Smart Irrigation Month is the perfect time to take a closer look at the smaller spaces in your clients’ landscape, like raised beds, containers, and hanging baskets. These areas may be compact, but they can use a surprising amount of water and require constant upkeep when watered manually or with overhead sprays. 

That’s where ¼" dripline and micro sprays from vendors like Landscape Products, Rain Bird, Hunter, and others come in. Designed for precision in tight spaces, these low-volume tools reduce water waste, cut down on labor, and help plants thrive by delivering water right to the root zone. 

“Drip irrigation really allows for being able to deliver water to very small areas without over-spraying and causing damage to nearby hardscapes and buildings,” says Kelly Keicher, Regional Manager at Landscape Products. 

A few simple upgrades can make a big difference. If you still have customers hand-watering or using traditional sprays, now’s the time to switch to smarter, more efficient solutions. 

Why Traditional Watering Falls Short 

Hand-watering and overhead sprays are everywhere, but they come with some real downsides to your customers' property.  

• Water waste drains your customers’ money. Water used outside gets lost to wind, evaporation, and runoff with traditional methods. That’s money down the drain for your customers.
• Hand-watering wastes your customers' time. It’s often inconsistent and inefficient, making it hard to maintain healthy plants. Switching to a drip or micro spray system provides a faster, more reliable solution. 
• Overspray damages hardscapes and plants. Sprays often hit sidewalks and walls or cause runoff, which over time can degrade and break down these materials. Plus, uneven watering can stress sensitive plants and lead to callbacks. 

“Hand watering requires your customers to water the plants constantly, demanding their time and money to do so,” Keicher notes. “With drip irrigation, your customers can enjoy their landscape while the system is running—unlike overhead, which limits use of the space while it’s running."

Smarter Tools for Small Spaces 

Here’s where the ¼" dripline and micro sprays really shine. They’re designed for raised beds, containers, and baskets—places where regular irrigation struggles. 

¼" Dripline: Flexible Coverage for Tight Areas 
Quarter-inch dripline is a smart solution for raised beds, narrow borders, and tightly spaced containers. Its flexibility allows it to snake around plants and obstacles, delivering low-volume water evenly along the entire line. 

This direct-to-root watering reduces waste and supports healthier plant growth. It's most effective in well-draining soils and flat or gently sloped areas. In challenging terrain or heavy soils, choosing pressure-compensating emitters or dripline can help maintain consistent output and avoid overwatering in low spots. 

Micro Sprays: Precision for Compact Plantings 
Micro sprays are well suited for dense, shallow-rooted plantings like groundcovers, hanging baskets, or flower beds. They offer adjustable spray patterns that can be dialed in to avoid hardscapes and deliver just the right amount of water.  

These tools work best in calm conditions and where coverage can be carefully controlled. In windy areas or with plants that need deeper watering, other options like point-source drip may offer better results. 

“Low-volume tools like ¼" dripline and micro sprays are simply a better fit for containers or tight beds than traditional sprays,” says Keicher. “They’re more precise, flexible, and reduce the risk of water waste and overspray.” 

Together, they give you a low-volume system that’s flexible and water-wise—no matter how tight the space is. 

Select Quality Products for Landscaping Professionals 

When selecting dripline and micro irrigation components, it's important to choose materials that are UV resistant and built to withstand outdoor conditions over time. Long-lasting durability helps prevent cracking, clogging, and early system failure. Choosing parts that are compatible with standard fittings also makes installation easier and simplifies future maintenance. 

Pressure-compensating options are key for ensuring even water distribution across beds and containers, especially where elevation or soil conditions vary. For dripline, selecting the right emitter spacing based on soil type helps improve absorption and avoid pooling. With micro sprays, adjustable spray heads give you the flexibility to match plant size and layout, making it easier to control coverage and avoid overspray. 

Using reliable components from trusted manufacturers ensures that your irrigation system performs consistently, with fewer issues in the field. A well-matched setup keeps small spaces efficient, reduces labor, and supports healthier plants with less effort. 

Start Smart. Stay Smart. 

This Smart Irrigation Month, make the switch to ¼" dripline and micro sprays from manufacturers like Landscape Products. It’s an easy upgrade that saves you water, cuts labor and keeps plants thriving. 

Small spaces deserve the same level of care and efficiency as the rest of the landscape. With components like ¼" dripline and micro sprays, you can deliver consistent results, reduce water use, and simplify maintenance in areas that are often the most challenging to irrigate. 

Smart irrigation isn't just about saving water. It's about creating healthier landscapes, improving system performance, and offering more value to your clients. You can find the right products and expert support at your local Ewing Outdoor Supply.