Logo of Landscape Atlas
Hero background

Find the Best Sprinkler & Irrigation for Your Business

No obligation • Fast responses • Nationwide coverage

Search providers near you

Top Sprinkler & Irrigation in Burien, Washington Ranked

A well-designed sprinkler and irrigation system is the key to a healthy, vibrant landscape while conserving water and saving you time. These automated watering systems deliver precise hydration to your lawn, garden beds, and shrubs, ensuring your outdoor space thrives through Burien's seasons. This guide will help you understand how these systems work, the benefits of professional installation and maintenance, and how to find the right local expertise for your property's needs.

North East Landscaping Services

North East Landscaping Services

12259 155th Ave SE, Renton, WA 98059

North East Landscaping Services is a family-owned landscaping company with over 20 years of experience serving residential and commercial clients in Seattle, WA. They provide a comprehensive range of outdoor services including lawn care, fertilization, weed control, sod and artificial turf installation, fence and deck construction, landscape lighting, tree services, yard drainage, sprinkler installation and repair, as well as hardscaping like pavers and retaining walls. The company emphasizes quality workmanship and building lasting relationships with clients, handling projects of all sizes with care and honesty.

5.0
294 Reviews
Saltos Landscaping LLC

Saltos Landscaping LLC

seattle

Saltos Landscaping LLC is a landscaping company based in Seattle, WA, offering design, installation, and maintenance services. They specialize in landscape design and sprinkler system installation and repair, addressing issues like uneven watering and system leaks to maintain healthy landscapes. Their services help manage the challenges posed by Seattle's varying weather patterns, ensuring efficient irrigation and landscape care.

5.0
128 Reviews
G&E Landscape Contractor

G&E Landscape Contractor

seattle

G&E Landscape Contractor is a general contractor based in Seattle, WA, offering a wide range of landscaping and lawn care services. Their expertise includes lawn mowing, fence installation, sprinkler system installation and repair, hardscaping with pavers and retaining walls, as well as residential and commercial painting. They focus on delivering skilled craftsmanship and comprehensive landscape solutions to meet client needs.

5.0
93 Reviews
Seattle Sustainable Landscapes

Seattle Sustainable Landscapes

420 S 96th St Suite 13, Seattle, WA 98108

Seattle Sustainable Landscapes is a family-owned landscaping company based in Seattle, WA, specializing in sustainable and environmentally friendly outdoor spaces. They offer a range of services including landscape design, outdoor lighting installation, sprinkler system installation and repair, hardscaping with patios and retaining walls, and both residential and commercial lawn care. The company is Rain Bird certified for irrigation systems and focuses on creating landscapes that promote biodiversity and reduce environmental impact. Founded by local Seattle natives with backgrounds in irrigation and environmental research, they bring both expertise and a commitment to sustainability to their projects.

5.0
61 Reviews
Green Earth Landscape Management, Inc

Green Earth Landscape Management, Inc

5280 SE Mile Hill Dr, Port Orchard, WA 98366

Green Earth Landscape Management, Inc provides comprehensive landscaping, hardscaping, lawn care, irrigation, and fence installation services in Seattle, WA. They offer custom landscape design, hydroseeding for lawns and erosion control, irrigation system installation and repair, as well as snow and ice management. Their work emphasizes eco-friendly and sustainable practices tailored to each property's unique needs. Serving the Seattle area and surrounding communities, Green Earth Landscape Management combines skilled craftsmanship with personalized solutions to enhance outdoor spaces.

4.9
107 Reviews
See more providers in Burien, WA

How an Automated Watering System Works

At its core, a residential irrigation system is a network designed to mimic efficient rainfall. It starts with a connection to your home's main water supply or a well 1. From there, water travels through a series of underground PVC pipes that branch out to different areas of your yard. These areas, called zones, are controlled independently to meet the specific needs of the plants within them-your lawn, flower beds, and shrubs may all have different watering schedules 1 2.

The water is delivered through sprinkler heads or emitters. For turf areas, pop-up spray heads or rotating rotor heads distribute water in specific patterns. For garden beds, vegetable patches, or around trees, drip irrigation or micro-spray systems are preferred, as they deliver water slowly and directly to the root zone, drastically reducing evaporation and runoff 1 3. The entire operation is managed by a controller, often called a timer, which you program to automate the watering schedule for each zone 4.

Key Design Principles for Effective Irrigation

A successful system is more than just sprinklers in the ground. Professional design follows essential principles to ensure uniformity and efficiency. The most critical is head-to-head coverage, meaning the spray from one sprinkler head reaches the adjacent head. This eliminates dry spots and ensures every part of the lawn receives an even amount of water 1 5.

Zoning is another fundamental concept. Your sunny front lawn, shaded backyard, and perennial beds all have different water requirements. By separating them into distinct zones on the controller, you can tailor the watering duration and frequency precisely, avoiding both underwatering and wasteful overwatering 2. Incorporating a dedicated drip zone for non-turf areas is a hallmark of a modern, water-wise system 4.

Finally, a professional will consider water pressure and flow rate (measured in gallons per minute, or GPM) from your source. Properly sizing pipes and selecting matched sprinkler heads based on this data prevents issues like misting (from too-high pressure) or poor coverage (from too-low pressure) 6.

Smart Watering Practices for the Burien Climate

How and when you water is just as important as the system itself. The general rule for lawns is less frequent, deeper watering. This encourages grass roots to grow deeper into the soil, creating a more drought-resistant and healthy lawn. For much of the year, watering 1 to 3 times per week is sufficient, providing about one inch of water total weekly 1 7.

Timing is crucial. The best time to water is early in the morning, typically before 10 a.m. Winds are usually calmer, and temperatures are lower, which minimizes water loss from evaporation and allows foliage to dry before evening, reducing the risk of fungal diseases 4 8. During peak summer heat, your system may need to run longer or slightly more often, while in the cooler, wetter spring and fall, watering should be scaled back significantly.

This is where technology offers a major advantage. Smart irrigation controllers can automate these adjustments. Many models connect to local weather data or on-site soil moisture sensors, automatically skipping a scheduled cycle after sufficient rainfall or adjusting run times based on temperature and evaporation rates. This "set-it-and-forget-it" approach maximizes efficiency and can lead to substantial water savings 1 9.

Find the perfect sprinkler & irrigation for your needs

Get personalized recommendations and expert advice

Professional Installation, Repair, and Maintenance

Investing in a new irrigation system involves careful planning and expertise. Costs for installation vary based on your property's size, complexity, and the components chosen (e.g., standard vs. smart controller, number of zones, inclusion of drip irrigation). Reputable local companies typically provide free, on-site estimates to assess your needs and provide a detailed quote 1 9.

A professional installation goes beyond digging trenches. It includes a custom design for optimal coverage, proper connection to your water supply with a required backflow prevention device (to keep irrigation water from contaminating your home's drinking water), and thorough testing of every zone. Many installers offer added value, such as a complimentary year of maintenance, which includes essential seasonal services 1 9.

Ongoing maintenance is non-negotiable in Washington State. Key annual services include:

  • Spring Activation/Tune-Up: Starting up the system, checking for winter damage, adjusting heads, and programming the controller.
  • Backflow Testing: An annual test of the backflow device, often required by local code, to ensure it's functioning properly.
  • Winterization: The most critical service for our region. Before the first freeze, a professional will use compressed air to blow all water out of the pipes, valves, and heads to prevent costly freeze damage 1.

Repair services address common issues like leaky valves, broken or misaligned sprinkler heads, and faulty wiring. Addressing repairs promptly maintains system efficiency and prevents water waste.

Efficiency Upgrades and Water Conservation

Upgrading an existing system can yield significant benefits. Retrofitting a standard timer with a weather-based smart controller is one of the most effective steps for conservation and convenience. Adding drip irrigation zones to replace outdated spray heads in garden beds is another high-impact upgrade that targets water directly to plant roots 4.

Regular system audits-checking for leaks, overspray onto pavement, and broken heads-ensure your system operates as intended. Even a small leak can waste thousands of gallons over a season. These upgrades and diligent maintenance not only lower your water bill but also contribute to the responsible stewardship of our local water resources in the Puget Sound region 8.

Finding Local Irrigation Expertise in Burien

When looking for a professional, seek out companies with specific experience in designing, installing, and maintaining residential irrigation systems. Look for those who emphasize water-efficient practices, offer smart technology, and provide clear warranties on their work. For example, providers like Red Roses Landscaping highlight custom designs incorporating drip irrigation and smart technology 1, while others, like Advanced Irrigation Inc., note warranties and include free maintenance with new installations 9. A qualified professional will listen to your goals, evaluate your landscape, and recommend a system that keeps your property beautiful while aligning with best practices for the local environment.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

Footnotes

  1. Sprinkler and irrigation systems - Red Roses Landscaping - https://redroseslandscaping.com/sprinkler_and_irrigation_systems.php 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

  2. How Does a Lawn Irrigation System Work: #1 Best Benefits - https://mcleodlandscaping.com/how-does-a-lawn-irrigation-system-work/ 2

  3. CHAPTER 5. SPRINKLER IRRIGATION - https://www.fao.org/4/s8684e/s8684e06.htm

  4. Best Management Practice #5: Water-Efficient Irrigation - https://www.energy.gov/femp/best-management-practice-5-water-efficient-irrigation 2 3 4

  5. Easy, step-by-step, underground sprinkler system layout guide - https://images.thdstatic.com/catalog/pdfImages/a9/a9564496-8fb7-4141-8758-5f660a7a9310.pdf

  6. [Solved] In arid areas, with uneven land surface most suitable method - https://testbook.com/question-answer/in-arid-areas-with-uneven-land-surface-most-suita--5ef74369c0eff60d0c929ae5

  7. LAWN IRRIGATION GUIDE - USDA - https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/plantmaterials/idpmsbr5464.pdf

  8. Irrigation System Guides - Metropolitan North Georgia Water ... - https://northgeorgiawater.org/residents-schools-businesses/conserve-our-water/irrigation-system-guides-watering-and-maintenance-guides/ 2

  9. Installations Dept - Advanced Irrigation Inc. Seattle - https://advancedinc.com/install-dept/ 2 3 4