Irrigation success this season
As the industry heads into another season, irrigation is firmly back in focus. With recent years bringing extended dry periods and increasing pressure on surface quality, Bradley Tennant, Director of Education at the GroundsFest Academy, is clear: there’s no room for guesswork.
“For me, it always starts with the basics,” he explains. “After winter, it’s common for irrigation systems to be switched back on without detailed inspections, which can often lead to issues.”
Bradley stresses the importance of a thorough pre-season check. Winter can take its toll on any system, particularly if it hasn’t been fully drained down. Valves may have failed, pipework could be compromised, and pumps may not be operating as they should. Taking the time to properly inspect, test and understand the condition of your system before the season begins is, in his words, “absolutely vital.”
But it doesn’t stop at simply checking components. “You need to know your system is actually doing what it’s supposed to do,” he says. That means digging deeper into diagnostics - making sure controllers are sending the right signals, that decoders and solenoids are working, and that everything is communicating properly across the network. It’s about removing uncertainty and replacing it with confidence.
One of the most common issues Bradley encounters comes down to water distribution. “Spray patterns are a big one,” he says. “If you’re not getting the right coverage, you’re already on the back foot.” Incorrect nozzle selection, poorly set arcs or uneven spacing can all lead to inconsistent surfaces. In many cases, areas are either being overwatered or missed entirely. Getting that balance right is fundamental to maintaining turf quality.
Alongside this, both pressure and flow rate play a crucial role. “If your pressure isn’t right, the whole system suffers,” Bradley explains. Inconsistent or incorrect pressure - or flow rate - can affect everything from spray performance to component longevity, so both should be monitored closely rather than assumed to be correct.
Of course, even the best systems encounter issues. The key, Bradley says, is being able to recognise them quickly. “It doesn’t really matter what system you’re using; the problems are often the same. Faulty fittings, wiring issues, controller faults… we see it time and time again.”
When it comes to applying water, Bradley is keen to challenge a common misconception. “It’s not about putting more water down, it’s about putting the right amount down,” he says. Overwatering not only wastes a valuable resource but can also lead to runoff and nutrient loss.
Understanding the purpose of irrigation is equally important. “Different surfaces need water for different reasons,” Bradley explains. “On a golf course, irrigation is largely about plant health and managing inputs, whereas in football it can also influence playability - even in the middle of winter. Recognising these differences allows grounds teams to make better, more informed decisions.”
A strong advocate for practical learning, Bradley believes there’s no substitute for hands-on experience. “This is an industry where people learn by doing,” he says. Seeing systems in action - and understanding how they behave when set up correctly and incorrectly - gives professionals the confidence to apply that knowledge back in their own environments.
A strong advocate for practical learning, Bradley believes there’s no substitute for hands-on experience. “This is an industry where people learn by doing,” he says.
Ultimately, Bradley sees irrigation as an essential part of modern turf management, particularly given the changing climate. “We’re seeing longer, drier periods year after year,” he says. “If your irrigation system isn’t working properly, the quality of your surface will suffer. It’s as simple as that.”
“Be proactive, be thorough, and don’t overlook the fundamentals. Because when irrigation is done right, it underpins everything.”
