How to Draw Your Property for Sprinkler System Design

The foundation of any successful sprinkler system starts with an accurate property drawing. Without precise measurements and a detailed layout, even the best irrigation equipment won't deliver optimal results. This step-by-step guide will show you how to create a professional-quality property plan that ensures your sprinkler system covers every area efficiently.

Why Property Drawing Matters

A proper property drawing serves as your roadmap for sprinkler placement, pipe routing, and zone planning. It helps you avoid costly mistakes like inadequate coverage, overspray onto hardscapes, or interference with existing landscaping. Think of it as the blueprint that transforms your irrigation vision into reality.

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Before heading outside to measure, gather these essential tools:

Basic Measuring Tools:

• 50-foot or 100-foot tape measure
• Graph paper (¼-inch grid works best)
• Pencils and eraser
• Ruler or straightedge
• Clipboard for outdoor use

Optional but Helpful:

• Measuring wheel for large properties
• Compass for determining direction
• String line for straight measurements
• Small flags to mark key points
• Smartphone camera for reference photos

Safety First: Before measuring your property, call 811 (or your local "Call Before You Dig" number) to have buried utilities marked. While you're only measuring right now, you need to know where gas, electric, water, and cable lines are located because they'll affect where you can place sprinklers and run irrigation pipes. The utility companies will come out within a few days and spray-paint the ground to show you exactly where lines are buried - and this service is completely free. Mark these locations on your property drawing so you can design your sprinkler system to avoid costly conflicts later.

Step-by-Step Measuring Process

1. Start with the Big Picture

Walk your entire property and create a rough sketch on regular paper first. This helps you understand the overall layout and identify any challenging areas before you begin precise measurements.

2. Establish Your Starting Point

Begin measuring from a fixed reference point, such as a survey marker, fence post, or corner of your house. This gives you a consistent baseline for all measurements and helps maintain accuracy throughout the process.

3. Measure Property Boundaries

Record the dimensions of your property perimeter first. For rectangular lots, measure length and width. For irregular shapes, break the perimeter into smaller, manageable sections and measure each segment.

4. Map Major Features

Document the location and size of:

• House and structures: Measure length, width, and distance from property lines
• Driveways and walkways: Record width and path
• Patios and decks: Note dimensions and elevation if significantly raised
• Existing trees: This requires two separate measurements. First, mark the exact trunk location by measuring from a few reference points. Then, estimate the canopy spread by measuring from the trunk to the edge of the branches in multiple directions. For round canopies, measure the radius (trunk to edge). For irregular shapes, measure to the furthest branches in 4-6 directions and note these on your drawing. Don't forget to consider seasonal changes - deciduous trees provide shade in summer but not winter, affecting your sprinkler placement and watering needs. Also note the tree's mature height, as low branches can interfere with sprinkler spray patterns.
• Fences and walls: Include height for potential spray interference

5. Identify Landscape Areas

Clearly define different zones:

• Lawn areas: Measure and note grass type if known
• Flower beds: Record shape and approximate planting height
• Shrub areas: Note density and mature height expectations
• Slopes: Indicate direction with arrows and assess steepness. Here's how to tell the difference: Gentle slopes feel easy to walk on and you barely notice the incline - think slight rise toward your house foundation. Moderate slopes require a bit more effort to walk up and you can definitely feel the incline - like many driveways or side yards. Steep slopes make you work hard to climb and feel unstable when walking down - you might naturally want to zigzag instead of going straight up. A simple test: if a ball would roll slowly, it's gentle; if it rolls at a walking pace, it's moderate; if it rolls quickly or you'd worry about losing control, it's steep. Mark the direction water would naturally flow with arrows on your drawing.

Creating Your Scale Drawing

Choosing the Right Scale

Your scale determines how much detail you can include while keeping the drawing manageable:

• 1 inch = 10 feet: Best for lots up to 100 feet wide (creates 10-inch drawing)
• 1 inch = 20 feet: Suitable for larger properties up to 200 feet wide
• 1 inch = 30 feet: For very large or commercial properties

Pro Tip: Write your chosen scale clearly at the top of your drawing and stick with it throughout the entire plan.

Using Graph Paper Effectively

Standard ¼-inch graph paper works perfectly for most residential properties:

• Each small square can represent 1 foot (when using 1" = 10' scale)
• Each large square (four small squares) represents 4 feet
• Use the grid lines to keep everything straight and proportional

Drawing Techniques

1. Start with property boundaries: Draw these first to establish your workspace
2. Add major structures: Place the house and large features next
3. Include hardscapes: Draw driveways, walks, and patios
4. Mark landscape areas: Use different patterns or shading for grass, beds, and shrubs. Consider using symbols like small circles for existing plants and dashed lines for planned garden areas. Label each zone with its plant type and water needs (high, medium, low). We'll cover water needs in a later post.
5. Note elevations: Use arrows to show slopes and grade changes

What to Include in Your Drawing

Essential Elements

• Water meter location: Critical for system connection planning
• All buildings and structures
• Driveways, sidewalks, and patios
• Existing irrigation (if any)
• Trees with canopy size
• Property boundaries and setbacks
• Slopes and drainage patterns

Important Details to Note

• Sun and shade patterns: Areas that receive full sun vs. shade throughout the day
• Wind exposure: Note areas with consistent wind that might affect spray patterns
• Sensitive areas: Windows, air conditioning units, or areas where overspray isn't welcome
• Underground utilities: Mark locations of known buried lines

What to Exclude

Don't clutter your drawing with temporary features like:

• Seasonal decorations
• Moveable planters or furniture
• Annual flowers (unless in permanent beds)
• Temporary structures

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Measurement Errors

• Not checking for square: Use the 3-4-5 triangle method to verify right angles. Here's how: From any corner, measure 3 feet along one side and mark that point. Then measure 4 feet along the other side and mark it. If the corner is perfectly square (90 degrees), the distance between these two marks should be exactly 5 feet. You can use any multiple of these numbers - 6-8-10 feet, 9-12-15 feet, etc. This simple test catches measurement errors early and ensures your property drawing reflects the actual layout.
• Cumulative measuring: Always measure back to your starting reference point
• Ignoring slopes: Measure horizontal distance, not the sloped surface length

Drawing Mistakes

• Inconsistent scale: Switching scales mid-drawing creates confusion
• Missing critical features: Double-check that you've included everything that affects water flow
• Poor labeling: Clearly mark what each area represents

Planning Oversights

• Forgetting future changes: Consider planned landscaping or construction
• Ignoring access: Ensure maintenance access to all system components
• Overlooking drainage: Note how water currently flows during heavy rain

Handling Different Property Shapes

Rectangular Lots

The easiest to measure and draw. Start with corners and work inward, using the grid lines to maintain square angles.

Irregular Shapes

Break complex shapes into simple geometric forms:

• Triangular areas: Measure base and height, or two sides and the included angle
• Curved boundaries: Take measurements every 5-10 feet along the curve
• Odd angles: Use triangulation to establish accurate positions

Sloped Properties

• Gentle slopes (less than 10%): Note direction with arrows on your drawing
• Moderate slopes (10-25%): Consider terracing or slope-specific sprinklers
• Steep slopes (over 25%): May require drip irrigation or special equipment

Long, Narrow Lots

Use a smaller scale (1" = 20' or 1" = 30') to fit everything on standard paper, or consider using multiple sheets with clear connection points.

Understanding Your Site Conditions

While measuring, make note of basic site conditions that will influence your irrigation design:

Soil Observations:

• Sandy areas: Water drains quickly, may need more frequent watering
• Clay areas: Water penetrates slowly, may need longer, less frequent cycles
• Rocky areas: May require special equipment for installation

Drainage Patterns:

• Low spots: Where water naturally collects during rain
• High spots: Areas that shed water quickly
• Problem areas: Places where water stands after storms

Note: We'll dive deeper into soil types and drainage considerations in another post, as these factors significantly impact your sprinkler system design and water scheduling.

Time-Saving Alternative: Orbit Online Sprinkler System Designer

While creating your own property drawing provides valuable insights into your landscape, there's a faster, more accurate alternative available. The Orbit Online Sprinkler System Designer at design.orbitonline.com offers a professional design service that takes the guesswork out of irrigation planning.

What You Receive:

• Professional CAD drawings with precise measurements and placement
• Color-coded zone layouts showing exactly where each sprinkler goes
• Detailed spray patterns ensuring complete coverage without overlap waste
• Complete parts lists for both PVC and Orbit's innovative Blu-Lock systems
• Step-by-step installation instructions written specifically for your property
• Quick turnaround - completed designs typically generated within a few hours

How It Works:

1. Submit basic property measurements or use satellite imagery
2. Indicate landscaped areas and special requirements
3. Receive your complete system design via email
4. Order all components with confidence

This free design service combines professional expertise with Orbit's innovative sprinkler technology, ensuring you get a system perfectly matched to your property's unique needs.

Tips for Drawing Success

Before You Start

• Choose a calm day: Wind makes measuring difficult and dangerous
• Take photos: Reference pictures help when drawing indoors
• Recruit help: A second person makes measuring much easier and more accurate

While Drawing

• Work in pencil: Mistakes are easy to correct
• Label everything: Include dimensions right on the drawing
• Use symbols consistently: Develop a legend for different features
• Keep it neat: A clean drawing is easier to use during installation

After Completion

• Double-check measurements: Verify critical dimensions before proceeding
• Make copies: Keep your original safe and work from copies during installation
• Add notes: Include any special considerations or observations

Making the Most of Your Drawing

Your completed property drawing becomes the foundation for the entire irrigation design process. Use it to:

• Plan sprinkler zones based on plant types and sun exposure
• Calculate water requirements for different areas
• Determine pipe routing for efficient water delivery
• Estimate material costs before purchasing components
• Guide installation step-by-step through the project

What's Next?

With your accurate property drawing complete, you're ready to move into the technical aspects of irrigation design. In our next post, we'll explore soil types and drainage considerations - crucial factors that determine how much water your plants need and how quickly your sprinkler system should deliver it.

Understanding your soil conditions will help you:

• Choose the right sprinkler types for each area
• Set optimal watering schedules
• Prevent overwatering and runoff problems
• Ensure healthy plant growth throughout your landscape

Your property drawing serves as the foundation, but soil knowledge provides the science behind creating a truly efficient irrigation system.

Conclusion

Creating an accurate property drawing takes time and attention to detail, but it's an investment that pays dividends throughout your sprinkler system's life. Whether you choose to create your own detailed measurements or take advantage of Orbit's professional design service, having a clear plan ensures your irrigation system will provide years of reliable, efficient performance.

Remember, a well-designed sprinkler system starts with understanding your property. Take the time to get this step right, and you'll enjoy beautiful, healthy landscaping with minimal water waste and maximum convenience.

Ready to transform your landscape irrigation? Start with accurate measurements, and you're well on your way to sprinkler system success.