This is the area directly underneath the outer tip of the branches. This is where roots can best absorb water. When it rains, the foliage of the plant keeps water from landing underneath it, but drips water off the ends of the branches for the tips of the roots to absorb. Expand your irrigation emitters as your plant grows. Once you become familiar with your system and how your plants use water, then you can determine watering schedules for the four seasons and program them into the controller.
Enormous waste occurs in neglected irrigation systems.
Broken lines, misplaced emitters, poorly designed systems all add up. When an irrigation system is installed, a plan should be made and kept with house papers for referral- for you and future owners. Use the plan to check emitter placement, output, and general maintenance at least once a year. A single bubbler is put near the base of the plant or series of plants, and the entire root system is flooded. Berms need to be expanded as the plant's dripline expands.