Irrigation cost in Melbourne is much higher than in other areas. Find out what you can expect to pay to ensure that you don’t pay more than you have to.
It can be difficult to maintain a garden with limited time and resources. And watering your grass is just one of the tasks that it stands to reason you could benefit from automating. If that’s the case, you will want to look into investing in a proper irrigation system.
Many homeowners put this task off out of concerns regarding costs, but the benefits far outweigh the upfront investment. If you’re worried about the cost of installing a professional irrigation system for your garden in Melbourne, consider the cost of not installing one. In the end, the investment can range between $3000-4,000 here in Melbourne, with systems coming with eco friendly settings that can also help you make sure to water the right amounts at the right times.
If you want to learn more about irrigation, check out our other resources:
1. How to choose the best irrigation supplier
Which factors can impact irrigation cost in Melbourne?
No two gardens are the same, and so no two irrigation setups will cost the same. When you’re budgeting for irrigation, you will need to keep in mind three main factors: garden size, system type, and plant species.
Garden size
The size of the terrain that needs to be fitted with an irrigation system will impact the cost in two ways. Bigger gardens will need more sprinklers and more material to pipe along the system. Also, more time will also be needed to install all the different components.
Irrigation system type
There are two main types of irrigation systems: drip irrigation and sprinkler systems. Drip irrigation is generally more expensive and involves installing pipes or hosing that emit water along their length at the roots. In contrast, traditional sprinkler systems are fairly straightforward to install and service, which cuts down on the cost.
You also have the choice between a manual and an automated system. As you would expect, a fully automated system uses much more technology than a manual system for which you’ll have to pay more.
Plant species
The cost of your irrigation system will also be impacted by the types of plants in your garden. Indigenous shrubs and plants generally use less water. On the other hand, flowering plants, vegetables, and exotic species require more specialized care.
How much will it cost to install an irrigation system?
After Canberra, irrigation costs in Melbourne are the highest. As a matter of fact, compared to Perth, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, irrigation installation costs in Melbourne can be as much as double.
Not only is there a huge price discrepancy from one region to the next, but also with regards to different types of systems. In terms of square meter, you can expect to pay anything from $10 to about $30 per square meter. And, for areas that are difficult to access, that rate can be even higher. For example, if the job calls for more specialized skill, you can expect to be charged extra costs on top of the standard rate.
It’s not uncommon for people to pay thousands for irrigation in Melbourne. For example, for installing a sprinkler system, the average cost is nearly $4,000. You’ll hardly find something for less than $3,000.
For drip irrigation, the cost per hectare is about $1,500 at least.
Can you install it on your own to save costs?
Getting an irrigation system designed, set up, and running properly requires a fair degree of skill and experience. For this reason, it’s not recommended that you turn it into a DIY project.
Also, if you were to make a mistake, it could be costly. A burst pipe can lead to water damage, while issues with water flow and water pressure will impact the overall efficiency of your system. Both scenarios can cost you even more in the long run.
Save water and money with expert irrigation installers
There’s a lot of time and money that go into establishing a garden. The last thing you want is for your green lawn to turn brown and plants to die because of a watering issue, especially when there is such a wide range of tools designed to put your irrigation basically on autopilot.
Malvern Irrigation Supplies is one of the leaders in irrigation sales, design, consultation, servicing, and installation in Melbourne. The weather is unpredictable, but with the right team of installers and reliable equipment, your irrigation system doesn’t have to be. Not only do we have a carefully curated selection of irrigation controllers, fittings, pipes, and valves, but our team can also help you get the most from these tools. Whether it’s for a commercial or residential project, we can install an irrigation system that will improve your garden maintenance. For advice, send us a message, and we’ll be happy to offer our expertise.
