Maintaining a lush, green lawn and a vibrant garden requires dedication and effort. However, for those living busy lives, it can be challenging to find the time to devote to gardening. With schedules filled with work, school, and other responsibilities, our gardens often suffer from neglect. This is especially true when it comes to selecting the right lawn care tools, such as a reliable garden hose.
In my own experience, I’ve struggled to find the perfect hose, only to encounter kinks, reduced water pressure, and leaky spray guns. But what if you could streamline your gardening routine with a lawn sprinkler? Not only do they conserve time and energy, but they also promote healthy plant growth, reduce watering costs, and provide precision irrigation. By incorporating a lawn sprinkler into your gardening arsenal, you can achieve the envy-worthy lawn and garden of your dreams.
The 8 Best Sprinklers
Among the numerous lawn sprinklers available, several stand out for their exceptional performance and reliability. For instance, the Nelson Head Stationary Sprinkler is our top pick, offering a consistent and efficient watering experience. The GrowGreen Lawn Sprinkler also deserves recognition for its innovative design and ability to cover large areas with ease.
Meanwhile, the Rain Bird Impact Sprinkler, Melnor Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler, Gardena ZoomMaxx Sprinkler, Gilmour Head Impulse Sprinkler, and Orbit Impact Sprinkler all provide unique features that cater to different lawn care needs.
Our Top Pick for the Best Sprinkler
Our top recommendation for an outstanding sprinkler is the Nelson Head Stationary Sprinkler, which boasts a remarkable 8 water patterns to select from. This unparalleled range of options enables you to fine-tune the spray settings and optimize water usage, catering to diverse plant types and densities. You can opt for a gentle shower perfect for fragile flora or a broader spray ideal for dense foliage.
The Nelson’s metal base ensures exceptional durability and longevity, while its aesthetically pleasing design seamlessly integrates into your garden landscape. To explore this top-notch sprinkler further, simply check the price on Amazon.
7 Benefits of Using a Lawn Sprinkler
With a sprinkler system, all the watering worries are taken care of. Once you’ve selected the perfect model for your lawn and garden, set it up and let it do the work for you. The market offers a diverse range of sprinklers catering to different lawn sizes and garden shapes, including portable options that can be easily moved around.
Some models are designed to blend in seamlessly with the surroundings, providing just the right amount of water for your plants without drawing attention to themselves. Say goodbye to frustrating hose kinks, misfit hoses, and constant replacement due to sun damage. With a wide range of styles to choose from – standing or spike, rotating, oscillating, tripod, or traveling – you’ll have greater control over your water usage thanks to smart features that promote water conservation.
Not only does this make life easier, but it also provides a fun outdoor activity for kids during the hot summer months. Some sprinklers even come equipped with soft, ergonomic controls that are easy to adjust, making them perfect for families.
Choosing the Lawn Sprinkler that is Right for You
When it comes to selecting the right sprinkler system for your garden or lawn, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The type of sprinkler you choose will depend on several factors that are unique to your outdoor space. Before you begin your search, consider the following key questions: What is the size and shape of your garden or lawn? Do you need to focus on specific areas, such as flowerbeds or large lawns?
Are there non-turf areas that require irrigation, or do you have spots where water needs to seep directly into the soil? Does your garden feature varying soil types that necessitate different levels of moisture? And finally, is your outdoor space characterized by flat terrain, a slope, or an irregular shape? As you start exploring the world of sprinklers and irrigation systems, it’s essential to consider three key factors: water efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and the quality of materials used.
With so many options available, from standing and traveling sprinklers made of metal or plastic, it can be overwhelming. Some models are portable and designed for easy movement around your garden, while others can be mounted on a tripod or use an oscillating motion to ensure even coverage. To help you navigate the many choices out there, let’s take a closer look at the three most common styles of sprinklers available in the market:
Different Types of Lawn Sprinkler
When it comes to choosing the right irrigation system for your garden, understanding the benefits and limitations of each type can be crucial. The three main categories are spray, rotor heads, and drip systems, each with its unique characteristics and advantages. Spray sprinkler systems are suitable for medium-sized spaces, including smaller areas like flower beds and vegetable patches.
They allow for controlled water usage, perform well on flat surfaces, and excel in highly absorbent soil such as sand. Rotor heads are designed for larger areas, including lawns and commercial spaces like parks. They produce a continuous stream of water, available in single or double spray options. Drip systems consist of tubes or hoses with small holes that allow water to drip directly into the soil.
Ideal for long-term irrigation purposes, they direct water towards specific plants or sections, making them suitable for large areas. Drip systems also provide even, controlled coverage and can be buried under soil, preserving the aesthetic appeal of your garden. Standing or spike sprinklers are either mounted on a spike driven into the ground or a tripod. This type excels in covering large lawns, offering good coverage. Tripod-mounted sprinklers allow for adjustable height and range settings.
Oscillating sprinklers distribute water through individual jets, providing even irrigation to small plots and medium-sized lawns. The pulse or spray pattern can be adjusted according to the area’s size. Available in aluminum or plastic, some models feature double brass jets for improved water dispersion. Traveling sprinklers, like the Orbit Impact Sprinkler, are self-propelled and travel along the hose path, ideal for large watering areas.
8 Best Sprinklers – Reviews
GrowGreen Lawn Sprinkler
The GrowGreen Lawn Sprinkler is a versatile tool that not only serves as an effective watering system for general gardening use, but also provides a fun way to keep kids cool during hot summer days. Unlike other similar products made from plastic, this rotor-style sprinkler boasts an extra thick and durable ABS construction, making it both lightweight and easy to set up and operate.
Its robust design allows it to handle 80 PSI water pressure, and its 360° rotation and expansive spray coverage of up to 3600-square-feet make it suitable for large and irregularly shaped gardens. The sprinkler’s bright green color also adds a pop of vibrancy to any garden setting. For water-conscious gardeners, the adjustable nozzles ensure an even layer of water application, allowing for optimal usage and conservation.
On the plus side, the GrowGreen Lawn Sprinkler offers great value for money, with easy setup and connection to your tap, lightweight portability, and the ability to handle high water pressure. Additionally, its fully adjustable nozzles provide greater control over water usage. However, some users may experience issues with arms snapping off or hose connections leaking under high water pressure.
Gesentur Lawn Sprinkler
The Gesentur Lawn Sprinkler is a versatile and efficient watering solution for small to medium-sized lawns. Its innovative double water inlet feature helps conserve water, while its three rotating arms with vertical nozzles and multi-angle settings deliver continuous circular jets of water up to 26-32.8 feet in diameter. The sprinkler’s adjustable spray direction (45° or 90°) allows for targeted watering, and its upgraded brass connector ensures a secure connection to the hose.
Made from durable bright green ABS plastic, this lightweight and portable sprinkler is easy to spot and transport. Additionally, it can be linked with multiple lawn sprinklers for comprehensive garden irrigation. When not watering, the Gesentur Sprinkler also provides hours of summer fun for kids. While offering good value and multi-purpose use, some drawbacks include compatibility limitations (may not fit all hose types) and a recommended maximum water pressure of 60 PSI.
Rain Bird Impact Sprinkler
The Rain Bird Impact Sprinkler is an exceptional watering solution for residential and commercial properties, including gardens, farms, or orchards. This full-circle 360° lawn sprinkler is ideal for large lawns, gardens, and planting beds, covering up to 5200 square feet with its -inch inlet. Its heavy-duty construction featuring diecast brass, bronze, and stainless steel ensures durability.
As the sprinkler operates, it produces a distinct impact sound, indicating that your plants are receiving the water they need for healthy growth. The device allows you to adjust the water stream’s size by diffusing it into smaller or larger droplets or modifying the deflector to alter the stream length between 20 and 41 feet.
Melnor Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler
The Melnor Turbo Oscillating Sprinkler is a powerful tool designed to cover large areas, with its 20 rubber nozzles capable of watering up to 4200 square feet. Its adjustable design and clog-resistant nozzles make it an efficient choice for lawn or garden care. While the sprinkler’s low profile can cause interruptions in the spray pattern if placed on uneven terrain, this issue is easily resolved by placing it on a flat surface.
The Melnor Turbo Sprinkler has received praise for its oscillating range and performance with low water pressure, although some users have noted that regular cleaning can help prevent nozzle clogging. For larger lawns, multiple sprinklers may be necessary to achieve effective coverage. In terms of pros, the Melnor Turbo offers ease of adjustment, even coverage, and compatibility with low water pressure.
However, some cons include a shut-off value that doesn’t fully turn off the water supply and the sprinkler’s tendency to shift out of its flat position on uneven ground.
Gardena ZoomMaxx Sprinkler
The Gardena ZoomMaxx Sprinkler may be compact in size, but it’s perfectly suited for watering medium-sized gardens, particularly those small areas like front yards and narrow strips. Its sturdy foot allows secure positioning on surfaces with a 15% incline, while the included timer provides added convenience. The weighted base and circular design ensure the sprinkler remains stable even when using high water pressure, and the fine mesh protects the nozzles from debris blockages.
This heavy-duty watering system empowers you to control the right amount of water flow for small spaces, directing spray towards smaller lawns or larger garden areas with ease. While it may be one of the more premium brands, the ZoomMaxx offers adjustable direction control, quick-release attachments, and a sturdy base. Its reliability is further underscored by its ability to withstand regular use.
Some users may find its price tag steep, but the benefits it provides make it a worthwhile investment for many garden enthusiasts.
Gilmour Head Impulse Sprinkler
The Gilmour Head Impulse Sprinkler is an excellent choice for homeowners with large lawns, as it offers comprehensive coverage of up to 5,800-square-feet. Unlike other sprinklers made from ABS plastic, this heavy-duty die-cast metal and brass/zinc head design ensures exceptional durability and longevity.
The polymer sled base provides a sturdy foundation, while the adjustable spray distance of up to 43-feet and rotation control allow for precise watering over partial areas in an 86-feet circular pattern. Additionally, users can adjust the spray from gentle rain to powerful jet stream, making it suitable for various gardening needs. An extra connection outlet enables the attachment of multiple sprinklers.
Although it may flip over if not placed on level ground and experience some sticking issues with its head, Gilmour is committed to replacing any faulty parts. To resolve these problems, applying WD-40 can be an effective solution. Overall, this sprinkler’s pros outweigh its cons, offering easy setup, heavy-duty construction, rustproofing, even coverage, adjustability, and a powerful jet stream option.
Nelson Head Stationary Sprinkler
The Nelson Head Stationary Sprinkler stands out from other options due to its unique combination of features. The 8 pre-set watering patterns, accompanied by an ergonomic dial and hose connector, provide users with a high degree of control over water flow and pressure. Additionally, the sprinkler’s metal base allows for secure placement in small spaces such as flower beds or irregularly shaped gardens.
While it may not be the most durable option, its attractive decorative design and affordability make it an ideal choice for those looking to add some flair to their gardening routine. Notably, the Nelson Head Sprinkler excels in terms of control, allowing users to adjust water pressure and application with ease. However, it’s worth noting that hose connection can leak under high pressure and requires a level surface to function properly.
Orbit Impact Sprinkler
The Orbit Impact Sprinkler offers a significant advantage in terms of flexibility and versatility, making it an excellent choice for gardeners with larger plots. Its powerful spray can reach up to 90 feet, allowing for thorough watering of tall plants and access to hard-to-reach areas. Although it may topple over when using high water pressure, this issue can be easily addressed by adjusting the tripod’s leg span and tightening its height.
Overall, the Orbit Impact Sprinkler is well-regarded for its solid construction, ease of setup, and suitability for placement on uneven ground, featuring brass fittings as an added touch. The adjustable tripod legs and height allow for precise distribution of water to even the most inaccessible areas, while the ability to fold down into a compact size makes storage a breeze.
While there are some drawbacks to consider, such as limitations with low water pressure and potential leaks from the sprinkler head, the Orbit Impact Sprinkler’s many pros make it an attractive option for gardeners seeking a reliable and effective solution.
Our Top Pick for the Best Sprinkler
When it comes to choosing the best sprinkler, our top recommendation is the Nelson Head Stationary Sprinkler. This exceptional product offers an impressive 8 water pattern options, allowing for unparalleled control over spray settings and water usage. Users can effortlessly select between a gentle shower for fragile plants or a broader spray for dense foliage. The robust metal base ensures long-lasting durability, while its attractive design seamlessly integrates into any garden landscape.
