Sprinklers make lawn maintenance a snap. But if you have the type of irrigation system that uses retracting sprinkler heads, you need to be careful not to let grass grow over the heads and impeding them from popping up and doing their job. Fortunately, you can take a few simple steps to prevent this from happening.
Step #1: Measure sprinkler heads
Determine the diameter of the sprinkler heads your irrigation system uses with a tape measure. Once you have the dimensions, go to your local garden supply store and purchase protective sprinkler guards or “donuts” sized for your particular sprinkler head. Most stores have a wide selection of donuts made in a variety of materials that range from rubber to plastic to concrete.
Step #2: Starting digging
Dig up the grass around your sprinklers, including the roots. The amount of lawn material you remove should be equal to the area your sprinkler guard will cover.
Step #3: Position donuts
Slip the center hole of each donut over the tip of the sprinkler head. Then position the sprinkler donuts around the sprinkler and settle them into the depression created by the grass removal. Test the system when complete to ensure all sprinkler heads are functioning as they should.
Keeping your irrigation system in good working condition is important if you want to maintain a healthy outdoor environment.
