If it does not leaf out next year, consider it dead. Water heavy the first year. Watch the pads for shrinkage. Yes, but the advantage of having them exposed is you can see them and watch for water dripping out at the time its scheduled to be running. Keep drip emitters and sprinkler heads on different programs of your irrigation system.
Emitters distribute water in gallons per hour and sprinklers in gallons per minute.
The valve setup for drip irrigation is very different. Encourage them to come to one of the drip irrigation classes. Buy the irrigation clock that meets your plants' needs. Call the Conservation Helpline at 258-SAVE for more specific recommendations. If you're considering replacing a mechanical clock with a solid state clock, you may be eligible for an Irrigation Clock Rebate from the Southern Nevada Water Authority.