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May 07, 2023

Best Lawn Sprinklers: Top 5 Devices Most Recommended By Experts

They say the grass is always greener, if you water it. Watering the lawn can be

They say the grass is always greener, if you water it. Watering the lawn can be a chore, especially if you are dragging a garden hose all around your green space. That's why investing in one of the best lawn sprinklers is a good idea to save time and optimize efficiency. Simply connect it to your water source, let it spray and walk away. Sprinklers are also great for watering those hard-to-reach areas too. Plus, they’re a lot cheaper than installing an in-ground sprinkler system.

An added bonus? Lawn sprinklers keep children, dogs, and even those young-at-heart grownups thoroughly entertained on a hot day. Besides, surrounding yourself with greenery has its health benefits. A recent study reveals children who visit or live near green spaces suffer from less cellular stress that can cause harmful aging and disease. The team from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health add that exposure to vegetation alone, not physical exercise, likely makes the difference. Scientists found that children exposed to green spaces had lower levels of oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress develops when there is an imbalance between the number of harmful oxygen-containing molecules (free radicals) and antioxidants in the body. The permanent damage free radicals can trigger includes accelerated aging and the development of illnesses like cancer or Alzheimer's disease. The researchers believe green spaces can help limit the damage it causes to children. These benefits could also help kids tackle respiratory illnesses and allergies.

So, if you are looking to nourish your yard with frequent watering, StudyFinds is here to make it easier for you. We’ve turned to gardening experts to compile a list of the five best lawn sprinklers from ten expert websites. As always, we’d like to see your own recommendations in the comments below!

Topping our list is this popular oscillating sprinkler by Melnor. It comes in both metal and plastic varieties. The New York Times notes, it "offers the best combination of quality, value, and features for a homeowner looking to take care of a typical rectangular lawn. With its metal base and simple controls to customize the length, width, and water flow, the XT4200M can last several seasons and keep your grass green without watering the sidewalk."

So, what makes this particular sprinkler stand out? "The sprinkler's rectangular oscillating head features 20 precision nozzles for uniform water distribution, and the unit comes with a nozzle-cleaning tool to quickly remove any blockages that might occur. The Turbo also features a metal filter washer in its hose fitting for trapping debris. The sprinkler is made from heavy-duty plastic and weighs 1.5 pounds," according to Bob Vila.

Good Housekeeping crowns it ‘Best Overall’, adding it's "easy to adjust the spray distance and width, and comes with a built-in flow control. Given its spray pattern, the Melnor is best for long, narrow yards, as opposed to square ones, and you will need to manually move it around if you have a lot of lawn to cover."

Country Living spotlights Orbit's Brass Impact Sprinkler pointing out, "this elevated sprinkler is also perfect for gardens that have towering bushes or other interferences. We also love the adjustable head that makes customizing your coverage area a breeze. And when not in use, the tripod base folds up compactly for storage."

If you have a larger yard to water, this sprinkler should work well for you. "This brass impact sprinkler shoots up to 100 feet, so you can water plantings in the back of the garden where the hose won't reach," adds Popular Mechanics.

USA Today notes, "customizable settings include using the deflector shield and diffuser screw to alter the stream and change the spray distance radius, but this sprinkler does have fewer options than others." Another potential drawback? Some reviewers did note the tripod can tip over in windy conditions.

Better Homes & Gardens crowns this one ‘Best Oscillating’, adding "not only is it made of a super-sturdy, durable, and hard-wearing stainless steel, but it also has clog-resistant nozzles so that the water output is always consistently strong."

BestReviews gives this Aqua Joe sprinkler ‘Best Bang For The Buck’ accolades, noting it's "leak-resistant connection so you can water with peace of mind."

"The 16-inch Aqua Joe sprinkler covers about 3,600 square feet with a maximum spray distance of 70 feet, which is more than enough for a medium to large lawn or vegetable garden. (It's also available in a 20-inch version that covers 4,400 square feet.) At around 2 pounds, you can easily bring this lawn sprinkler to other parts of your yard," according to Real Simple.

However, reviewers did point out the spray is gentle and may not be as effective when it's windy.

Hydrating larger lawns is easy with this traveling sprinkler from Nelson. "With three speeds, you can choose between a faster pace for lighter watering, a slower pace for a more intense watering or the self-propelled neutral pace in between. An auto shut-off ramp helps prevent water waste," notes Good Housekeeping.

How does it work? "The sprinkler follows a standard hose around your yard and contains adjustable speed controls for a fast or slow watering process," adds This Old House.

USA Today points out, "the Nelson RainTrain looks like a little tractor that moves along the track you set to water your lawn. The RainTrain is built with a cast-iron body with chip resistant powder coating, and its adjustable aluminum arms provide coverage from 15 to 55 feet along its 200-foot track (a total coverage of up to 13,500 square feet)."

Although, some reviewers did suggest it doesn't work as well on uneven terrain.

Rounding out our top five, is this rotating lawn sprinkler from GrowGreen. BestReviews calls it, "easy to operate and reasonably quiet."

"It features a revolving head that sprays water in a circular pattern, so you don't have to move it around. Plus, the 80 PSI water pressure increases the rotation speed and covers more area," according to Real Simple.

Better Homes & Gardens highlights its ease of use adding, "just connect it to the hose, place it in the middle of your yard, and turn the water on. The sprinkler is made of a sturdy ABS plastic, which is rust-proof and impact resistant."

One drawback some reviewers mention, concerns durability. It may not last as long as other sprinklers after regular use.

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.

About the Author

Melissa is a freelance writer, based out of New Jersey. She has over two-decades of writing, editing, and producing experience for Radio, TV, and Digital Media.

View Melissa's article archive

Stick with what you know, leave the watering to the pros.

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