Design it right. Install it clean. Water with confidence.
A great irrigation system isn’t just “sprinklers in the ground.” In Boerne and the greater San Antonio area, smart sprinkler system installation is about protecting your plants, your foundation, and your water bill—while also staying aligned with local conservation expectations and backflow safety requirements. This guide breaks down what matters most: layout, zoning, components, backflow prevention, and the small details that separate an average system from one that performs reliably for years.
What “good” sprinkler system installation looks like in the Hill Country
Boerne landscapes often include a mix of turf, native plants, limestone-based soils, and sun-heavy exposures—so irrigation works best when it’s designed around plant needs instead of “one schedule for everything.” A high-performing system typically includes:
Hydrozones: turf zones separated from shrubs, beds, and trees so each area gets the right amount of water.
Matched precipitation: head-to-head coverage and correct nozzle selection to reduce dry spots and runoff.
Pressure management: avoiding misting and overspray (a common waste issue when pressure is too high).
Targeted watering: drip/microirrigation where it makes sense—especially for beds, shrubs, and trees.
Smart scheduling: controller settings that adjust with seasons and rainfall, not a “set it and forget it” approach.
Key components that impact performance (and repairs)
When homeowners inherit an older system, the most common problems aren’t “broken heads”—they’re design issues that show up later as runoff, dead patches, or frequent leaks. During installation, these items make a big difference:
Valve placement & access: valves should be reachable without digging up the yard every time.
Head type selection: rotors, sprays, and MP-style nozzles each have best-use cases.
Drip for beds: efficient delivery to roots, especially with mulch and native plantings.
Check valves & anti-drain: helps prevent low-head drainage on slopes.
Proper depth and routing: protects pipe from damage and keeps serviceability in mind.
Backflow prevention: it’s not optional “nice-to-have” safety
Any connection between your irrigation system and potable water carries a contamination risk if pressure drops and water reverses direction. Texas guidance highlights irrigation systems as common residential cross-connection concerns and notes testing requirements when the backflow prevention assembly is installed—and some providers also require ongoing testing. In San Antonio, annual testing is required by local ordinance and program rules.
Practical takeaway: If you’re installing a new sprinkler system (or upgrading an older one), plan for the correct backflow device type, professional installation, and testing documentation. It’s a small step compared to the cost of water issues or compliance headaches.
Quick “Did you know?” facts Boerne property owners appreciate
Smart controllers can cut waste
EPA notes WaterSense-labeled controllers use weather or soil moisture data to better match watering to landscape needs, helping reduce overwatering and wasted water.
Monthly inspections beat expensive surprises
Regular checks for broken heads, clogged nozzles, and leaks can prevent runoff, muddy areas, and high bills—especially after mowing or construction work.
Drip irrigation is ideal for beds and trees
Drip/microirrigation applies water slowly at the root zone, which can reduce evaporation and overspray compared to watering beds with sprays.
Sprinkler system options (and where each one fits best)
| System / Component | Best For | Watch Outs | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotor zones | Large turf areas | Overwatering edges; runoff on slopes | Use cycle/soak scheduling for clay or compacted soils |
| Spray/MP-style nozzles | Smaller lawns, tight spaces | Misting/overspray if pressure is high | Pressure regulation helps keep water on plants, not in the air |
| Drip / microirrigation | Beds, shrubs, trees, natives | Clogged emitters if filters aren’t maintained | Install proper filtration + flush points for long-term reliability |
| Smart controller (weather/soil-based) | Homes and commercial sites wanting fewer adjustments | Still needs correct setup; wrong plant settings can waste water | Program by hydrozone and season; review after lawn changes |
Planning hardscape or rock features too? Estimating materials early can keep your project on budget. Use our Gravel Calculator, Mulch Calculator, or Concrete Calculator to get a quick estimate before installation begins.
A practical installation checklist (what we verify before we walk away)
At Blades of Glory Landscaping, sprinkler system installation is treated like a long-term utility upgrade—because that’s what it becomes once it’s in the ground. A quality install typically includes:
Coverage test: confirm head-to-head performance and adjust arcs to stop watering pavement.
Pressure and flow checks: verify the system can run zones effectively without starving heads.
Hydrozone mapping: label zones logically (front turf, side turf, beds, trees) for easier future adjustments.
Controller programming: set a baseline schedule with seasonal reality in mind, not peak-summer settings year-round.
Backflow device coordination: confirm required device placement and help you stay ready for testing/documentation.
Pro landscaping tie-in
If you’re planting new beds, consider Texas-adapted selections so you’re not building an irrigation system to support plants that struggle in our summers. Browse our Texas Native Plants resource for drought-tolerant options that can look great with less water once established.
Local angle: watering restrictions, Boerne-to-San Antonio reality, and scheduling smarter
Water rules can vary by provider and drought stage, but the trend across our region is clear: less frequent watering, better targeted. For San Antonio, the Edwards Aquifer Authority drought restriction guidance highlights once-per-week irrigation by assigned day during certain stages, with specific allowed hours and separate rules for drip. Many areas connected to SAWS operate under conservation stages that limit landscape watering days, so a system that relies on “more runtime” to compensate for poor design becomes frustrating fast.
What this means for installation: We prioritize zoning, drip where appropriate, and controller programming that can work inside a one-day-per-week framework when required—because efficiency isn’t just good practice; it’s how you keep landscapes healthy when watering opportunities are limited.
If you’re located in San Antonio neighborhoods like Stone Oak, Shavano Park, Rogers Ranch, or The Dominion, you may also want a system check that aligns with the irrigation needs of mature oaks, mixed sun exposure, and HOA-driven curb appeal expectations. Helpful local pages: Landscaping in Stone Oak, Shavano Park Landscaping, Rogers Ranch Landscaping, Landscaping in The Dominion.
Ready for sprinkler system installation or irrigation repairs in Boerne / San Antonio?
Whether you’re building a new landscape, replacing an older system, or trying to stop soggy spots and runoff, we’ll help you plan a water-smart solution that fits your property and maintenance goals.
FAQ: Sprinkler system installation & backflow safety
How many irrigation zones do I need for my property?
It depends on turf area size, sun/shade differences, plant types, and water pressure/flow. As a rule, separate turf from beds and trees, then split zones where exposure differs (full sun vs. shade) so you’re not overwatering one area to keep another alive.
Is a smart sprinkler controller worth it in Boerne?
If you want fewer manual adjustments through the year, yes—especially when weather swings. EPA’s WaterSense program highlights controllers that use weather or soil moisture data to help match watering to landscape needs and reduce wasted water.
What is backflow prevention and why does it matter for irrigation?
Backflow prevention helps stop non-potable water from flowing backward into the drinking water supply during pressure drops. Irrigation systems are a common cross-connection risk, so the right device and testing help protect both your home and the public system.
Do irrigation backflow devices need to be tested?
Commonly, yes. Texas guidance notes backflow assemblies should be checked when installed, and your water provider may require additional testing such as annually. In San Antonio (SAWS), annual testing is required by ordinance and program rules, and testing must be performed by a licensed backflow tester.
Can I combine sprinklers for lawn and drip for beds on the same system?
Yes—and it’s often the best setup. The key is keeping them on separate zones so run times match their needs. Drip usually runs differently than turf irrigation, and mixing them in one zone often leads to wasted water or stressed plants.
Glossary (quick definitions)
Backflow: Unwanted reverse flow of water that can pull contaminants into the potable water supply during pressure drops.
Backflow Prevention Assembly (BPA): A mechanical device (or approved method such as an air gap) installed to prevent backflow.
Hydrozone: A grouping of plants (or turf areas) with similar water needs, managed by one irrigation zone.
Matched Precipitation: Selecting heads/nozzles so each head in a zone applies water at a similar rate for even coverage.
Microirrigation (Drip): Low-flow irrigation that applies water slowly and close to the root zone through emitters or dripline.
Cycle/Soak: A scheduling method that breaks watering into shorter cycles with soak time between to reduce runoff and improve infiltration.
WaterSense (EPA): An EPA program that labels water-efficient products (including certain irrigation controllers) that meet performance and efficiency criteria.
Want a full-property approach? Pair irrigation with Landscape Design, Hardscaping, and Lawn Care so your outdoor space looks great and stays manageable through every season.
