--- title: 5 Must-Haves for Smart Irrigation description: In honor of Smart Irrigation Month, here are our top five products for a smart irrigation system. image: https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/PRIMG-Misc-House-with-Lawn1-1.jpg --- ### Resources [![Ewing Outdoor Supply Logo V 4 Color](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Ewing%20Outdoor%20Supply%20Logo%20V%204%20Color.png) ](https://www.ewingoutdoorsupply.com/) [![Login/Register](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/20200354/5d045e9a-574a-4a92-a8cc-1ce2a4352784.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/20200354/5d045e9a-574a-4a92-a8cc-1ce2a4352784) 0 You have no items in your shopping cart ### Shop Products Shop Products # Irrigation & Landscape supply Blog # 5 Must-Haves for Smart Irrigation [Ewing Outdoor Supply](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/author/ewing-outdoor-supply) on July 29, 2013 Share - [**](https://twitter.com/share?source=https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/5-must-haves-for-smart-irrigation&text=5%20Must-Haves%20for%20Smart%20Irrigation%20-%20https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/5-must-haves-for-smart-irrigation) - [** ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/5-must-haves-for-smart-irrigation&title=5%20Must-Haves%20for%20Smart%20Irrigation&picture=https://20200354.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20200354/Imported_Blog_Media/PRIMG-Misc-House-with-Lawn1-1.jpg&description=In%20honor%20of%20Smart%20Irrigation%20Month,%20here%20are%20our%20top%20five%20products%20for%20a%20smart%20irrigation%20system.) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/5-must-haves-for-smart-irrigation&title=5%20Must-Haves%20for%20Smart%20Irrigation&summary=In%20honor%20of%20Smart%20Irrigation%20Month,%20here%20are%20our%20top%20five%20products%20for%20a%20smart%20irrigation%20system.) - [**](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/5-must-haves-for-smart-irrigation) ![](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/PRIMG-Misc-House-with-Lawn1-1.jpg) **1. Quality Soil** [![PRIMG AM AquaSmart PRO Bag Laying](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/AquaSmart-Pro-laying-300x300-1.jpg?width=300&height=300&name=AquaSmart-Pro-laying-300x300-1.jpg)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/AquaSmart-Pro-laying1-Mar-02-2022-04-57-38-05-PM.jpg) It might seem odd, but looking at your soil is one of the best places you can start for smart irrigation. That’s because the more moisture the soil can hold, the less frequently watering is needed. [**AquaSmart Pro**](http://aquasmartpro.com/) is a product that can actually increase the moisture-holding capacity of soil. Just a small amount of this super-absorbent polymer-coated sand is worked into soil—about four tablespoons per gallon of soil, or 40 pounds per 1,000 feet. AquaSmart particles absorb water, then release it back out to the soil and plant roots over time. AquaSmart keeps new sod and plantings from drying out, and can treat dry spots in turf. It’s especially useful for areas with watering restrictions and drought. **2. Water-Efficient Sprinklers and Nozzles** [![Water Efficiency Rain Bird HE VAN Nozzle](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/PRIMG-WE-HE-VAN-300x200-1.jpg?width=300&height=200&name=PRIMG-WE-HE-VAN-300x200-1.jpg)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/PRIMG-WE-HE-VAN1-Mar-02-2022-04-53-56-57-PM.jpg) These types of sprinklers and nozzles are primarily designed to produce larger drops of water or streams that are more resistant to wind and that soak into the soil, preventing overwatering. They can typically reduce water use by 30 percent, compared to traditional spray nozzles. Look for low-precipitation rates (1 inch or less per minute). Popular models include Hunter's MP Rotators, Rain Bird's HE-VAN or R-VAN and Toro's Precision Rotating nozzles. **3. Drip Irrigation** [![Drip Irrigation](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/PRIMG-IR-Drip-Irrigation-300x293-1.jpg?width=300&height=293&name=PRIMG-IR-Drip-Irrigation-300x293-1.jpg)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/PRIMG-IR-Drip-Irrigation1-1.jpg) Drip irrigation is a great choice for shrubs, trees and others plants. 90-100 percent of the water applied by drip systems goes where it’s needed: the roots! With the right design and quality products, drip irrigation can be a low maintenance and water saving option. Look for [**Landscape Products**](http://www.landscapeproductsinc.com/index.htm) drip tubing and other drip irrigation parts, which are made from the highest quality plastics for improved durability. **4.  Rain and Soil Moisture Sensors** [![PRIMG IR Solar Sync Sensor](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/PRIMG-IR-Solar-Sync-Sensor-300x198-1.jpg?width=300&height=198&name=PRIMG-IR-Solar-Sync-Sensor-300x198-1.jpg)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/PRIMG-IR-Solar-Sync-Sensor1-4.jpg) Avoid watering during a rainstorm, or when the ground is already soaked! A rain sensor will detect rainfall, while a soil moisture sensor will detect moisture levels in the soil. Some rain sensors will also shut off your irrigation system as temps approach the freezing point. So, is a rain sensor or soil moisture sensor better? It all depends on the specific site needs, but additional water savings can be achieved by combining both a soil moisture sensor with a rain sensor in the landscape. Ask about rain and soil-moisture sensor options from Hunter, Rain Bird and Baseline and Toro. **5. Smart Controller** [![IR Evolution Controller](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/PRIMG-IR-Evolution-Controller-300x188-4.jpg?width=300&height=188&name=PRIMG-IR-Evolution-Controller-300x188-4.jpg)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/PRIMG-IR-Evolution-Controller1-Mar-02-2022-04-53-04-86-PM.jpg) A smart controller is the brain for your smart irrigation system—it uses weather or soil-moisture data to give your plants the right amount of water. Using data from sensors in the landscape, or historical and current weather data for your area, a smart controller will adjust watering schedules to the weather and season. Ask a Ewing service professional about smart controller options. Be sure to look for [**WaterSense** **labeled**](http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/about_us/watersense_label.html) smart controllers. These controllers are proven water-savers! **Save on Smart Irrigation** From July 29-31, select smart irrigation products will be on sale at Ewing. Log in with your account at [**www.ewingirrigation.com**](http://www.ewingirrigation.com) or head to your nearest [**Ewing location**](https://www.ewingirrigation.com/locations). Be sure to check with your water provider for smart irrigation rebates. Many offer rebates on smart controllers, water-efficient sprinkler nozzles and more! TAGS: [Drip Irrigation](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/drip-irrigation), [Smart Irrigation](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/smart-irrigation), [Landscape Products](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/landscape-products), [Toro](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/toro), [Rain Bird](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/rain-bird), [Irrigation Controllers](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/irrigation-controllers), [Soil Amendments](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/soil-amendments), [Baseline](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/baseline), [Amendments](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/amendments), [Water Efficiency](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/water-efficiency), [Hunter](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/hunter), [AquaSmart](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/aquasmart) ### Looking for More? ### Topics - [Ewing News (194)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/ewing-news) - [Irrigation (191)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/irrigation) - [News Release (180)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/news-release) - [Business Tips (134)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/business-tips) - [Turf (100)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/turf) - [Water Efficiency (96)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/water-efficiency) - [Smart Irrigation (85)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/smart-irrigation) - [Business (79)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/business) - [Landscape Maintenance (71)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/landscape-maintenance) - [Outdoor Living (69)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/outdoor-living) - [Landscape Lighting (61)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/landscape-lighting) - [Water Conservation (58)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/water-conservation) - [Athletic Fields (52)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/athletic-fields) - [Sports Fields (52)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/sports-fields) - [Golf (50)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/golf) - [Lawn Care (50)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/lawn-care) - [Hardscape (47)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/hardscape) - [Sustainable Solutions (46)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/sustainable-solutions) - [Ewing Education (45)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/ewing-education) - [Green Industry (41)](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/tag/green-industry) ## Related [ Managing Localized Dry Spot with Smarter Moisture Solutions ](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/managing-localized-dry-spot-with-smarter-moisturesolutions) By [Kevin Lewis](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/author/kevin-lewis) On July 7, 2026 [ Managing Sports Fields with Smart Irrigation Technology ](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/managing-sports-fields-with-smart-irrigation-technology) By [Ian Yarian](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/author/ian-yarian) On July 2, 2026 [ Smart Irrigation Starts with the Controller ](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/smart-irrigation-starts-with-the-controller) By [Greg Williams](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/author/greg-williams) On June 30, 2026 ## Related ## [Reducing Water Waste with Smart Irrigation Opportunities](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/reducing-water-waste-with-smart-irrigation-opportunities) By [Ewing Outdoor Supply](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/author/ewing-outdoor-supply) On June 30, 2026 ## [Turn Water Savings into Profit with Smarter Irrigation](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/turn-water-savings-into-profit-with-smarter-irrigation) By [Larry Giroux](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/author/larry-giroux) On June 30, 2025 ## [Smarter Watering with Bubblers and Emitters](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/smarter-watering-with-bubblers-and-emitters) By [Larry Giroux](https://ewingirrigation-20200354.hs-sites.com/author/larry-giroux) On June 30, 2025 ### Subscribe via Email Enter your email to get special offers, exclusive discounts, and more! 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