How Many Zones Should Your Sprinkler System Have?

If you’re putting in a new sprinkler system or trying to improve the one you have, you’ve probably asked: how many zones should it have?

The number of zones can make or break your lawn. Too few, and some areas stay dry while others flood. Too many, and your system becomes confusing and wasteful. The right setup keeps your grass green, your plants healthy, and your water bill under control.

What is a sprinkler zone?

A sprinkler zone is one section of your yard that’s watered separately from the rest. Each zone has its own group of sprinkler heads, controlled by a valve.

Zones let you treat different parts of your property differently. Your sunny front lawn may need more water than your shaded flower beds. Newly planted shrubs may need more frequent watering than established trees. Zones make it possible to give every area the right amount.

Looking to start fresh? We design efficient systems from the ground up with our sprinkler system installation services.

Why sprinkler zones are important

Without zones, every part of your yard gets watered the same way. That rarely works.

Here’s why zones matter:

• • Prevents overwatering and underwatering. Keeps your grass green and your beds healthy.
  • Matches sun and shade. Full sun needs more water than shaded spots.
  • Keeps water pressure even. Too many heads at once means weak spray.
  • Allows custom schedules. Lawns, flowers, and trees all get what they need.

With the right number of zones, your system works better and wastes less water.

How many zones should your system have?

The short answer: it depends.

• • Small yards: usually 2–4 zones.
  • Medium yards: 5–7 zones.
  • Large or complex yards: 8 or more zones.

Factors that affect zone count include:

• • Size and shape of your lawn
  • Plant types (turf, shrubs, flowers, trees)
  • Sun vs. shade
  • Soil type and slope

Not sure your system is set up right? We can help by adding new sprinkler zones or restructuring old ones to give you better coverage.

Using WiFi sprinkler controllers to manage zones

Once you have the right zones, you need a simple way to control them. That’s where smart WiFi controllers come in.

We often install the Rain Bird ESP-TM2 controller. It’s easy to use, reliable, and connects to your phone. With WiFi control, you can:

• • Change watering schedules from anywhere
  • Adjust run times for each zone
  • Use weather data to avoid overwatering
  • Save water and lower your bill

Still using an old analog timer? An upgrade is worth it. We offer professional WiFi sprinkler controller installations to bring your system up to date.

When to add or adjust zones

Even a well-designed system can fall behind as your landscape changes.

You may need more zones if you notice:

• • Dry spots that never improve
  • Puddles or soggy areas
  • Weak spray when too many heads run
  • New landscaping that isn’t covered

Adding or reworking zones can solve these problems and save water long-term.

Why choose Amarillo Land Services?

Your sprinkler system is an investment in your home. It deserves to be installed and maintained by people who know what they’re doing.

• • Licensed and insured irrigation specialists
  • BBB Accredited with an A+ Rating
  • Members of the Texas Panhandle Builders Association
  • Members of the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce
  • Local experience with Amarillo’s soil and climate

We take pride in clean work, reliable results, and systems designed to last.

Our Service area

We serve homeowners and businesses in:

• Amarillo
• Canyon
• Bushland
• Potter County
• Randall County
• Throughout the Texas Panhandle.

Ready to upgrade your sprinkler system?

The right number of zones will keep your lawn healthy, your plants thriving, and your water use under control. Whether you’re installing a new system, adding zones, or upgrading to a WiFi controller, we can help.

Call Amarillo Land Services today at (806) 477-2605 or request a consultation online. Let’s get your system running the way it should.