How to Irrigate Fruit Trees and Grass at the Same Time

A drip system installed around fruit trees and through the surrounding grassy area irrigates both the trees and the grass. This slow release of water seeps into the ground to provide moisture for the root systems. Run the drip irrigation system once a week for up to two hours, so the soil saturates to a depth of 12 inches. Drip irrigation systems are water efficient by providing water at ground level so there is less water lost to evaporation.


Determine the placement of the drip irrigation system and measure the length of tubing needed for the installation. Circle around the tree, halfway between the trunk and drip line. Add additional drip line to place between the trees to irrigate the grass if the trees are spread far apart; drip lines set 3 to 4 feet apart should provide enough water to irrigate the grass.


Purchase the length of tubing, drip emitters, a vacuum breaker, filter and pressure regulator at a home supply or garden store.


Connect the vacuum breaker to the top portion of the pressure regulator. Attach the filter to the vacuum breaker and add the hose swivel so the tubing moves freely. Connect this unit to the end of a garden hose. Attach the other end of the garden hose to a section of drip tubing. Attach the filter and connectors to the water spigot.


Lay the drip tubing around the trees so it is circles the tree approximately halfway between the drip line and tree trunk. Lay additional tubing along the grass area between the trees to irrigate both the fruit trees and grass. Attach as many lengths of tubing as needed to accomplish this task.


Attach a drip emitter every 24 inches along the tubing, using the barbed connectors that come with the emitters.


Pound metal U-shaped stakes over the drip tubing to hold it in place every 24 to 36 inches. Use caution to prevent damaging the drip line with the stakes.


Cut the end off the far end of the drip line. Turn the water on for several minutes to to flush the drip line. Turn the water off, fold over the cut end of tubing and secure a half-inch clamp over the end to close the tube.


Walk the tube line to verify all emitters are facing upward. Turn the water on to test the water flow and make sure it is saturating the fruit tree root system and surrounding grass. Make adjustments to the placement of the drip line tubing if needed.