Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations . If you press link we provide , we may get recompense .
Easy and effective lacrimation solutions for gardens of all sizes .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
When mean about lawn fear , perhaps one of the most importanttools to hydrate your lawnwith is a true lawn sprinkler . However , with so many styles out there , it can be difficult to decide which is best suited for your needs .
The first matter to consider when shopping around for the perfect lawn sprinkler for your one thousand , according toColeman Cosby , the in - house construction expert at Yardzen , is “ the size and shape of your lawn , plus how often and how much time you have to spend lachrymation . ”
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
To find the best lawn sprinklers , we personally tested several models on our own lawn . In addition to Cosby , we also consultedSean Khandker , the owner of InsideOut , andWesley Stanton , the owner of Sierra Madre Landscape Co. , for more selective information on what to front for when shopping for a lawn sprinkler .
What We Tested
We evaluated 12 lawn sprinklers on theirsetup , effectiveness , feature , and durability . For more information on how we tested lawn sprinkler , check outour examination processbelow .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Melnor Sprinkler With Tripod
It volunteer loose setup , adjustable tripod legs , effective reportage with pulsate natural process , and a sturdy expression with metallic element parts .
You may need more than one unit for a with child thou .
TheMelnor Deluxe Metal Pulsating Sprinkler with Tripodimpressed us in more ways than one , which is why it nabbed the top situation on our tilt of the proficient lawn sprinklers . To start , we wish that aside from plant the turning kitchen range and link the hose , no assembly was required .
Credit: The Home Depot
The sprinkler come with adjustable tripod leg that were ab initio set to the shortest superlative . However , these can be extended to allow the sprinkler to sit higher in the melodic phrase for a prospicient watering range . Plus , adjusting the height was quite intuitive .
Unlike other models , this pulsating sprinkler does n’t need to be staked into the terra firma . During testing , we discover this tripod sprinkler to be very effective and easy to utilise across the yard in various positions .
The sprinkler base has handy tabs that put the reach of the side - to - side oscillations and countenance you to control the reportage area . These are easy to correct , but note that to avoid getting smashed , the hose must be turned off when you do so .
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The wheel spoke of the water spraying gain about 30 feet . However , it can be set to a flow , which will reach a touch further . Overall , the pulsating action of the sprinkler blankets the lawn effectively when spray from the tripod ’s maximum elevation . The water intensity ca n’t be adjusted directly from the sprinkler , but can be swiftly controlled by the hose bib .
This lawn sprinkler has a supportive base that is not well tipped over , even when it ’s extended all the room in fairly strong winds . For larger yard , you might want to opt for more than one of these units , but you could extend the whole lawn with one because it ’s short enough to move around .
intersection Details : Type : Pulsating |Spray Coverage:5,600 square feet |Coverage Pattern : Circular |Hose Size : Compatible with ⅝-inch standard garden hose |Water Pressure:120 PSI |Material : Metal
Key Terms to Know
Best Budget
GrowGreen Rotating Lawn Sprinkler
It has a weighted nucleotide to keep it in blank space , a wide-eyed atomizer coverage , and is fun for deary and kids to play in .
There ’s only one spraying pattern .
TheGrowGreen Sprinkleris a powerful social unit that ’s less expensive than other options we tested . We find it to be effective and easy to use , and it ’s ideal for medium - sized yards .
During examination , the lawn sprinkler bring home the bacon wide coverage without us having to move it around frequently . This sprinkler was simple to set up — it came in two pieces and all we had to do was screw the top on .
We were proud of to note that there were no drips , leaks , or geta . While it only has one sprayer pattern that some may line up limiting , it has an impressively broad atomiser , reaching almost all of the lawn without us having to manually reposition it .
This building block is made from a lightweight ABS plastic and has weights seize to the bottom , so it wo n’t blow by in the wind . While it seems lasting enough , we recommend put in it between purpose to increase longevity . Luckily , it ’s compact size of it means it wo n’t take up much depot space either .
Product Details : Type : Rotating |Spray Coverage:3,600 square feet |Coverage shape : orbitual |Hose Size : Compatible with ⅝-inch standard garden hosiery |Water Pressure:80 PSI |Material : abdominal muscle plastic , polymer
Best for Small Yards
Dramm ColorStorm 9-Pattern Turret Sprinkler
It has nine different spray patterns , customizable insurance coverage , and a undestroyable build .
It has a low water air pressure than other sprinkler .
If you have a low curtilage , the good lawn sprinkler is theDramm Premium Turret Sprinkler . The unit was easy to set up and we find that it was very efficient during examination .
We liked that this model features nine spray patterns , so you’re able to opt which become your needs intimately . While the length is not specifically adjustable , selecting a different pattern can leave in a wider or modest atomiser country .
We test this sprinkler on an irregular - sized yard and were able to set it to spray only the specific field that required watering . The sprinkler agree into the water source absolutely , and we did not mark any leaks , drip mold , or geta . This pickax has a lower water supply press than other picks and there ’s no body of water pressure setting , so to adjust this , we plainly turned the faucet to the desired flow .
This overweight sprinkler is made from metallic element and designed to hold out outdoor shape and regular function . We also wish that it also come in six color , allowing you to choose between either a vibrant or muted hue .
Product Details : Type : Pulsating |Spray Coverage : Up to 1,200 square feet |Coverage Pattern : Square , rounded square , half square , pocket-size rophy , big lap , half R-2 , rectangle , narrow rectangle , and outer ring |Hose Size : Compatible with ⅝-inch received garden hose |Water Pressure:90 PSI |Material : Plastic , metal
Best for Large Yards
Orbit Impact Sprinkler
It offers great scope , has adjustable height and hose spray mise en scene , and a sturdy metal construction .
It ca n’t be staked in the ground , so would likely not withstand inclement weather .
TheOrbit Impact Sprinkler on Tripod Baseis a outstanding pick for those with big yards . We test this sprinkler out on a quarter - acre slew with new sod and detect that it provide peachy coverage of around 80 feet in diameter .
Credit: Amazon
The sprinkler comes fully lay up and ready to go straight out of the corner . It ’s perched atop an adjustable tripod that can be set up to various dissimilar peak base on individual needs — the higher the place setting , the larger the radius reportage . The hose , which connects firmly and does n’t leak , has different spray preferences that allow you to find fault the most effective option for your yard .
During testing , we only had to move the sprinkler once to sufficiently handle every straight inch of lawn . We were also able to cover the front 1000 in two positions ; one on each side of the driveway .
There is a setting that can either limit the rotation , or provide it to go a full 360 degrees . The spray nozzle has various setting to turn the head or pick out the nebuliser traffic pattern . line up the tiptop of the tripod will also increase or fall the reporting .
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Despite the sprinkler not being staked into the ground , it did n’t topple over in windy weather . However , we would n’t depart it out when not in exercise , in the event of stronger gales .
production contingent : Type : turn out with tripod |Spray Coverage:5,670 square foot |Coverage design : Circular |Hose Size : Compatible with ¾-inch or ⅝-inch hosepipe |Water Pressure:80 PSI |Material : Zinc
Best for Flower Beds
Aqua Joe Oscillating Sprinkler
It offers great coverage , has a sturdy build , and is swooning enough to move if needed but heavy enough to remain put .
There ’s no on / off valve at the sprinkler and there ’s special spray adjustment .
TheAqua Joe Oscillating Sprinkleris a categoric model with inline schnoz and an upwards nebuliser to gently water your peak , bushes , and vegetation . To typeset up this choice , all we had to do was attach the hose to it .
The lawn sprinkler offered great coverage thanks to its body of water - power turbo private road motor . We liked that it has an adjustable head that changes the direction of the body of water . To qualify the pressure , we had to do it at the water source , or move the sprinkler . We noted that it did not leak out during the whole examination menstruation .
We were impressed with the wide of the mark atomiser reporting but would have appreciated an on / off valve at the sprinkler . or else , we had to return to the spigot each time we want to open and end the water provision .
This social unit was lightweight yet suitably heavy to stay where we put it . It ’s well - made , and we feel like it ’s long-lasting enough to be leave outside in all character of weather .
We apprize that this lawn sprinkler also come with a construct - in cleaning pecker to clear out any clogs and keep the nozzles in their ripe conformation , although we did n’t have to utilize this at all during examination .
Product detail : Type : Oscillating |Spray Coverage:4,400 solid feet |Coverage Pattern : Inline fan |Hose Size : Compatible with ⅝-inch standard garden hose |Water Pressure:150 PSI |Material : Metal , plastic
Best Traveling
Orbit Traveling Sprinkler
It gives you with child ascendency over the lachrymation area and speed , has a sturdy grammatical construction , and good insurance coverage .
It ’s about 19 British pound , which may be difficult for some people to move on their own .
TheOrbit Traveling Sprinklermight be more expensive than other options , but it will move around the garden by itself thanks to its two spiked back wheels , and a front wheel that is designed to cower along your hose . This lawn sprinkler amount in handy specially if you have maverick shaped garden , as it can even go around bends .
This lawn sprinkler comes in three pieces : the metal tractor stem , an attachment for the sprinkler arms , and the arm themselves . The command were straightforward , no extra tools were take , and the hose attach effortlessly . We tested this mini watering tractor on a magnanimous 2 - acre yard , and it provided a thorough watering with minimum sweat on our part to practice it .
The tractor travel slowly to ensure right lachrymation and dispersion , hydrate every in of grass . We jazz its hands - off approach , the ability to guide on its guidance and stop number , and the fact that it did n’t leak at all .
At just under 20 pound , this is quite a heavy machine , so it may be hard for some people to move it . Having said that , its racy construction makes it quite durable ; we leave it out during a big rainstorm and it did n’t budge .
intersection Details : Type : Traveling , ego - propel |Spray Coverage:13,500 square feet |Coverage Pattern : Rotating circular spray |Hose Size : Compatible with ⅝-inch standard garden hose |Water Pressure:120 PSI |Material : Cast smoothing iron
Best Irrigation
Flantor Drip Irrigation Kit
It ’s customizable , effective , and the inglorious piping obliterate away in the land .
Setup is a little complex , and the parts are mostly plastic .
TheFlantor Drip Irrigation Kitis a various sprinkler set that has many apparatus options , and arrive with more than enough accessories to spread over all lacrimation needs . As this isa whole irrigation system , it took a little poring over of the book of instructions to understand the many unlike parts and accessories .
Once we figured assembly out , apparatus was astonishingly easy . We did n’t have to employ any tools , other than a couplet of scissors to cut the tube into the exact size we needed . It does n’t have any peculiar features but it is all customizable , which we liked .
This sprinkler come with over 100 accouterment , including 20 mist schnoz and 20 dripper hooter , and 70 feet of irrigation tube in sum to water areas of up to 110 square foot . The spray from each sprinkler is intentionally tiny , making it great for bloom beds and vegetable patches .
The system hosepipe fit securely on the hosepipe end , and did n’t leak out , drip mould , or clot during examination . There is a dial on each of the red sprinkler heads to adjust the pressure level . you should dial down the imperativeness on the red irrigator jacket at the beginning of the chain so that there is enough pressure to sustain the sprinkler at the end . The focal point of the atomiser can only be adjusted by physically head it .
For the most part , the component part , which are all plastic with rubber tubing , felt well - made and sturdy . However , you ’ll want to be careful around the red spray heads , as we think they may be prone to crack if they stepped on .
Product item : eccentric : Irrigation outfit |Spray Coverage:110 square feet |Coverage Pattern : Adjustable |Hose Size : Compatible with ⅝-inch fitting for stock garden hose |Water Pressure:60 PSI |Material : Plastic , rubber
The Bottom Line
TheMelnor Deluxe Metal Pulsating Sprinkler with Tripodis our top pick of the best lawn sprinkler thanks to its adjustable tripod legs , sturdy and undestroyable alloy expression , and pulsating action that put up effective reportage . Adjusting its height was intuitive , and moving it around the garden to reach other areas was a breeze .
Our Testing Process
To find the good lawn sprinklers , we spent 168 hour over a two - week period test out 12 different models on our lawn . Each lawn sprinkler was evaluate on its setup , effectiveness , feature , and durability .
We start by setting up each sprinkler according to the producer ’s statement and link up it to a water source ( take note how loose it was to do so ) , if any special tool were require , and how readable and helpful the book of instructions were .
Next , we look for and tried out any special features like imperativeness regulators , adjustable menstruation direction and intensity , range , and pattern options to accommodate dissimilar lawn sizes and shapes , and minimize water wastefulness .
We devote limited care to whether the sprinkler leak , dribble , or became choked , and if so , whether we were well able to figure out the issues . For travel sprinklers , we assess how efficiently they moved around the pace , and whether they ever got stuck .
in the end , we value each sprinkler ’s construction ( soundbox and components ) , lastingness ( whether they could withstand outdoor conditions and regular use ) , and overall value to watch if we ’d advocate it .
What to Know About Lawn Sprinklers Before Shopping
Sprinkler Type
accord to Cosby , stationary sprinkler and self - propelled styles are the two principal eccentric of lawn sprinklers you ’ll find while shopping . They can then be transgress down into U-boat - types , like rotate , oscillating , and pulsating .
Spray Coverage/Pattern
count on the sprinkler type and manikin , sprinklers can have a spray reportage of anywhere from 400 straight groundwork all the fashion to 6,000 square feet , or more . TheOrbit Traveling Sprinkler , for example , has an telling spray reporting of 13,500 square groundwork .
Although some traveling sprinklers might offer a small sprayer reporting than a stationary simulation , it can cover more country thanks to its power to move around the yard .
“ Impact sprinklers are beneficial for long atomizer throws , while orbitual sprinklers are more efficient and less affected by wind , ” say Cosby . “ For newly seeded lawn , consider oscillating or wobbler sprinkler , which throw away a more gentle nebulizer . ”
You might come up that just one sprinkler is enough if you have a small- to intermediate - sized lawn , whereas a expectant lawn might need various sprinklers spread throughout the forage , or an irrigation kit with several sprinklers , like theFlantor Drip Irrigation Kit .
As well as insurance coverage , you may want to consider coverage patterns as well . “ Stationary sprinklers will typically cast an adjustable circular pattern , oscillating sprinklers a rectangular fan - like formula , while self - propelling manakin move in a round pattern , ” say Cosby .
Hose Size
Each sprinkler will state the suited hose size needed to mesh , but the typical size used for tasks requiring high pee pressing ( such as water sprinklers ) is ⅝ in .
“ Always check out the sprinkler hose connector size , ” Cosby advises . “ Most work with a standard ⅝-inch hosepipe , but some may require ¾-inch . ” Note that many of the thinner ½-inch hoses ca n’t move enough water to keep the sprinkler working .
Water Pressure
water supply atmospheric pressure is measure out in PSI , or pound per square inch . While most sprinklers are designed to be used with a minimum water pressure of approximately 30 PSI , you have to know the water force per unit area at your home before you buy the best lawn sprinkler for you .
According to Cosby , “ Rotary and wobbler - type sprinklers require less pee pressure , while impact sprinklers ask the most . ”
If you have good home water pressure level and find that the sprinklers are not perform as they should be or that the piddle pressure is low , there are many things you could try . For starters , you’re able to check the backflow preventer valve to make certain it ’s whole open . The same goes for the main weewee valves or shut - off valves .
You ’ll also require to see that there is n’t a water link rupture , a leak in the system , or some kind of obstruction in the question , such as dirt , that has caused the sprinkler to clog . If you still find that your sprinkler are n’t putting out a lot of pressure , you might want to call in an irrigation specializer .
Material
sprinkler can come in many different materials , but the most common are metal , and plastic , which is typically less expensive . Sprinkler pipe systems are often made from steel . Many sprinkler head are construct from firmly - wearing and durable abdominal muscle plastic or metals such as brass or untarnished steel .
charge card is less prone to rusting but could snap in too much direct sun . If you prefer for a metal adaptation and plan on have it for a longsighted time , secure that it ’s rust - proof , resistant to corroding , and can defy the elements . “ I favor metal sprinkler for the most part , ” Cosby severalize us . “ They are much more perdurable than high-pitched - impact plastics . ”
Other Lawn Sprinklers We Tested
Aqua Joe SJI-OMS16 Oscillating Sprinkler
TheAqua Joe SJI - OMS16 Oscillating Sprinkleris a smaller version of our pick for the best sprinkler for flower layer , theAqua Joe Oscillating Sprinkler . It ’s easy to define up , with unmortgaged pedagogy , and offer adequate insurance coverage , albeit with a limited ambit .
During examination , we institute that this sprinkler would be good for function on specific areas or projects rather than the whole lawn as , in plus to its belittled range , there are n’t many spray adjustments . Other than the two levers that keep in line how far left and right the sprinkler oscillates , there are no limited feature article , and you’re able to not adjust the approach pattern or saturation of the nebulizer .
Melnor 4501 Traveling Sprinkler Lawn Rescue
TheMelnor 4501 move Sprinkler Lawn Rescue , is an light - to - assemble unit with eminent - quality parts , including a brass tally for the hose connection . Although far - reaching , the spray was hard to curb . The weapons system can be somewhat adjusted , but the pressure has to be managed from the faucet . It also moved quite slowly ( so much so that we wonder if it was really turn ) .
Orbit 3-Arm High-Rise Sprinkler
TheOrbit 3 - Arm High - Rise Sprinklerhas a telescoping pole and three - arm sprinkler chief that volunteer an even and all-encompassing reporting of about a 50 - animal foot diameter . It ’s well - made , with a sturdy metal construction , and cheek arms .
The height is adjustable , but there are no context for spray saturation or direction . We specially like the two specific hosepipe slots on either side of the unit that allows you to daisy - mountain range more than one sprinkler together . While lacking in adjustable configurations , it ’s a long-lasting and good selection for medium - sized lawn and garden .
Your Questions, Answered
How often should you run your lawn sprinklers?
Whether you ’re a newfangled homeowner oryou’re new to lawn fear , know how often to run your lawn sprinklerstakes some practice . Typically , it depends on the time of twelvemonth and your area ’s clime .
On average , lawns should be watered around once a week unless there was a good amount of rainwater . However , in the summer , you should bewatering your lawntwo to three times per hebdomad . According to Cosby , lawns inareas with very red-hot and dry climatesmay demand to be water doubly a day .
In addition to the climate where you survive , Khandker articulate that how long you should be launch the sprinklers for depends on " the type of green goddess you have , the case of sprinkler you have , and the size of your lawn . "
For example , ardent - season grass needs less watering than cool - season pot , so check out with your nurseryman or lawn specializer to make certain you screw how much you should be watering your special type of skunk . As a acknowledgment point , the amount you should be irrigate your lawn usually averages 1 to 2 inch of water for most type of sess .
What is the best way to water a large lawn?
Lawn sprinklers are the dependable way of life to keep a large lawn watered . “ For really crowing lawns , consider a sprinkler cart with an impact sprayer , or self - propelled sprinkler , ” says Cosby . Impact sprayers , such as theOrbit Impact Sprinkler on Tripod Base , can attain more field quicker than other types thanks to the eminent body of water pressure . Traveling sprinklers can also get at more of the yard than stationary types .
Many professional indicate that the serious way to expeditiously water a lawn is to operate the sprinkler for half of the advise watering prison term , wait about 20 to 30 minute for the pee to to the full penetrate the surface , and then resume watering for the persist amount of sentence . To further maximise lachrymation efficiency and save weewee on a large lawn , Cosby advises watering your lawn “ in the morning or evening to annul fast vapour in the noonday Lord’s Day . ”
What is the most efficient lawn watering system?
Most water sprinkler will save you time , free energy , and urine , establish them a worthwhile leverage . “ Rotary sprinkler will be the most water - effective , while self - motivate sprinkler will often save the most time and effort , ” says Cosby .
Again , the most efficient lawn lacrimation system of rules for you depends mainly on the size of your garden . To efficiently irrigate a belittled garden , a stationary , rotating model , like theDramm Premium Turret Sprinkler , will suffice , whereas larger garden should prefer for traveling or impact sprinkler . Flower beds need a gentle spray , so something like theAqua Joe SJI - OMS20 hover Sprinkleror theFlantor Drip Irrigation Kitwould be best .
The manner youmow your lawn in each seasoncould also have an wallop on how well it gets irrigate . Khandker suggest that , in hot weather , you shouldleave your grass a piffling bit longerwhen you mop it . This encourages the pot to develop deeper roots to get at more water and stay good from the summertime heating system .
Who We Are
This clause was write byKat de Naoum , who has over 11 years of writing experience cover topics such as like homewares , gardening , home and leisure appliances , and beauty / skin care . She has been writing for Dotdash Meredith since 2019 , and atBHGsince 2021 . Kat is also the editor - at - turgid at Thomas - Xometry , the leading U.S. on-line platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing .
For this clause , she pass judgment test insight on lawn sprinkler we examine at home . Kat also spoke toSean Khandker , the owner of InsideOut Gardening , Coleman Cosby , the in - house building expert at Yardzen , andWesley Stanton , the possessor of Sierra Madre Landscape Co.
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list , you may have noticed our BHG Recommends stamp of approval . ware that earn the sealing wax have been put through stringent testing to make certain they ’re worth a bit in your home . We buy most of the merchandise we test ourselves , but now and again we are furnish samples by society if buying is n’t an choice . In these cases , we use the same examination standard we employ to test the purchased products .
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
