SPRINKLER TALK FORUM - You Got Questions, We've Got Answers

What type of sprinkler would you recommend for 8' diameter bed areas containing annuals with flowering pear trees in the center? There are 4 on each side of the driveway and will be on separate 1" mains teed off a 1" main at 50 PSI off of a submersible pump system. Should I put a backflow valve prior to the T or put one on each after the T? Also, we are in PA (southcentral)and our freeze line can get down to 24" during bad winters. Do you recommend that all mains and laterals at 30"? It seems that the system will have to be blown out in the fall no matter what depth unless drains are installed on every sprinkler. Is this correct or is there another solution? Also does the valve boxes need to be the same depth as the main line and if so are there boxes made this deep for a cover near the sod surface? Thanks for any help!! []

Will the drip system work for fertilization as well? We irrigate now with hose end sprinklers and/or nozzles plus hand mixing fert and manual application. These 8 tree/annual beds are only one part of a new irrigation design in the early stage. The story is it takes approx. 1-2 hours per manual irrigation for the whole property. This is about 1-2 hours too much!!!

OK. Thanks for the suggestions WetBoots. It sounds like we will keep the system shallow at 6" and plan on blowing out the system in the fall. This will make going over the many services on the property much easier(gas, electric, sewer, phone, roof and basement SCH 40 drain). Additionally it sounds like we might get away with all drip for round and houseline beds. We will simply put in hydrants at the terminal ends of 1" for hose (Peters) fert. application. Your timely suggestions will help us save valuable time and money!!