Why winter is the time to plan a new sprinkler system
Planning a sprinkler system in the cold season means a design done carefully and a start before spring rush. A full system starts at $3,500.
Short answer: winter is when a new sprinkler system can be planned without hurry. The yard is dormant, so it is easy to see the bones of the property, and you get the design done before the spring rush. A full irrigation system on our price list starts at $3,500, and the final number follows a walk of your yard.
What winter gives you
- A clear view of the yard. Without leaves and tall growth, the real shape of the lot, the slopes, the beds and the hardscape are easier to see.
- Time to think. In spring, everyone wants water on the lawn immediately. In winter, you can walk the yard, choose zones and settle questions at a calm pace.
- A chance to plan the whole yard. Irrigation, drainage, lighting and audio share trenches. A winter plan can put them together.
- Dormant turf. Digging in a dormant lawn is less stressful for the grass.
What planning actually involves
- Walk the property. Note sun and shade, slopes, beds, trees, the driveway, the patio and where the water supply is.
- Decide what gets watered. Lawn, beds, trees and new plantings all want different treatment.
- Divide it into zones. A zone is a group of heads that run together. Zones are set by water pressure, plant type and sun.
- Choose the equipment. Head types, valves, the controller and the backflow preventer.
- Plan the routes. Where do the lines go? Pipe runs share the ground with lighting and audio wire if you plan those too.
- Decide on drainage. A system that waters a yard with a drainage problem makes it worse. Fix the water path first.
Decisions to make now, not later
| Decision | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Spray heads or drip for beds | Drip puts water at the roots and avoids waste |
| Standard or smart controller | Smart controllers adjust for weather |
| Rain sensor | Prevents running in storms |
| Zone for new plantings | Young plants need different timing |
| Coverage of the edges | Overspray on pavement wastes water |
| Future additions | Lights and speakers can share the dig |
What drives the cost
Price depends on yard size, number of zones, the type of heads, how hard the soil is to trench and what needs restoring afterward. Georgia clay is slow to dig when wet and hard when dry. We do not publish a package price, since the design changes with the yard. The starting point on our price list is $3,500, and we quote the actual job after we walk your property. A standard controller installed starts at $425, a smart Wi-Fi controller starts at $575 and a rain sensor installed starts at $425.
Water rules matter in the design
Georgia EPD allows outdoor landscape watering on a permitted public water system only between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m., so the system should be built to finish its work inside those hours. Drip irrigation is exempt from the hours, which is one reason it suits beds. Check with your water provider for local limits.
Old system, new plan
If you have an old system, a plan might be to repair or replace. A winter walk of the existing system shows what still works and what does not, before you commit to ripping any of it out.
Why not wait for spring
The calendar fills up when the weather warms. A project planned in winter can be ready to start as the ground comes alive. There is no promise on a date, and the schedule depends on weather and crew availability, but you will be in line with a finished plan.
When to call us
Call when you are building a new landscape, replacing an old system or tired of watering by hand. Our crew is our own, never subcontracted, and we tell you before doing anything we could not see. See our irrigation page, the pricing page or request a quote.
FAQ
Can sprinklers be installed in winter? Planning and design can happen any time, and installation depends on the weather and the ground. We will tell you what is realistic for your yard.
How much does a new sprinkler system cost? A full irrigation system starts at $3,500 on our price list. The final price follows a walk of your yard.
Should I plan irrigation before landscaping? Yes, ideally. Pipe is easier to place before new beds and hardscape go in.
Do I need a backflow preventer? Irrigation systems on a public water supply normally need one. We install and repair them, starting at $800.
Prices from our price list. Updated October 2026. Watering hours from Georgia EPD (epd.georgia.gov).