Switching to a Gravel Yard in Farmington? Here’s What to Do With Your Irrigation System
What Happens to Your Irrigation System When You Switch to a Gravel Yard?
If you’re thinking about replacing your lawn with gravel, you’re probably wondering:
“What do we do with the sprinkler system?”
At Priddy Landscaping & Irrigation, we get this question all the time. The answer depends on how you want to use your yard. Here are your main options.
Option 1: Remove the Irrigation System Completely
This is the simplest solution if you plan a full gravel yard with no plants.
What happens:
We remove all pipes, sprinkler heads, valves, and the timer.
Your yard is completely independent — no watering needed.
Maintenance for the old system ends.
Pros:
No future leaks or broken sprinklers
No water bill from that system
Simple, clean start for gravel installation
Cons:
If you ever decide to plant later, a new system will need to be installed
Lost investment in the original irrigation system
Option 2: Remove Only the Valves and Timer
If you want to keep the pipes in place for potential future use, you can remove just the above-ground components.
What happens:
Sprinkler heads and pipes may remain underground (optional)
Valves and the timer are removed, so system won’t run
Gravel installation can be done over or around existing pipes
Pros:
Easier to reinstall irrigation if you change your mind later
Pipes underground may protect the yard from digging damage
Cons:
Pipes left in the ground may still need occasional inspection
Takes slightly more effort during installation
Option 3: Convert to a Drip System and Install Plants
If you want some plants, shrubs, or trees, a full gravel yard doesn’t have to mean no irrigation.
What happens:
Existing valves and pipes are converted to drip irrigation
Plants get targeted watering
Gravel still covers most of the yard, reducing maintenance
Pros:
Keeps watering minimal but effective
Perfect for accent plants, shrubs, or a xeriscape design
Still saves water compared to a full lawn
Cons:
Slightly higher cost than just removing the system
Drip lines need occasional flushing or checking
Which Option Is Right for You?
Option 1: Full gravel, no plants, total simplicity
Option 2: Future-proof, minimal disruption, maybe some irrigation later
Option 3: Gravel + plants, low maintenance, water-efficient
At Priddy Landscaping & Irrigation, we help you choose the right option for your yard and install it cleanly with minimal mess.
Local Service in Farmington & Surrounding Areas
We handle:
Lawn removal and gravel installation
Full or partial irrigation removal
Drip system conversion for xeriscape landscaping
Serving Farmington, Aztec, Bloomfield, Kirtland, Flora Vista, and San Juan County NM.
Thinking About a Gravel Yard?
If you want a low-maintenance, water-smart yard, it’s worth talking about what to do with your irrigation system before starting. Choosing the right option now can save money and headaches later.
