Irrigation cost

Zone count, not yard size, is the main cost driver. A zone is limited by how much water your supply can deliver at once, so a big lawn with good pressure may need fewer zones than a small, awkward property with several plant types. Anything that changes zone count changes the price meaningfully.

Trenching conditions are the second driver. Rock, roots, mature landscaping, driveways to bore under and steep grades all add labor, and LatestCost puts irrigation labor at roughly $60 to $120 an hour with most zone work taking two to six hours per zone. That's why urban and heavily landscaped lots run higher than open suburban ones.

Then there are the items people forget when comparing bids: the backflow prevention assembly required to protect drinking water, a controller (basic or smart), rain or soil moisture sensors, and any permit or utility fee. A quote that omits the backflow assembly is not cheaper — it's incomplete.

Finally, budget for the annual cycle. LatestCost puts ongoing upkeep at about $50 to $150 per zone per year; LawnStarter's per-zone winterization tiers run from $50 to $75 for one or two zones up to $150 to $250 for seven or eight. None of that is optional in a freezing climate.

How to choose

Compare bids per zone

Ask every contractor for zone count and per-zone price. A cheaper total with fewer zones may just mean worse coverage.

Confirm the backflow assembly is included

It's a required piece of equipment in most places and a common omission in a lowball bid.

Ask what the trenching assumes

Rock, roots and boring under hardscape are the classic change-order items. Get the assumption written down.

Budget the annual costs before you sign

Winterization, spring startup and per-zone maintenance are a recurring line in your household budget, not a one-off.

Weigh a smart controller against your water bill

EPA WaterSense estimates an average home can save up to 15,000 gallons a year by replacing a standard clock timer with a WaterSense labeled controller — and many utilities rebate them.