Sprinkler spacing should provide 100% overlap of watered areas. Exceptions can allow for slightly farther spacing to accommodate odd shapes, but at least 80% of heads should be head-to-head. Maximum spacing is the sprinkler radius multiplied by 60%. Smaller radius sprinklers may require radius adjustment devices to reduce spacing below 50% of the radius. Uniform spacing is important for even water coverage, with gradual changes in spacing. Square, triangular, and rectangular patterns are common, with different recommended spacing percentages based on wind conditions.

1. Sprinkler Spacing Area watered by each sprinkler must overlap They are designed to require 100% overlap of watered areas The Sprinkler radius = the distance between sprinklers

3. Exceptions A few can be slightly farther apart to work around odd shaped areas At least 80% should be head-to head To get the absolute maximum Diameter (radius x 2) times 60% 15’ radius x 2 x .6 = 18 feet maximum If in a windy spot spaced at 45% diameter Anything over 10mph cause trouble

4. Where is the water falling?

5. Smaller radius Usually a radius adjustment device Don’t go lower than 50% Don’t forget to reduce the distance between heads

6. Uniformity of spacing Keep the distance as uniform as possible between heads Form an equilateral triangle if possible This creates more even water coverage than a square Changes in spacing should be made a gradually as possible

7. Patterns Square Triangular Rectangle

9. Square Pattern For square areas Borders with 90 0 angles Weakest for proper coverage Problem is the diameter between the corners is larger than the radius Rainbird recommends 55% spacing for 0 wind

10. Square Pattern in Wind Per Rainbird for square pattern 45% diameter 8 – 12 mph 50% diameter 4 – 7 mph 55% diameter 0 – 3 mph Maximum spacing Wind velocities

11. Problem with square pattern

15. Triangular Pattern Used where area has irregular boundaries or borders that are open to over spray Equilateral triangle pattern

16. Triangular Pattern Because the sprinklers are offset, the middle potential dry spot in a square pattern is eliminated Usually can be spaced farther than with square pattern Can mean less sprinklers, cost, time, maintenance over the life of the system

17. Square Pattern in Wind Per Rainbird for triangular pattern 50% diameter 8 – 12 mph 55% diameter 4 – 7 mph 60% diameter 0 – 3 mph Maximum spacing Wind velocities

18. Rectangular Pattern For windy site conditions Defined straight boundaries and corners Pattern should be a 60% spacing

19. Square Pattern in Wind Per Rainbird for rectangular pattern Measure S – Spacing (hypotenuse of a triangle) Measure L – lateral (height of the triangle)S*.866 L=60% diameter S=40% of diameter 8 – 12 mph L=60% diameter S=45% of diameter 4 – 7 mph L=60% diameter S=50% of diameter 0 – 3 mph Maximum spacing Wind velocities

20. Steps Start drawing a sprinkler in each corner Draw sprinklers around the perimeter of the irrigated area Adjust to make the spacing between as even as possible Then draw the interior area sprinklers

22. Wind Spacing

23. Over-water Can use radius adjustments to cut down the water if necessary Easier to remove a sprinkler than to add one

24. Narrow Strips Standard spray types closer adjusted down to 6 feet don’t work very well If long a narrow site, use strip pattern nozzles Stryker – prefers ‘side strip’ rather than center strip Stryker – End-strip nozzles have notoriously bad patterns. Don’t use them more than 10’ from the next head

25. Narrow Strips continued If using standard spray sprinklers (1/4, ½, full circle nozzles) and they must be adjusted less than 6 feet use PRESSURE COMPENSATING DEVICE to reduce the radius The device goes under the nozzle Have to pick the correct device for each nozzle See Rainbird catalog pg.88 for 1800 PCS

26. Long and Narrow Example End strips and side strips Spot on either side of end strips can be dry Avoid using 2 end strips facing each other Add a center strip between the 2 ends if possible

27. Narrow Strips wider than 5’ Use regular half circle heads on both sides Make the heads not more than 1 foot sider than the width of the planter ie. If the planter is 8’ wide make the sprinklers not more than 9’ apart Best if arranged in a triangular pattern