Underground vs. Drip Irrigation Systems: Which Is Right for Your Fort Worth Landscape?

Keeping a Fort Worth landscape lush and healthy requires more than just regular watering—it requires the right irrigation system. Texas summers can be harsh, and inefficient watering can lead to high water bills, unhealthy plants, and wasted resources.

Two of the most common irrigation methods used by homeowners and businesses are underground sprinkler systems and drip irrigation systems. While both provide essential water distribution, they serve different purposes and offer unique benefits.

  • Underground irrigation is great for lawns and large areas that need broad, even coverage.
  • Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots, making it ideal for gardens, flower beds, and trees.

Choosing the best irrigation system for your landscape, budget, and water conservation goals can make a significant difference in your property’s health and sustainability. Let’s break down the pros, cons, and best uses of underground and drip irrigation to help you make an informed decision.

Efficient Irrigation Is the Key to a Healthy Landscape

Water is one of the most critical factors in maintaining a beautiful, thriving landscape in Fort Worth. Without a proper irrigation system, plants struggle, lawns become patchy, and water bills soar. The right system ensures that water reaches plant roots efficiently, keeping your outdoor space lush while minimizing waste.

Two of the most effective irrigation options are underground irrigation and drip irrigation. Each system has its advantages and is suited for different landscapes, plant types, and water conservation needs.

Which system is the best choice for your yard? Here’s a detailed comparison of underground vs. drip irrigation systems to help you decide.

1. Understanding Underground Irrigation

Underground irrigation, also known as sprinkler irrigation, is a system where pipes are buried beneath the ground, delivering water to pop-up sprinkler heads. These sprinklers distribute water in a spray or mist, covering large areas like lawns and garden beds.

Advantages of Underground Irrigation

  • Even Water Distribution – Covers large areas evenly, preventing dry spots.
  • Automatic Scheduling – Works with timers to water at optimal times, reducing manual effort.
  • Customizable Coverage – Adjustable heads allow for controlled water flow to specific areas.
  • Aesthetic Appeal – Hidden pipes and retractable sprinkler heads maintain a clean, uncluttered yard.

Best Uses for Underground Irrigation

  • Lawns – Ideal for watering expansive grass areas.
  • Large gardens – Provides consistent coverage for flower beds.
  • Commercial properties – Ensures professional landscaping stays lush.

Challenges of Underground Irrigation

  • Higher Installation Cost – Requires professional trenching and pipe installation.
  • Water Waste Potential – More susceptible to evaporation and wind drift.
  • Regular Maintenance Needed – Pipes and sprinkler heads can clog or break over time.

Underground systems work best for homeowners who want a hands-free irrigation solution for large areas.

2. Understanding Drip Irrigation

Drip irrigation delivers water directly to plant roots through a network of tubing with small emitters. This system conserves water by targeting specific plants, reducing runoff and evaporation.

Advantages of Drip Irrigation

  • Water Efficiency – Reduces evaporation and delivers moisture directly to roots.
  • Healthier Plants – Prevents overwatering and minimizes fungal growth.
  • Low Maintenance – Less risk of clogging or damage compared to underground pipes.
  • Cost-Effective – Lower initial cost and reduced water bills.

Best Uses for Drip Irrigation

  • Flower beds and gardens – Provides precise watering for flowers, shrubs, and perennials.
  • Vegetable gardens – Supports healthy plant growth with consistent moisture.
  • Sloped areas – Prevents runoff and erosion by delivering slow, steady water.

Challenges of Drip Irrigation

  • Limited Lawn Coverage – Not suitable for large grass areas.
  • Manual Adjustments Required – Emitters may need occasional repositioning.
  • Can Be Visible – Unlike underground systems, drip tubing remains on the surface.

Drip irrigation is ideal for plant beds, trees, and gardens where precise watering is essential.

3. Comparing Underground vs. Drip Irrigation

FeatureUnderground IrrigationDrip Irrigation
Water EfficiencyModerate (prone to evaporation)High (direct to roots)
Best ForLawns, large areasGardens, flower beds, slopes
Installation CostHigher due to excavationLower and easier setup
Aesthetic ImpactHidden pipes and retractable headsExposed tubing may be visible
MaintenanceRequires occasional repairsLow maintenance, simple adjustments
CustomizationAdjustable sprinkler headsDirect water flow to specific plants

Both systems offer unique benefits. The right choice depends on your landscape’s size, plant types, and water conservation goals.

4. Combining Both Systems for Maximum Efficiency

Many Fort Worth homeowners use a combination of underground and drip irrigation to optimize watering.

  • Underground sprinklers for lawns – Ensure grass gets the right amount of moisture.
  • Drip irrigation for garden beds – Reduce water waste and deliver moisture directly to plant roots.
  • Smart irrigation controllers – Automate watering schedules for both systems, adjusting for weather conditions.

This hybrid approach ensures that every part of your yard receives the right amount of water without waste.

5. Choosing the Right Irrigation System for Your Fort Worth Home

When deciding between underground and drip irrigation, consider the following:

  • Do you have a large lawn? → Choose underground irrigation.
  • Do you have flower beds or gardens? → Choose drip irrigation.
  • Do you want to save on water bills? → Drip irrigation is more efficient.
  • Do you need a system that’s easy to hide? → Underground irrigation stays out of sight.
  • Do you prefer minimal maintenance? → Drip irrigation requires fewer repairs.

If you’re unsure which system best suits your landscape, Blooms Landcare can help.

Why Choose Blooms Landcare for Your Irrigation Needs?

Since 2006, Blooms Landcare has been providing expert irrigation solutions in Fort Worth. Our team designs and installs customized irrigation systems tailored to your landscape, ensuring healthy, beautiful outdoor spaces.

  • Professional Design & Installation – Tailored solutions for lawns, gardens, and commercial properties.
  • Smart Watering Solutions – We install water-efficient systems to save you money.
  • Year-Round Maintenance – Keep your irrigation system running at peak performance.

Upgrade your landscape with a professional irrigation system that maximizes efficiency and beauty. Whether you need underground sprinklers or drip irrigation, Blooms Landcare provides expert lawn care, artificial turf, and landscape design to keep your Fort Worth yard thriving. Contact us today at 817-688-5352 to schedule your consultation.

Benefits of an In-Ground Sprinkler System in Fort Worth

sprinkler installation

A properly installed lawn sprinkler system, paired with drip irrigation, can save a significant amount of water, time, and labor for most homeowners in Dallas and Fort Worth. Homeowners looking to achieve a more attractive yard should notice the benefits of an in-ground sprinkler system soon after. The benefits, for example, outweigh the initial costs and repairs you may need throughout the year. Like most large purchases for your home, an in-ground sprinkler system can be considered a worthwhile investment if presentation and aesthetic are important to you.

Easy to Maintain

First off, an in-ground sprinkler system is quite easy to maintain. Some systems, once installed, are actually maintenance free, for the most part. While mowing, however, you will need to be aware of the position of each sprinkler head.

On occasion, one of these sprinkler heads will malfunction, break, or perhaps even leak. Parts are easily acquired and can be replaced promptly by a professional. More infrequently, on the other hand, are power outages messing up the timing device. This is an issue that a professional can easily fix, despite its rarity.

Simple Yet Sophisticated

With the recent advances in lawn care technology, such as automated systems, an in-ground sprinkler system can be as simple yet complex as you choose. With a little patience and professional installation, a full lawn sprinkler system that is well-designed can cover more area and produce more efficient results.

Those results include more lush grass, better growth from nearby plants and flowers, and less patchy areas of the lawn. Overall, a sprinkler system is a great investment for homeowners seeking a more luxurious garden.

Contact Us

For more information on in-ground sprinkler systems, or to schedule an installation, contact Blooms Landcare at [phone]. We would be happy to discuss your lawn care options following a consultation appointment!

Residential Landscaping Service from Your Fort Worth TX Lawn and Landscape Company

Your Dallas and Fort Worth TX landscaping company, Blooms Landcare, provides year round lawn care service for your home to increase your curb appeal. A recent Dallas and Fort Worth TX landscape press release states:

With the summer upon us, it has never been more important to make sure your lawn is in prime condition. Whether it is hosting a large family get-together or a small intimate gathering, the warm seasonal temperatures in North Texas can make your backyard an area of high-traffic. Blooms Landcare is here to assist you with all your lawn care needs in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex… Be it a residential or commercial property, Blooms Landcare can ensure the grass is greener no matter where you are. The professional Dallas and Fort Worth lawn care experts possess the skills and advanced tools to complete the job according to your vision. With stone works, patio installation, walkways, and other aesthetic services available, Blooms Landcare can quickly transform a boring backyard into one of your dreams.

Year round landscape and lawn care from Blooms Landcare is as easy as scheduling service by visiting their website or giving them a call at [phone].

Simple Summer Lawn Care Tips

Summer Lawn Care TipsWith the oppressive heat in North Texas during the summer months, it can be easy to focus on maintaining your own health, forgetting all about the health of your lawn. The too-high temperatures and lack of rainfall can make trying times for your lawn. Our friendly Dallas and Fort Worth lawn maintenance experts at Blooms Landcare are here to provide you with some simple tips to keep your lawn looking lush all summer long.

First, it is absolutely important to remember to water your lawn. It may seem simple, but the best thing you can do for your lawn is provide it with the hydration it needs. The summer droughts that can occur here in North Texas can be extremely detrimental to your lawn, so it is important that you water your lawn to make up for this loss of hydration. If you have a sprinkler system installed, it may be a good idea to increase its weekly use.  Watering early in the day may also help reduce evaporation as the temperatures rise throughout the day. As always, our Dallas and Fort Worth TX irrigation specialists are here to answer your sprinkler system questions.

It is also important to control the length of your grass. In summer, it is advisable to keep your grass slightly higher than normal, as the roots can then be better protected against the sun’s damaging rays. This can be accomplished by a less frequent mowing of your lawn then you would in the autumn or spring seasons.

With summer upon it, it is the time for big family outdoor gatherings. Be it a barbecue or a birthday party in the backyard, it is important to make sure your lawn is up to standard. Blooms Landcare can help you with all your lawn maintenance needs, as we offer tree trimming, garden renovation, flower bed care, as well as many other seasonal lawn care services. Give our Dallas and Fort Worth TX landscaping company a call today, or visit us online for more details or to schedule a service.

 

Landscape Design in Southlake, TX

landscape design southlake, tx

As the summer approaches, and everyone is ready to jump in the pool it is important to ready your landscape for your cook outs and family fun. Here at Bloom’s Landcare in Southlake, Texas we have a special way to update your yard for each season as it approaches. We have many different color choices to beautify the pool area in bright summer colors. We help you choose what’s right for your needs and it can even increase your property value. Your lawn or yard is as important to us as it is to you. Our excellent customer service and expertise can turn your landscape into an exquisite garden or tropical paradise. It will wow your guests and neighbors and make your home your own without breaking the bank.

Often, Texas summers can be tough on many plants and greenery, making it a challenge to perform the intensive care required for landscape design after long work hours. Bloom’s Landcare in Southlake offers two main solutions to this issue. The first option is the installation of a sprinkler system in your yard to ensure that all your plants, shrubs, and trees receive routine watering without relying on rain or manual effort. The second option involves adopting various types of shrubbery, grass, and flowers that demand minimal water and care, capable of surviving in poor soil conditions. Among these, some plants even flourish under such harsh conditions. In addition, We provide expertise in Tree Pruning vs. Tree Trimming to maintain the health and aesthetics of your trees. We work closely with each customer to ensure the best choice is made for their landscape plans.

Often Texas summers can be tough on many plants and greenery. It can also sometimes be a hassle after long hours of work to perform the kind of intensive care landscape design requires. There are two ways that Bloom’s Landcare in Southlake can help you solve this issue. The first option is installing a sprinkler system in your yard. This ensures that all of your plants, shrubs, and trees are routinely watered without counting on rain or yourself. Another option is using several types of shrubbery, grass, and flowers that require little water and care and can survive in poor soil. Some of these plants even thrive in these harsh conditions!  We will work with each customer to ensure the right choice is made for their landscape plans.

We also offer landscape maintenance to make sure your beautiful yard stays that way. Along with excellent advice we have our own arborists to care for your property. We offer tree trimming, flower bed care, drainage control and many other services at a reasonable price.

Let us help you create your vision, and make your Southlake neighbors jealous.

Contact Blooms Landcare for all your landscaping needs

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Installing a Sprinkler System

sprinkler installationInstalling a new sprinkler or irrigation system is one of many landscaping projects that can be done in an effort to boost the aesthetics of your home. Sprinkler installation eliminates hand watering your lawn or garden, which can be time-consuming, as well as a physical issue.

There are several different sprinkler systems to choose from. Our Dallas and Fort Worth sprinkler system contractors can help you in choosing which one suits your property the best. Here are three of the more common installed underground sprinklers:

  • Spray Sprinkler

    : These sprinklers have small heads that pop up from the ground to water your lawn. These heads can spray in radius ranges from 10-15 feet, and they can spray in full circles, half circles or quarter circles.

  • Rotor Sprinkler

    : These sprinklers rotate to deliver water. They have larger radius ranges (30-90 feet), which make them prime for larger lawns. Rotor sprinklers are a little slower in providing irrigation, but they benefit wider, flatter areas better than installing multiple spray sprinklers.

  • Drip Sprinkler

    : These sprinklers use hoses or tubes to deliver water. They work well with flower beds or non-lawn areas. If installed properly, drip irrigation can save money and time, as it applies water directly to the soil and eliminates excess spraying.

For those looking for immediate irrigation but do not have the money to install a new sprinkler system, there are temporary sprinklers that will suffice. These are plastic sprinkler systems you can attach to your garden hose. They do not have timers and must be turned on and off manually.

Our Dallas and Fort Worth TX landscapers can provide you additional information on quality sprinkler systems. Give our Dallas and Fort Worth landscaping company a call today, or visit us online for details.

Now’s the Time for an Irrigation System

Professional Irrigation System SolutionWhen it comes to Texas weather in January, some days may feel like Boston winters, while other days may feel like autumn breezes in the south.

With the weather experiencing below-freezing temperatures, some may think installing an irrigation system should be extremely low on a list of priorities. Truth is, now may be the best time to consider an irrigation system. Many irrigation contractors have wide-open schedules, as they do most of their work during the spring and summer months. Because of lack of demand, some contractors may even offer seasonal discounts.

In order to own that pristine lawn, it’s best to have all proper equipment ready to go well before the spring. Focus on having a ground sprinkler system installed roughly 4-6 weeks before the start of spring.

Our Dallas and Fort Worth TX landscapers specialize in expert irrigation and sprinkler services. In addition to quality work, we guarantee service finished in a timely manner. Call our Dallas and Fort Worth landscaping company, or contact us online for details.