one head reaches the adjacent head. This ensures uniform water distribution without dry spots. A typical residential system in Chesapeake may have 4 to 8 zones, depending on lot size and landscape complexity. ^{10 8 9}

Best Watering Practices for the Local Climate

Simply having a system isn't enough; programming it correctly is key to lawn health and water conservation. The general rule is to water deeply but infrequently, which encourages grass to develop deep, drought-resistant roots. ^{1 13}

• Frequency: Aim for 1 to 2 watering sessions per week during the growing season, rather than daily light watering. ^{5 14}
• Amount: Most lawns need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. You can measure this with a simple "tuna can test"-place empty cans in a zone and run the system to see how long it takes to collect half an inch of water. ^{1 15}
• Timing: The ideal window is between 4 AM and 7 AM. Watering at dawn reduces evaporation loss from sun and wind and allows grass blades to dry during the day, minimizing the risk of fungal disease. ^{1 14 16}
• Seasonal Adjustments:
  • Spring/Fall: Water about 2 times per week. Rotor zones may run 20-25 minutes, spray zones 5-10 minutes. ¹⁴
  • Summer: Increase to 3-4 times per week. Rotor zones may need 30-45 minutes, spray zones 10-15 minutes. ^{14 13}
  • Winter: Systems should be professionally winterized to prevent pipe damage from freezing temperatures.

Understanding Installation and Service Costs

The investment in a lawn sprinkler system in Chesapeake varies based on property size, soil conditions, and system complexity. ¹⁷

Installation Costs (2025-2026):

• Average Total: For a typical quarter-acre lot, homeowners can expect a range of $2,000 to $7,500 or more. ^{12 17}
• Per Zone: A common pricing method is $500 to $1,500 per zone, which includes labor, materials, and heads. ^{18 19}
• Per Square Foot: Costs often break down to approximately $0.50 to $2.00 per square foot of irrigated area. ^{20 21}

Factors that influence price include the soil type (hard clay can increase trenching labor), the choice of a standard versus a smart Wi-Fi controller, and the inclusion of drip irrigation zones. ^{12 17 18}

Maintenance and Repair Costs: Regular maintenance is essential. Many homeowners opt for an annual service contract that includes a spring start-up and a fall winterization. Repair costs are typically billed at labor rates of $50 to $150 per hour, with individual head replacements or adjustments often covered under maintenance plans. ^{19 20}

Choosing the Right Professional Service

Selecting a qualified installer or service company ensures your system is efficient and long-lasting. Look for providers with experience in Chesapeake's specific soil and climate conditions. They should conduct a thorough site evaluation, present a detailed zoning plan, and explain the equipment they recommend. Ask about smart controller options for long-term water savings and whether they offer ongoing maintenance programs to keep your system operating at peak performance for years to come. ^{3 6 7}

Frequently asked questions

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