Given the often brutal temperatures and lack of rain associated with summer time in the St. Louis area, effective irrigation can be a difference maker when it comes to maintaining healthy trees, shrubs, and landscaping around your home.

Watering effectively is not just about keeping your plants hydrated—it’s about doing so in a way that saves water, reduces waste, and supports sustainable gardening practices. With a wide range of options available, choosing the right irrigation system for your property can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are several tried-and-true methods for irrigating trees, shrubs, and landscaping, each with its own distinct of advantages.

1. Drip Irrigation Systems

What They Are
Drip irrigation is one of the most efficient methods for watering trees, shrubs, and garden beds. This system uses a network of tubes, emitters, and filters to deliver water directly to the roots of plants in a slow, controlled manner.

Why They’re Ideal For St. Louis Area Homeowners
The Midwestern climate experiences a mix of hot, dry summers and wet, humid conditions. Drip irrigation is perfect for these conditions because it minimizes water waste and ensures that water is delivered directly to the root zone where it’s needed most. This system can be customized to water trees individually or to cover larger areas, making it versatile for landscaping needs.

Advantages

• Water Conservation: Drip irrigation uses significantly less water than traditional sprinkler systems.
• Efficient Watering: By watering directly at the base of plants, it prevents water from evaporating or running off.
• Prevents Fungal Growth: Unlike sprinklers, which wet foliage, drip irrigation keeps water at the soil level, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

Best For: Trees, shrubs, garden beds, and flower pots.

2. Soaker Hoses

What It Is
Soaker hoses are porous, flexible hoses that allow water to seep out slowly along their length. These hoses are typically laid out across the ground near plants and provide a uniform level of water over a large area.

Why They’re Ideal For St. Louis Area Homeowners
Soaker hoses are a great low-cost, low-tech option for homeowners with garden beds or larger landscapes. They are particularly useful in areas with poor water retention, as they ensure that water seeps into the soil evenly and deeply.

Advantages

• Low Maintenance: Soaker hoses are simple to install and maintain.
• Even Distribution: Water is distributed evenly over the soil, preventing dry spots.
• Water Conservation: Like drip systems, soaker hoses reduce water runoff and evaporation.

Best For: Garden beds, shrubs, flower gardens, and trees with shallow root systems.

3. Sprinkler Systems

What They Are
Sprinkler systems have long been a popular option for irrigating large lawns and garden areas. These systems can be installed in-ground or above-ground, and they spray water across large areas in a pattern, similar to rainfall.

Why They’re An Excellent Choice For St. Louis Area Homeowners
For homeowners in Missouri with expansive lawns and landscaping, sprinkler systems are often the go-to option for broad coverage. These systems are easily adjustable, allowing homeowners to control the direction, coverage area, and duration of watering. They are also suitable for trees and shrubs that need more water in the spring and summer.

Advantages

• Wide Coverage: Sprinklers can cover large areas efficiently.
• Customization: Many modern systems offer timers, weather sensors, and zone control for targeted watering.
• Versatility: Can be used for lawns, trees, and flower beds.

Best For: Large lawns, lawns with trees, and expansive garden beds.

4. Automatic Irrigation Systems with Smart Controllers

What They Are
Smart irrigation systems take traditional sprinkler or drip systems to the next level. These systems are equipped with controllers that adjust watering schedules based on real-time data such as weather forecasts, soil moisture, and evaporation rates.

Why Automatic Irrigation Systems Controlled by Smart Systems are Ideal

With Missouri’s ever-changing weather patterns, it can be difficult to know when to water your landscape. Smart controllers help homeowners save water and maintain healthy plants by adjusting the watering schedule based on actual conditions. These systems can even be controlled remotely through a smartphone app.

Advantages

• Water Savings: Smart systems ensure that water is used only when necessary, cutting down on water waste.
• Convenience: Automation means you don’t have to worry about adjusting settings during periods of rain or drought.
• Optimal Watering: The system provides just the right amount of water for trees, shrubs, and lawns.

Best For: Homeowners with large landscapes, mixed plantings, or those who prefer automation.

5. Tree Watering Bags

What They Are
Tree watering bags are large, durable bags that wrap around the base of a newly planted tree. The bags slowly release water to the tree’s roots over an extended period (usually five to seven hours), allowing for deep watering that encourages strong root development.

Why They’re An Excellent Choice
Tree watering bags are perfect for new trees or those that require extra care during the early stages of establishment. The Missouri climate’s hot summers can stress newly planted trees, making this method especially useful in helping them get established without overwatering.

Advantages

• Deep Watering: Helps ensure that water reaches the root zone where it’s most needed.
• Simple to Use: These bags are easy to set up and can be refilled as needed.
• Reduces Water Runoff: Water is applied slowly, reducing the chances of runoff and ensuring it penetrates deeply into the soil.

Best For: Newly planted trees, young trees, and drought-prone species.

6. Rain Barrels

What They Are
Rain barrels are containers that collect and store rainwater from your gutters, providing an eco-friendly way to water plants during dry spells. They can be connected to your home’s downspout and come in various sizes.

Why They Can Be A Great Choice For Many Homeowners
Rain barrels are a great solution for homeowners looking to conserve water and reduce their environmental footprint. Since Missouri experiences periods of heavy rainfall, a rain barrel can capture water that would otherwise be wasted, providing an efficient way to irrigate your landscape during drier months.

Advantages

• Sustainability: Utilizes free, natural rainfall for irrigation.
• Cost-Effective: Once installed, rain barrels are free to use.
• Water Conservation: Reduces reliance on municipal water systems.

Best For: Gardens, flower beds, shrubs, and small trees.

Need Help with Your Irrigation? Contact Us Today!

Choosing the best irrigation system for your home depends on the specific needs of your trees, shrubs, and landscape. Whether you opt for the precision of drip irrigation, the simplicity of soaker hoses, or the wide coverage of sprinkler systems, each option offers distinct advantages to ensure that your plants stay healthy and hydrated throughout the year.

If you want to ensure your trees, shrubs and landscaping are healthy and well-hydrated this summer, our certified arborists and tree care specialists are ready to help! Contact us today!