Healthy lawns in the Hill Country don’t happen by accident—especially when water matters.
A well-designed irrigation system can keep turf and planting beds thriving through Boerne’s hot summers, surprise cold snaps, and the roller-coaster rainfall patterns that make South-Central Texas unique. But “installing sprinklers” isn’t just about putting heads in the ground. The best systems account for water pressure, soil type, plant needs, backflow protection, and (in many service areas) plan review requirements.
At Blades of Glory Landscaping, we help homeowners and property managers across Boerne, San Antonio, Stone Oak, Fair Oaks, and The Dominion plan irrigation that’s efficient, code-conscious, and built to last—whether you’re starting from scratch or correcting a system that never watered evenly.
What “smart” irrigation means in Boerne (and why it’s different from other regions)
Boerne-area landscapes often combine shallow, rocky soils with pockets of clay and caliche—plus slopes that can cause runoff if watering is too fast. Smart irrigation is less about “more water” and more about delivering the right amount, at the right pace, in the right zones.
A strong irrigation system installation typically includes:
• Hydrozoning (grouping plants with similar water needs)
• Matched precipitation (sprinkler heads that apply water evenly)
• Drip irrigation for beds, shrubs, and foundation plantings
• Pressure regulation and appropriate pipe sizing
• Rain/freeze sensors and controller programming that reflects seasonal reality
• Backflow prevention to protect drinking water
Backflow prevention: the non-negotiable part of irrigation installation
Irrigation lines are considered non-potable because they can contain soil bacteria, fertilizers, and other contaminants. If pressure drops in the city water system, contaminated water can siphon backward without a properly installed backflow prevention assembly.
Local note for Boerne: The City of Boerne operates a Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Program required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and maintains requirements around tester registration and reporting. This is one reason working with qualified pros (and keeping your documentation organized) matters.
What to expect:
• A properly selected and installed backflow device on the irrigation connection
• Testing by a licensed backflow prevention assembly tester (required at install; many providers also require ongoing testing)
• Keeping test records handy in case your utility requests them
If your property is in the SAWS service area, SAWS requires annual testing of backflow prevention assemblies under local ordinance and program rules, and reminders may be sent depending on your property conditions. SAWS also began requiring irrigation plan submission for newly installed irrigation systems starting January 1, 2025. If you’re unsure which jurisdiction you fall under, that’s something we can help you clarify during an estimate.
System design basics: how pros prevent dry spots, runoff, and surprise water bills
A quality irrigation system installation starts long before trenching. The planning phase is where most “future headaches” are prevented.
Step-by-step: what a professional installation process should include
1) Site walkthrough + priorities
We identify turf areas, planting beds, slopes, sun exposure, and any “must-protect” areas (foundations, low spots, fences, driveways).
We identify turf areas, planting beds, slopes, sun exposure, and any “must-protect” areas (foundations, low spots, fences, driveways).
2) Pressure and flow evaluation
Water pressure and available flow determine zone sizing and head selection. A system that’s over-zoned will never water evenly.
Water pressure and available flow determine zone sizing and head selection. A system that’s over-zoned will never water evenly.
3) Zone planning (hydrozones)
Turf zones should be separate from shrubs, and sunny areas should be separate from shaded areas whenever possible.
Turf zones should be separate from shrubs, and sunny areas should be separate from shaded areas whenever possible.
4) Head layout + drip design
Spray/rotor spacing matters. For beds, dripline and emitters are placed to soak roots—not hardscape.
Spray/rotor spacing matters. For beds, dripline and emitters are placed to soak roots—not hardscape.
5) Smart controller + sensor setup
Rain/freeze sensors prevent waste and damage. Programming is tuned to seasons, not a one-size schedule.
Rain/freeze sensors prevent waste and damage. Programming is tuned to seasons, not a one-size schedule.
6) Backflow device installation + required testing
Protects potable water and helps maintain compliance with local program requirements.
Protects potable water and helps maintain compliance with local program requirements.
7) Final walkthrough + “how to use it” training
You should leave knowing how to run a manual test, adjust run times, and spot leaks early.
You should leave knowing how to run a manual test, adjust run times, and spot leaks early.
Did you know? Quick irrigation facts that save money fast
• A mismatched or worn sprinkler head can distort spray patterns and waste water by overshooting sidewalks and driveways.
• Drip irrigation is often the best fit for shrubs and foundation beds because it reduces wind drift and puts water closer to roots.
• Backflow protection isn’t just “red tape”—it’s a public health safeguard. Utilities and state regulators treat it seriously.
• In SAWS territory, irrigation plan submission is required for new systems starting January 1, 2025, which can affect timelines if plans are not prepared up front.
Drip vs. sprinklers: which is best for your Boerne landscape?
| Feature | Drip Irrigation | Sprinklers (Spray/Rotors) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Beds, shrubs, trees, narrow strips | Lawns and broad turf areas |
| Efficiency | High (minimal wind drift) | Varies (wind and overspray can reduce efficiency) |
| Common mistakes | Clogged emitters, poor filtration, uneven spacing | Wrong head type, poor spacing, mixed head precipitation rates |
| Best approach | Use for plants; pair with smart scheduling | Use for turf; match heads and regulate pressure |
Many Boerne properties do best with a hybrid setup: drip for beds + rotors for turf, with separate zones so each area gets the schedule it actually needs.
A Boerne-local angle: designing for limestone, live oaks, and water-wise landscapes
In and around Boerne, it’s common to have mature trees, rocky soil, and landscapes that shift from sun to shade throughout the day. That’s why we often recommend:
• Shorter, repeated soak cycles on slopes to reduce runoff
• Tree-friendly watering (deep root emphasis rather than daily surface watering)
• Native and adaptive planting so irrigation supports the landscape instead of fighting it
• Mulch and proper bed edging to improve moisture retention and reduce overspray mess
If you’re planning a more drought-tolerant yard, our Texas native plants resource is a great place to start.
CTA: Get a quote for irrigation system installation
Want an irrigation system that waters evenly, protects your water supply, and is designed for Boerne-area conditions? We’ll walk your property, discuss goals, and recommend the right mix of sprinklers, drip, and smart controls.
FAQ: Irrigation system installation in Boerne & San Antonio
Do I need backflow prevention for an irrigation system?
Yes—irrigation systems typically require a suitable backflow prevention assembly to protect potable water. Requirements can vary by water provider, but backflow protection is a standard expectation in Texas irrigation work and is treated seriously by utilities and regulators.
How often does the backflow device need to be tested?
Testing is required at installation, and many water providers require ongoing testing (often annually). If you’re in the SAWS service area, SAWS states that annual testing of backflow prevention assemblies is required under their program rules.
Is a permit required to install a sprinkler system in Boerne or San Antonio?
It depends on jurisdiction and service area. For example, SAWS requires irrigation plans to be submitted for all newly installed irrigation systems in the SAWS service area beginning January 1, 2025. Other municipalities and utilities may have different requirements, so it’s smart to confirm before installation begins.
Should I choose drip irrigation or sprinklers?
For most Boerne landscapes, a hybrid approach works best: sprinklers for turf and drip for beds/shrubs. The key is separating zones so each plant type gets the right schedule.
What are the most common signs my current system needs a redesign (not just a repair)?
Persistent dry spots, overspray onto hardscape, recurring low pressure, mixed head types on the same zone, or runoff on slopes often indicate layout and zoning problems—not just broken parts.
Glossary (quick definitions)
Backflow prevention assembly (BPA): A device that helps prevent contaminated water from flowing backward into the drinking water supply.
Hydrozone: A group of plants/areas with similar water needs placed on the same irrigation zone.
Matched precipitation rate: A design principle where sprinkler heads in the same zone apply water at a similar rate to prevent dry or overwatered patches.
Pressure regulation: Controlling water pressure so sprinklers and drip components perform correctly and last longer.
Dripline: Tubing with built-in emitters that delivers water slowly along its length, ideal for planting beds.
