Irrigation Systems

Watering done right

Southern California doesn’t forgive bad irrigation. Overwater and you waste money, breed mildew, and rot roots. Underwater and plants die, soil cracks, and your landscaping investment evaporates.

Ryan installs irrigation systems that deliver the right amount of water to the right plants at the right time — properly zoned with drip lines for shrubs, bubblers for trees, spray heads for turf, and a smart controller that adjusts based on weather and soil conditions.

What we install

Drip irrigation

The most efficient way to water planting beds, shrubs, trees, and gardens. Drip delivers water directly to the root zone at a slow, steady rate — minimizing evaporation and runoff. Ryan installs drip lines with emitters matched to each plant’s water requirements.

Drip systems use 30-50% less water than conventional spray irrigation. Ryan zones drip systems by plant type and sun exposure so thirsty plants get more water and drought-tolerant plants get less.

Spray and rotor heads

For lawns, large ground cover areas, and open spaces where drip isn’t practical. Ryan installs pop-up spray heads and rotors with proper head-to-head coverage — meaning each head’s spray reaches the adjacent head. Gaps create brown spots; overlap creates soggy patches.

Bubblers

For trees, large shrubs, and specimen plants that need deep watering. Bubblers deliver high volume slowly at the base of the plant, encouraging deep root growth. Ryan installs bubblers on dedicated zones so large plants get the soak time they need.

Smart controllers

Ryan installs Wi-Fi-enabled smart irrigation controllers from brands like Rachio and Hunter Hydrawise. These controllers:

• Adjust automatically based on local weather data — skipping rainy days, increasing during heat waves
• Allow remote control from your phone — change schedules, run manual zones, monitor usage
• Track water savings so you see exactly how much you’re conserving
• Comply with local water restrictions by programming to municipality-approved schedules

Smart controllers typically reduce water use by 20-30% on top of savings from efficient drip irrigation.

Valves and mainline

The backbone of any irrigation system. Ryan installs commercial-grade valves and PVC mainline, properly glued and pressure-tested before backfilling. Valve boxes are placed at accessible locations for future maintenance, with color-coded wiring for easy zone identification.

System design principles

Zoning by plant type

The most important design decision. Plants with different water needs belong on different zones:

• Turf areas — frequent, shorter cycles
• Established shrubs — less frequent, deeper watering
• New plantings — temporary higher frequency until established
• Trees — infrequent, deep soaking
• Container plants and raised beds — their own schedule based on soil volume

Putting a drought-tolerant manzanita on the same zone as a water-loving hydrangea kills one or the other.

Hydrozoning by sun exposure

A south-facing planting bed dries out three times faster than the same bed on the north side. Ryan zones based on exposure so sunny areas get more water and shaded areas don’t get overwatered. This is one of the biggest efficiency gains in irrigation design — and one of the most commonly ignored.

Pressure regulation

Municipal water pressure in Altadena varies by neighborhood and elevation. Ryan installs pressure regulators at each valve or system level to maintain optimal operating pressure and prevent blown seals, excessive misting, or weak coverage.

Backflow prevention

LA County requires a backflow preventer on all irrigation systems. Ryan installs the required device — typically a pressure vacuum breaker or RPZ device — and ensures it meets local code.

Repairs and upgrades

Not every property needs a brand-new system. Ryan regularly repairs and upgrades existing irrigation:

• Broken lines and fittings — repaired with proper PVC, not tape
• Failed valves — replaced with matching or upgraded valves
• Coverage gaps — additional heads or drip lines added
• Controller upgrades — old mechanical timers replaced with smart controllers
• Conversion to drip — spray zones in planting beds converted for efficiency

If your system is fundamentally sound, a repair or upgrade often makes more sense than starting over. Ryan assesses honestly and recommends the most cost-effective path.

Water conservation in Altadena

A well-designed irrigation system is the single biggest water conservation tool for any residential property. Ryan designs every system with conservation in mind:

• Drip irrigation where spray isn’t needed
• Smart controllers that respond to real-time weather
• Deep, infrequent watering instead of light, frequent cycles
• Rain sensors that shut down irrigation during wet weather

In a region where water rates are high and drought restrictions are a fact of life, efficient irrigation is a baseline requirement.