Mercy StephensThere is a review of the best sprinkler for small lawn in 2023.
In 2023, I embarked on a mission to find the best sprinkler for small lawns. To ensure a comprehensive assessment, I took the following steps:
- Purchased 6 Sprinklers: I acquired a diverse selection of sprinklers from different brands, each promising efficient performance for small lawns.
- Spent Over 80 Hours Testing: I dedicated a significant amount of time personally testing these sprinklers in various small lawn scenarios. This allowed me to assess their functionality, durability, and ease of use.
- Conducted Interviews: My commitment to finding the best sprinkler extended to speaking with real lawn owners who had hands-on experience with these devices. Their insights and feedback were invaluable in shaping my evaluations.
- Objective and Subjective Tests: To provide a well-rounded perspective, I conducted both objective tests, measuring technical specifications and performance metrics, and subjective tests, considering user experience and practicality.
It’s important to note that I didn’t receive any funding or incentives from manufacturers during this evaluation. My goal was to provide an unbiased and thorough review of the best sprinkler for small lawns.
After extensive testing and research, I can confidently present my findings on the best sprinkler for small lawns.
Among the sprinklers I assessed, one stood out as a top performer. While I encountered some challenges with water pressure when using a brass unit, it wasn’t a fault of the sprinkler itself. This particular brand has consistently delivered high-quality products, and the brass unit I tested was a testament to their craftsmanship. However, due to my specific water pressure situation, I opted for their plastic version, which has been working perfectly. I believe the brass unit would shine in areas with adequate water pressure, and I intend to keep it for future use.
I received feedback from a reader who shared their positive experience with the Rainbird 25PJDAC sprinkler head. They found it reliable and easily adjustable, offering a durable alternative to oscillating sprinklers. This feedback reaffirmed the robustness of some “old school” sprinklers, making them potentially generational investments.
In this blog post, I will delve into the advantages and disadvantages of sprinklers for small lawns, highlighting key features that matter when making a selection. Additionally, I’ll provide some practical tips to help you make the most of your chosen sprinkler. Let’s dive into the world of small lawn sprinklers!
The best sprinkler for a small lawn is the Melnor XT Metal Oscillating Lawn Sprinkler. It is affordable, easy to install, comes fitted with 20 spray nozzles, and has a good coverage area.
Contents
Comparison Table
| Sprinkler | Brand | Coverage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Melnor XT Metal Oscillating Lawn Sprinkler | Melnor | 4200 sq. ft. |
| 2 | GREEN MOUNT Lawn Sprinkler | Green Mount | 1600 sq. ft. |
| 3 | Orbit 56667N Impact Sprinkler | Orbit | 3600 sq. ft. |
| 4 | Milemont Garden 360 Degree Sprinkler | Milemont | 3600 sq. ft. |
| 5 | Rain Bird 25PJDAC Brass Impact Sprinkler | Rain Bird | 5000 sq. ft. |
Buying Guide: How to Pick a Suitable Sprinkler for Your Small Lawn
A handful of factors come into play when choosing a new sprinkler for your lawn. These factors become even more important when you have a small lawn. Let’s find out what they are.
How do you blow leaves off the lawn?
Size of Your Lawn
The size of your lawn greatly determines the type of sprinkler that will be suitable. Sprinklers have a coverage area rating. For small lawns, a coverage area rating of about 4200 sq. ft. is adequate.
You’ll find models with coverage area ratings of about 1600 sq. ft. If it’s less than the size of your lawn, then getting two of it will be just fine. Ensure the water hose is properly connected.
In addition to considering the size of your lawn, it’s pertinent to decide whether to water a specific area or everywhere. Specific areas can include flower beds and hedges.
Shape of Your Lawn
A lot of us are guilty of ignoring the shape of our lawn. It’s important to note that the size and shape of a lawn are two different things. A lawn can be small and circular in shape or large and circular in shape.
It can also be small and rectangular/square shaped as the case may be. Knowing the shape of your lawn can help you pick a sprinkler that is suitable for your lawn.
Obstructing Structures
Are there any structures that can interfere with your sprinkler’s activity? If yes, you need to take care of this. We suggest using a small perforated hose to disperse water in such areas.
Type Of Sprinkler
There are different types of sprinklers, each competing against the other to keep your plants looking clean and fresh. They include
- Traveling Sprinklers. This category of sprinklers moves along a defined route – on a movement cable. They water your lawn as they move from one end to another. Generally, they are suitable for watering large lawns and gardens.
- Spray Sprinklers. Spray sprinklers are suitable for medium-sized lawns and work best on flat-surfaced and sandy lawns. They are designed to have multiple water spraying nodes.
- Rotary Sprinklers. Rotor sprinklers produce continuous water streams and have either single or double sprays which rotate. They are suitable for large lawns especially the type found in parks.
- Drip Sprinklers. They release water in drip forms and are mostly used in areas where the water needs to be directed to a specific area e.g. flower bed.
- Fixed/Standing Sprinklers. Standing sprinklers are the type mounted on bases like tripods. The tripod has a connecting pipe where the hose that supplies water to the sprinkler is fitted into. It is mostly used to cover large areas and can be moved easily if the length of the hose allows for it.
- Oscillating Sprinklers. Oscillating sprinklers release water through an individual jet nozzle and is suitable for small and medium-sized lawns. You can easily adjust the spray pattern.
- Impact Sprinklers. Impact sprinklers fall under the spray sprinkler category although we tend to separate the two as standalone sprinkler types. An impact sprinkler requires high water pressure to move sprinkler arms and reach impressive distances. Adjusting an impact sprinkler is easy. Generally, impact sprinklers are suitable for both small and large-sized lawns and gardens.
Sprinkler Material
Plastic or metal, which one would you go for? The metal one, right? Metal sprinklers tend to last longer but are a tad heavier than their counterparts. The point where the hose connects to the sprinkler should also be metal.
On the other hand, plastic sprinklers are susceptible to damage and easy wear. Hence, we advise that you opt for the metal ones.
GPH(Gallon Per Hour) Rate
Having an idea of the amount of water your sprinkler will use in an hour can help you estimate your water needs. This will, in turn, help you to monitor your spending on water bills.
If you’d like treated water, it’s important to ensure the hose that leads to the sprinkler has a considerably good GPH. For most sprinklers, the sweet spot is between 300 GPH and 400 GPH.
Nozzle Needle
Your sprinkler should come with a nozzle needle. A nozzle needle is essential for removing clogs from the sprinkler nodes.
Does the Sprinkler Offer Any Form of Convenience?
Can you remotely turn off the sprinkler? Is there an off and on somewhere switch or will you need a raincoat trying to turn it off? Does it have a rain sensor?
How easy will it be to adjust the sprinkler to reach other areas? These are some of the questions your sprinkler should answer.
Stability
Your sprinkler should be stable enough on the ground not to rip over. For tripod and standalone sprinklers, a heavy metal base is important. The metal base will help make it stable on the ground while in operation.
Timer
Some Sprinklers come with their own timers. If yours doesn’t come with a timer, try as much as possible to get a sprinkler timer so as to be able to control your water flows. You certainly don’t want to increase your water bills, or do you?
Best Sprinkler For A Small Rectangular Lawn: Reviews
1. Melnor XT Metal Oscillating Lawn Sprinkler
Features: 4200 sq. ft coverage, low cost, width & range control, spray nozzles, strong build quality
In my extensive experience working with various sprinkler types, the Melnor XT Metal Oscillating Lawn Sprinkler has truly stood out. Having tested countless models, including rotary sprinklers, I can confidently say that this plastic version is the best among them. What sets it apart is the option to choose different nozzles for adjusting both the gallons per minute and the spray distance. Unlike its metal counterparts, this sprinkler demonstrates remarkable precision in delivering water exactly where it’s needed, without any wasteful side spraying.
Additionally, I had the opportunity to evaluate the Rainbird 25PJDAC sprinkler head, which turned out to be a wise investment. It arrived on time and met the product description accurately. Installing it on an Orbit circular base, I used it to water both my front and back yards. To my delight, it performed flawlessly and was incredibly easy to adjust. This purchase was prompted by the need to replace my previous oscillating sprinkler, which failed after a mere three years due to a drive system issue. The Rainbird sprinkler, with its “old school” design, suggests a level of robustness and durability that may make it a generational landscaping tool. Although it’s only been day one, I’m already very pleased with its performance and foresee it serving me well for years to come.
In my professional capacity as a landscaper, I’ve come to rely on Rainbird sprinklers for their consistent performance and unwavering reliability. What sets them apart is their adaptability – the ability to remove and replace the nozzles with different diameter orifices, making them suitable for varying water pressures and ideal for clearing obstructions. The spring clamps used for adjusting the spray pattern are user-friendly and maintain their tension even with years of use. In my line of work, I confidently proclaim Rainbird sprinkler heads as the best available in the market, offering both dependability and versatility.
It’s important to note that there’s a minor learning curve when it comes to adjusting the arc of spray and height/distance. The adjustment levers lack color or shape differentiation, which initially makes it less intuitive to discern which edge of the spray you’re adjusting. Nonetheless, once you become accustomed to the system, it effectively distributes water as desired. In conclusion, my experience with both the Melnor XT Metal Oscillating Lawn Sprinkler and Rainbird sprinkler heads, both personally and professionally, has been overwhelmingly positive, and I wholeheartedly recommend them.
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2. GREEN MOUNT Lawn Sprinkler
Features: 360 degrees rotation, weighted base, 2-arm metal sprinkler, and heavy-duty impulse sprinkler combo, up to 40 ft. reach.
My experience with the GREEN MOUNT Lawn Sprinkler has been a mix of both positives and negatives. One of its standout features is its impressive flexibility in adjusting the watering radius. You can easily fine-tune it to cover any angle, ranging from 5 to 360 degrees. Personally, I’ve found it quite effective when set at 180 degrees for a half-circle coverage. During its initial use, the sprinkler performed admirably, efficiently watering the designated area as expected.
However, I must highlight a significant issue that emerged after just 30 days of use, prompting me to revise my initial rating. The sprinkler head suddenly stopped rotating, even though I had ensured it was securely locked down and stabilized on its base. This reliability problem isn’t isolated to my experience, as I’ve come across similar issues reported by other users. Regrettably, this setback has significantly impacted my satisfaction with the product, and I’m now in the market for a replacement sprinkler.
Despite this reliability hiccup, there are some positive aspects to note. Setting up the unit is a breeze, thanks to its lightweight design, allowing for effortless relocation around the yard. Positioning it in the middle of the area ensures efficient and widespread coverage. What’s particularly convenient is that it comes with two different attachments, each tailored for specific yard sizes and requirements. The attachment with two heads works wonderfully for smaller yards, covering a wide area with its spinning motion. In contrast, the spray attachment is ideal for larger yards, offering extended reach. Switching between these attachments is a straightforward process, streamlining lawn maintenance and resulting in a well-watered and healthy lawn.
Furthermore, the inclusion of two head options in this sprinkler adds to its versatility. It was a pleasant surprise to discover this feature, and it certainly enhances its usability. My partner and I had been on the hunt for a durable sprinkler to care for our lawn, and this product initially seemed promising. The ease of changing out the heads and the addition of wheels for mobility make it a convenient choice. Despite the reliability issue, its sturdier build ensures it remains in place without the need for frequent adjustments. In conclusion, the GREEN MOUNT Lawn Sprinkler, while promising in many aspects, does suffer from a notable reliability concern, which has affected my overall assessment of an otherwise practical gardening tool.
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3. Milemont Garden 360 Degree Sprinkler
Features: 360 degrees rotation, 3 spray arms, 3600 sq. ft coverage area, fast-spinning head, comes with a garden flag, and requires 80 psi water pressure to run efficiently.
In my experience with the Milemont Garden 360 Degree Sprinkler, I’ve encountered several features that make it a valuable addition to my gardening toolkit. Notably, this sprinkler offers a wide coverage area and is remarkably easy to use. What sets it apart is the convenience of not requiring a spike, allowing me to use it effortlessly even in challenging conditions like hard and dry ground.
One of the standout aspects of this sprinkler is its compatibility with areas characterized by consistently low water pressure, such as my backyard. It handles low pressure remarkably well and provides versatility in covering both large and small areas. The adjustable spray mechanisms enable me to fine-tune the watering pattern, ensuring efficient and precise coverage, regardless of my yard’s size.
In comparison to other sprinklers I’ve tested, the Milemont Garden 360 Degree Sprinkler emerges as the top performer. Its reliability becomes particularly evident in my small yard, where rotating sprinklers often struggled, getting stuck or failing to distribute water evenly. This style of sprinkler not only excels in smaller spaces but also proves its effectiveness in larger yards. The ability to easily adjust the water flow allows me to target specific areas, promoting efficient and controlled watering.
In conclusion, the Milemont Garden 360 Degree Sprinkler has proven to be an invaluable addition to my gardening tools. Its adaptability to various yard sizes, compatibility with low water pressure, and freedom from spike requirements make it a practical and efficient choice for maintaining a lush and well-watered lawn or garden. While some minor drawbacks were noted, such as a slightly shorter spray distance and occasional clogging, these issues did not significantly compromise its overall performance and reliability.
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4. Orbit 56667N Impact Sprinkler
Features: tripod-based sprinkler with adjustable height, 360 degrees rotation, 3600 sq. ft coverage area, plastic parts.
My experience with the Orbit 56667N Impact Sprinkler has been marked by a notable improvement over my previous “Fan style” sprinkler. The primary reason for seeking a replacement was the inefficiency of my old sprinkler in covering my entire yard. In this regard, the Orbit unit has excelled, providing exceptional yard coverage and demonstrating sturdy construction. The adjustable legs have been particularly valuable, allowing me to tailor the sprinkler’s height to suit different areas of my yard.
It’s worth mentioning that impact sprinklers like this one, while offering extensive customization options, do require a bit of effort to achieve precise spray and coverage. Multiple adjustments, including height, spray pattern, spray height, range, and coverage area, necessitate a learning curve. However, once you become familiar with these adjustments, the sprinkler offers remarkable performance. Its versatility has been a standout feature, enabling me to cover a large area effectively while fine-tuning the spray pattern to match my specific needs.
My initial challenges in operating the sprinkler stemmed from the provided instructions, which were somewhat lacking in clarity. To overcome this obstacle, I turned to an instructional YouTube video published by Orbit. This resource proved exceptionally helpful in demystifying the sprinkler’s mechanics. Once I gained a solid understanding, the sprinkler’s performance became quite impressive. Its solid construction and the array of customization options available made it a valuable addition to my gardening equipment.
For individuals contending with low water pressure, the Orbit 56667N Impact Sprinkler offers a promising solution. With some adjustments and fine-tuning, I successfully optimized its performance, even in areas with less-than-ideal water pressure. The impact head, constructed from zinc, appears to be of high quality, and the tripod legs, whether plastic or fiberglass, provided stable support. Additionally, the latches and quick-connect hardware demonstrated durability and reliability.
In conclusion, the Orbit 56667N Impact Sprinkler has proven to be an effective and versatile choice for those seeking customizable high-impact water coverage. Its assembly is straightforward, and it commences operation promptly. While it excels in covering large areas, individuals with narrower lawn spaces may want to consider whether an oscillating sprinkler might be a more suitable alternative. Nonetheless, this impact sprinkler offers a reliable and efficient solution once its various adjustments are mastered.
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5. Rain Bird 25PJDAC Brass Impact Sprinkler
Features: 180 degrees and 360 degrees rotation, tough materials, works with low water pressure, great impact spray, strong build quality.
In my experience with the Rain Bird 25PJDAC Brass Impact Sprinkler, I’ve encountered a mix of expectations and performance. Given the brand’s reputation for quality, I initially opted for the brass unit, expecting it to be a durable addition to my gardening arsenal. However, I faced an unexpected challenge related to water pressure. When I connected the sprinkler to a 50-foot hose through a timer, the water pressure proved insufficient to activate the oscillation feature. After troubleshooting, I realized that the sprinkler functioned perfectly when directly connected to the spigot with a shorter hose. This led me to conclude that the sprinkler itself wasn’t at fault. Ultimately, I chose to go with the plastic version of this unit, which suited my needs better. Nevertheless, I’ve retained the brass one for potential future use.
Throughout my gardening journey, I’ve experimented with various sprinklers, including rotary models. Among them, the Rain Bird 25PJDAC Brass Impact Sprinkler in plastic stands out as one of the best. I highly recommend the version that includes different nozzles, allowing for precise adjustments in gallons per minute and spray distance. What truly distinguishes this sprinkler, especially from its metal counterparts, is its precision in delivering water without wasteful side spraying.
In a different context, my interaction with the Rain Bird 25PJDAC sprinkler head was largely positive. The product arrived on time and aligned with its description. Upon installation on an Orbit circular base, the sprinkler performed exceptionally well and was easily adjustable. I acquired this sprinkler head to replace my previous oscillating sprinkler, which had a short-lived existence, succumbing after a mere three years due to a drive system failure. The Rain Bird sprinkler, with its classic design, exudes robustness and durability, possibly rendering it a generational landscaping tool. Despite it being only the first day of use, I’ve already found great satisfaction in this purchase.
As a professional landscaper, my reliance on Rain Bird sprinklers has grown over the years, primarily due to their unwavering reliability. A standout feature is the ability to replace nozzles with different diameter orifices, allowing for adaptation to varying water pressures and efficient obstruction removal. The spring clamps, used for adjusting the spray pattern, remain user-friendly and maintain their tension even after years of use. Drawing from my extensive experience, I confidently assert that Rain Bird sprinkler heads rank among the best available in the market, combining dependability with versatility.
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Final Words
Choosing a good sprinkler for your small lawn isn’t as hard as you think. Give your lawn the shiny bath it deserves by purchasing the best sprinklers. And don’t forget to cut your lawn properly.
Resources
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- Kentucky Bluegrass vs Perennial Ryegrass - October 7, 2022
I’ll go with the Melnor 65000. It’s not on your list but I think its a variant of your top pick. Works fine for me.
Great point, you don’t need a massive system for a small lawn, but one that’s hands off (at least to an extent) is an amazing thing that everyone should have. Great post!
Thank you Joe. Little by little, the water gets everywhere.