Keeping your garden looking its best often comes down to watering little and often, but that’s not always easy to stay on top of, especially with the drier summers we have been experiencing in Surrey. Installing an irrigation system could well be the answer.

We asked Paul Jeffery, Managing Director at Waterscapes Ltd, to answer a few of our questions and help us understand more.

What type of irrigation system would you recommend for gardens on the Wentworth Estate and why?

When a client considers an irrigation system, we begin by asking which parts of their landscape matter most to them and why. For example, some clients prioritise a green, healthy lawn and are happy to water shrub beds by hand during dry spells. Others might focus on protecting their investment in shrubs, hedges, and trees, letting lawns fend for themselves during droughts. In general, we recommend low-rate dripline (hidden beneath mulch) for planting and shrub beds, and a ring of drip emitters around each tree trunk, again under mulch to minimise evaporation. Lawns are usually irrigated with pop-up sprinklers for even coverage.

How do you design the system around soil type, planting, and layout?

It’s crucial to understand the soil profile across the site, along with any history of poor drainage, tree root protection areas, slopes, and gradients. We base equipment choices on this surveyed information, tailoring the system to suit each garden’s unique needs.

How water-efficient is the system, and can it use rainwater?

We use modern equipment and careful placement to ensure water is applied accurately, avoiding waste on paths or patios. Rainwater harvesting is always considered, but it requires filtration and UV treatment to ensure water safety. However, as irrigation is needed when there’s little rain, the storage required to make rainwater harvesting efficient can be costly upfront. Most UK projects use groundwater (boreholes) or mains water, but we always encourage clients to use water wisely.

Does it adjust automatically for UK weather and seasons?

Yes we can install rain and moisture sensors to control different zones, and our central controllers often connect to local weather stations via the cloud. This allows the system to adjust automatically for changing conditions.

How long does installation take and how disruptive is it?

Installation time depends entirely on the size of the project. Irrigation is often installed alongside other landscape works, so we coordinate to minimise disruption. If installed separately, we keep clients informed at every stage and work closely with all parties to ensure a smooth process.

What are the typical installation and running costs?

Costs vary depending on the project’s scale, the products chosen, and existing site conditions (such as ground type, obstacles, and established trees). It’s vital to assess every aspect of the site during design to avoid surprises later. Running costs depend on the system’s size and coverage: water and electricity are the main factors. Clients with a borehole will see lower water costs over time, and modern inverter-driven pumps help reduce electricity usage by only running as needed.

What maintenance is required, including winter care?

Regular checks are important to ensure the system is working efficiently and not wasting water. Typically, systems operate from early spring to late autumn. In winter, all water should be drained from the system to prevent freezing and damage. At Waterscapes, our dedicated maintenance team provides regular servicing across the UK, giving clients peace of mind that their investment is well cared for.

Can the system be controlled via a smartphone?

Yes most modern controllers allow remote access from a smartphone, tablet, or computer via the cloud. This makes it easy for clients and contractors to check, diagnose, or adjust the system without needing a site visit.

How long will the system last and what warranty is included?

A new system should come with at least a one-year workmanship warranty, and many components have manufacturer warranties of three to five years. With quality products and regular maintenance, an irrigation system can last 20 years or more. At Waterscapes, we’re still maintaining some systems we installed back in 2002!

For more information visit Waterscapes Ltd