A drip irrigation system is ideal for small areas or individual plants and can deliver anywhere between one to ten gallons of water per hour with little to no waste. Plastic pipes are installed close to the soil or on top of mulch, and the water drips slowly for maximum efficiency and absorption.
A sprinkler system is best suited for large areas and the water pipes are installed below ground. A pump mechanism is used to deliver the water to the above-ground sprinkler heads and the system can be set on a timer for ease of use. In areas where the ground is uneven or sloped, runoff, pooling, or erosion may occur and watering volume and duration may need to be adjusted.