It’s easy to water your plants, but what about your lawn? With a proper lawn sprinkler, that won’t be hard either. So, if you consider buying one, you’ve come to the right place.
You’ll come across a wide variety of yard sprinkler types and models, with different coverage range, spray patterns, efficiency, and it’ll be a challenging task to choose the one that fits your needs the best. On the one hand, you need to find the best combination of quality, value, and features in one product. On the other, you should know what things to take into consideration before spending your money on one. By the end of this article, you will. With the following reviews of the best sprinklers for small yards, we’ll help you narrow down your options to find the best sprinkler for your yard.
If you’re looking for other solutions and ideas for your small back yard, check out our other small backyard articles.
Top 7 Small Yard Sprinklers
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Best Small Yard Sprinkler Overall – Melnor 65055-AMZ
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We’ve put the Melnor XT Metal Turbo Oscillator at the top of our list, and there’s a good reason why. The sprinkler is suitable for any yard, whether small or large. It doesn’t require any assembly. Just take it out of the box, connect it with the QuickConnect Adapter and attach it to a hose end. The knob outside makes it easy to connect to a hose. Also, since the knob spins, the hose won’t twist while you move the sprinkler. The item comes with a metal base, meaning you don’t have to worry about it moving around once it’s put on the ground.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large coverage area | In practice, it covers less than it’s supposed to |
| Twin touch width and range adjustment | |
| 20 Precision Nozzles | |
| Limited lifetime warranty |
The 20 precision nozzles spray water back and forth to cover up to 4,500 sq. ft. The water comes out of the nozzles spinning, which helps it go further. Moreover, the watering width, length, and flow can be adjusted with the twin touch adjustment technology, so you can use the sprinkler to water a small flower bed or the whole yard. However, it all depends on the water pressure. The higher the pressure, the better the coverage. If the nozzles clog, there’s a built-in anti-clog tool, to poke into them and clean them out. Never forget to put it back in so the water doesn’t start flowing out the end.
Lastly, in practice, the Melnor XT Metal Turbo Oscillator never covers 4,500 sq. ft. But, getting two of them won’t break the bank.
Most Versatile Small Yard Sprinkler – MyGarden Lawn Sprinkler
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The rotating MyGarden Lawn Sprinkler is among the best sprinklers for a small yard on the market. Although it’s lightweight and made of plastic, it won’t move once you put it on the ground. The sprinkler comes with a rotating nozzle body with 3 arms. Each arm has 4 multi-angle nozzles, for either slower or quicker irrigation. The two different spraying angles reach different diameters, while the spray direction is adjustable. If you need to keep a large yard nourished, it has an input and output connection. This way you can connect however sprinklers you need to make a system of sprinklers. Also, it distributes the water evenly on the surface without over-spraying, which saves on your water bill.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Covers up to 3,600 sq. ft. | Non-adjustable spray pattern |
| Versatile spray patterns | |
| Stable | |
| Weather-resistant | |
| Child-friendly |
Being made of ABS plastic and a rust-proof polymer, the MyGarden Lawn Sprinkler is built to withstand the elements. With proper maintenance, to last long as well. It just takes light cleaning to keep it in its shape. Moreover, it’s child-friendly, so your children can make some memories of running through a sprinkler, just like you have.
Lastly, if you aren’t in love with the sprinkler, the manufacturer will fully refund your money. But you will be. Honestly, there isn’t a thing we don’t like about the MyGarden Lawn Sprinkler.
Best High-End Sprinkler – Scotts All-in-One Oscillating Sprinkler Kit
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Unlike the sprinklers we’ve reviewed before, the Scotts All-in-One Oscillating Sprinkler doesn’t cover a wide area, but rather a specific plant or raised bed. The sprinkler consists of a flexible watering head, so you adjust the width, length, and angle of spray. There’s a setting for how far back and forth the head alternates. Also, it comes with a raiser which raises the head several inches above the ground, so it waters taller plants, and finally a flow reducer to control the rate of water flow to the head. The sprinkler is secured to the ground with the stake that comes with it. You might have difficulties cutting the plastic line, but strong scissors will work.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Precise watering | Covers a small area |
| Three adjustable features | |
| Works with any timer |
In addition, what makes the sprinkler awesome, is that you can add accessories which will make it even more flexible. For example, it works with any timer. You might have extra costs, but it won’t cost you a pretty penny.
So, if you are tired of hoses running across your yard, while you stand there watering the plants and raised beds, Scotts All-in-One Oscillating Sprinkler Kit will do the job very efficiently. It beats hand watering anytime! It’s not among the best sprinklers for small areas in vain. However, if you want to soak the whole lawn, we have better options for you.
Lawn Sprinkler – Automatic Sprinklers
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Nine-to-Five Life Lawn Sprinkler is powerful and versatile, with a maximum water pressure of 60 PSI and up to 32.8 ft. spray distance. It features 3 arms, with 4 fully adjustable nozzles each, so you have full control over the pattern. The sprinkler uses a circular spray pattern, where the water reaches every corner of the lawn. The 360o rotating action distributes the water evenly all over the surface. Therefore, it can’t be adjusted to spray a specific area. Water conservation technology prevents over-watering and minimizes waste.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide coverage | Being lightweight, it can easily tip over when the water pressure is higher |
| Easy to set up | Can’t be adjusted to water a specific area |
| Durable | |
| Saves water and time |
Moreover, the butterfly rotary sprinkler that comes with the item can be attached to the base for different spraying types. This lawn sprinkler is so easy to use and to set up. Just connect it to a hose with the quick connector, which fits a traditional rubber pipe, and let the water flow through it. But, since the sprinkler is made of plastic, it’s very lightweight and can be easily moved when the water pressure is high. It’s suitable for small or medium-sized yards. However, you won’t be on the breadline by getting two of them if you need to water larger areas.
For you, it’ll be great for watering lawns; for the kids, for playtime on hot days. One thing is certain, the Nine-to-Five Life Lawn Sprinkler will give your garden an actual soak.
Milemont Garden Sprinkler
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Very similar to the lawn sprinkler above, the Milemont Garden Sprinkler comes with a rotating body with 3 arms, and 12 built-in different angle spray nozzles for easy targeting. However, it sprays only circular pattern, and can’t be adjusted to cover only a specific area, but the whole lawn instead. The sprinkler covers a maximum of 3,600 sq. ft. area, with an 80 PSI water pressure. It’s made of ABS plastic with TPR encapsulated sides so that it lasts longer. Since it’s lightweight, it can be easily moved around, wherever the lawn needs to be watered.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide coverage | The shape of the pattern can’t be adjusted |
| Easy to set up | |
| Well sealed connection which prevents leakage |
The setup doesn’t take much effort. Just connect the sprinkler with a hose, and once the water starts flowing through it, the sprinkler starts operating. The plumber tape will seal the connection well so that it prevents the water from leaking.
Moreover, if you need to water a larger area, you can daisy chain more sprinklers and make a system. However, since they’ll share the water, they might not spin that fast. And finally, the kids now will have what to play with during the summer heat. If you aren’t satisfied with the sprinkler, the manufacturer backs it with an 18-month warranty.
The Milemont Garden Sprinkler is undoubtedly one of the best sprinklers, not only for small yards but large ones, too. For such a low price, you’ll have a breathtakingly beautiful grass the neighbors will envy.
Best Tripod Sprinkler for Small Yard – Orbit Zinc Impact Sprinkler
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Out of all sprinklers we’ve reviewed so far, the Orbit 56667N impact sprinkler covers the largest area, up to 85 ft. in diameter, and even 5,670 sq. ft. when set to a full circle. The hight (from 25” to 48”), the radius of the spray, and the coverage can be adjusted, from a partial section to a full circle, depending on your needs. Just place it in the area you want to water, connect it to a standard hose and turn the water on. The sprinkler waters a wide area at a time. The head is made of zinc, while the legs of aluminum, which make the sprinkler rust-proof and durable.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large-area coverage | Flips over when the water pressure is high |
| Adjustable spraying | |
| Customizable settings | |
| Made of quality materials, which make it durable |
On the other hand, the sprinkler can flip over once the water flows through it, especially when the water pressure is too high. But, you can anchor it with a tent stake, so it remains stable on the ground.
The Orbit 56667N impact sprinkler is suitable not only for a rectangular but any-shaped lawns as well. If you have a larger area to water, you’ll have the job done efficiently with this one. It’s the best tripod sprinkler for small yards undoubtedly.
Best for Small Rectangular Lawn – Gilmour Rectangular Pattern Spot Sprinkler
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The Gilmour Rectangular Pattern Spot Sprinkler, with its fountain-like spray, is the best option for small, rectangular areas. The 15 ft x 30 ft rectangular pattern is ideal for watering new seeds, potted plants and trouble spots on the lawn. The sprinkler is made of high-quality metal, which makes it last for many seasons. What’s more, it doesn’t require high water pressure to operate. The sprinkler will work as efficiently even when the water pressure is low. However, the pressure adjusts the spraying height. With the faucet wide open, the sprinkler sprays about 10-12 ft. high. Moreover, the water that comes out is very light, so it won’t soak the whole yard, just the targeted place.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Works well when the water pressure is low | Can’t be connected to another sprinkler |
| Very effective in watering small areas | The spray pattern can’t be adjusted |
| Metal construction | Covers a small area |
| 3-year warranty |
On the other hand, since the sprinkler doesn’t come with any output, it can’t be connected to another sprinkler so that you make a system. But, since it’s lightweight, you can easily move it around and water small areas one at a time. Finally, it comes with a 3-year warranty.
For such a low price, you will have a garden with beautiful flowers in full blossom. That’s exactly what makes the Gilmour Rectangular Pattern Spot sprinkler the best sprinkler for rectangular lawns.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Small Yard Sprinkler
With thousands of varieties and combinations, choosing a lawn sprinkler that will perfectly suit your yard won’t be the easiest thing in the world. There are a number of prerequisites you should give thought to. To make sure that you’ll spend your money on the right sprinkler, take a look at them below.
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- Flow Rate – Firstly, it’s crucial to determine the amount of water (expressed in Liters Per Minute) available from the tap you’ll use the lawn sprinkler, so the item operates efficiently. You need at least 30-35 PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch) of pressure and about 10-13 GPM (Gallons Per Minute) of water flow to support a sprinkler system. Sprinklers that spray farther require a higher water pressure, and if your pressure is low, it won’t cover the whole area at it’s supposed to.
- Watering Needs – It’s also important what area you want to water, the whole lawn, or just a specific one, like flower beds, or potted plants. For full water coverage of the lawn, it’s for the best to install a rotary sprinklers or pop-ups. On the other hand, drip watering would be the best solution for flower beds.
- Lawn Dimensions – The perimeter of your lawn, along with all the angles and edges, plays a big role in choosing a sprinkler. It’s essential to predetermine the dimensions of the area that needs to be watered. Rotor or impact sprinklers are more suitable for a larger one, since they spray farther, meaning you’ll need fewer sprinklers to install.
- Soil Type – It determines the water saturation rate and how much watering you’ll need.
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Once you determine the area and conditions under which the sprinkler will be used, take a look at the following points that will help you choose the most suitable one.
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- Settings – They come with different settings for timing and water pressure. It’s useful to choose a sprinkler with various settings, so you have the job done most efficiently, without wasting water or over-spraying the lawn. Some of them have an automatic shut-off feature that will save you from waiting for the yard to be watered.
- Range – All the sprinklers come with different ranges. Make sure the range isn’t too big if you need to water a smaller area, or that it’s big enough to cover a large one. Also, the water pressure is very important in water distribution. If it’s high, the sprinkler will work in full effect.
- Design – You should take into account the size of the sprinkler. It’d be more useful if it’s not that big and heavy so that you can move and place it wherever you need to. There are types of sprinklers that come with a wheel base or customized path, which move around by themselves.
- Material – Sprinklers made of plastic aren’t as sturdy and stable as the metal ones, but they come at a lower price. High-priced sprinklers come with metal base. In that case, to make sure they last long, check for corrosion protection.
- Stability – The sprinkler should remain stable on the ground once it’s put there. In general, sprinklers with heavier and broader bases are more stable.
- Spray Pattern – The spray pattern also matters, since it determines its suitability for different-shaped lawns. Some of the sprinklers feature adjustable nozzles, where you get different spraying patterns, while others don’t come with the same ability.
- Price – Finally, what’s even more important is to check your budget and see if the type of sprinkler you’ve chosen is affordable to you.
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Types of Sprinklers
Depending on their design, spray pattern, coverage, and price, the lawn sprinklers come in different types. When buying one, take your time to make a comparison between various models, and choose the one that suits your yard best. Trying to make a DIY automated sprinkler system can be extremely time-consuming. Just get one off the shelf!
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Spray Sprinklers
These sprinkles spray a fan-shaped pattern of water. The interchangeable nozzles installed on the sprinkler determine the pattern and the radius of the water throw. They are suitable for small to medium-sized lawns.
Traveling Sprinklers
Sprinklers that wheel themselves around due to the water pressure while they follow a hose and water the yard from one end to another. The traveling sprinkler waters in the same way as the rotary one does, except that it reaches a larger area by moving. It requires a higher water pressure to operate. Suitable for large lawns.
Rotary Sprinklers
The rotary sprinklers have several arms attached to a spinning head. They operate by rotating stream of water in a circular pattern with a single, or double sprays. Suitable for small lawns. In addition, even when the water pressure is low, they often work well.
Oscillating Sprinklers
They have a long aluminum or plastic tube with multiple nozzles in it, out of which the water flows. As the tube moves slowly, it sprays back and forth. Easily cover a rectangular area. Suitable for small and medium-sized lawns.
Pop-up Sprinklers
Once placed, they’re not meant to be moved. When the system is activated, the pop-up sprinkler rise from the ground, distributes a precise amount of water, and then shuts off, retracts back to the ground and drops out of sight. The pop-up sprinklers, when installed correctly, are highly efficient in delivering the water precisely and reducing water wastage. The elevation of common pop-up sprinklers ranges from 2 to 20 inches.
Stationary Sprinklers
They’re designed in such a way to distribute water through the pattern of holes located all over the sprinkler head. They are mostly suitable for small-sized yards. The area they cover depends on the size, the pattern of the holes, and mostly, on water pressure. They also operate with low water pressure, but they won’t spray the water very far.
Impact Sprinklers
An impact sprinkler is a water irrigation sprinkler in which the outgoing water makes the head move in a circular pattern, with adjustable stops for full or part circle operation. The head is pivoted on a bearing on top of its threaded connection nut. They are highly efficient and suitable for medium-sized or large yards.
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Small Yard Sprinklers FAQs
[accordiongroup id=”916″][accordion group=”916″ title=”Can you overwater your lawn?” active=”true”]The answer is, yes. Frequent watering is crucial to keep the lawn green and healthy. However, too much water can cause more damage to the lawn than too little water. Excess water prevents healthy grass growth and makes the lawn liable to be infested with pests. Also, it moves nutrients out of the soil, so the grass may turn yellow.[/accordion][accordion group=”916″ title=”What’s the best time to water my lawn?” active=”true”]The best time to run your lawn sprinkler is in the morning before 10 a.m. The winds are calmer, the weather is cooler, so the grass can absorb the water before it evaporates. If you water in the evening, do it between 4 and 6 p.m., so the grass will have a chance to dry before nightfall. Watering at night causes increased susceptibility to disease.[/accordion][accordion group=”916″ title=”How many gallons per hour does a sprinkler use?” active=”true”]Depending on the type of sprinkler, water usage varies. A typical lawn sprinkler from a standard garden hose (5/8”) uses about 1,020 gallons of water for one hour. However, most of them are designed to prevent a waste of water, which saves on your water bill.[/accordion][accordion group=”916″ title=”For how long you should water the lawn?” active=”true”]When watering the lawn, it’s important to know the amount of water it needs, so you don’t drown it. More isn’t always better. Your garden needs at least 1 inch to 1.5 inches of water per week. So, how long you’ll water depends on the type of sprinkler, the water pressure, and weather conditions. It’s good to water about 30 minutes two to three times per week. However, you can check with a rain gauge the amount of water your turf is receiving.[/accordion][/accordiongroup]
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Martha M.
I'm passionate about small DIY projects and my modest garden. I'm always up for a challenge! Soon after getting out of university, I realized I won't find many if I don't set the ground myself. Soon after, TopYardDesign.com was created.
