Irrigation system installation costs generally range from $0.50 to $2.50 per square foot in Oklahoma City, meaning that an irrigation system for a small, 5,000-square-foot lot would cost between $2,500 and $12,500. However, in practice, most irrigation systems will fall between about $2,000 and $10,000, with the majority of homeowners enjoying prices at the lower end of this range.
Ultimately, every irrigation installation project is unique, and there are a variety of different factors that will determine the exact costs you’ll face. So, while it’s easy to arrange for a free irrigation system estimate, we’ll share some of the most important factors influencing installation costs below.
Different Types of Irrigation Systems
Before delving into the factors influencing the costs of an irrigation system, it’s important to point out that there are a few different kinds of irrigation systems commonly installed in residential properties. However, for all practical purposes, they fall into one of two categories.
- High-Flow, Sprinkler Systems: Conventional sprinkler-style irrigation systems are ideal for large areas, such as lawns. These systems can use a variety of different kinds of sprinkler heads, including pop-up, rotor, or fixed versions. These systems tend to require a high volume of water (hence, the “high flow” designation).
- Low-Flow, Drip Irrigation Systems: The other major kind of irrigation system, low-flow, drip irrigation, uses relatively little water and allows the water to trickle slowly into the soil. These units provide water to discrete locations on a property, which makes them perfect for flower beds and trees.
It’s also worth mentioning that even within a given type of irrigation system, the specific systems differ in a number of ways. For example, some systems may rely on conventional control mechanisms while others employ smart technology, offering additional automation opportunities.
Factors Influencing Irrigation System Installation Costs in Oklahoma City
As mentioned, there are a variety of factors that will influence the cost of the irrigation system you have installed. A few of the most important factors include:
- Property Size: Larger properties and irrigation systems require more pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads, which will usually result in higher installation costs.
- Number of Zones: The number of zones (independent subsystems built within a total irrigation system) will affect the cost of the project, as some landscapers use this as the basis of their pricing structure.
- Soil Type: Rocky or heavy clay soils (which are unfortunately common in Oklahoma) make trenching more difficult, which raises the costs of an irrigation system.
- Land Slope: While it is generally fairly easy for professionals to install irrigation systems on flat land, slopes increase the difficulty level and often necessitate the use of specialized equipment.
- System Type: Conventional, sprinkler-based systems are typically the most affordable option, while smart-controlled drip systems can cost more.
- Hardscaping and Obstacles: If your landscaper has to tunnel below your driveway or sidewalk, you’ll likely face higher labor costs for the project.
- Permits Needed: Most irrigation projects in Oklahoma City will require a permit costing $50 to $100 or more, but other jurisdictions have different fee structures and requirements.
The Benefits of Irrigation Systems for Oklahoma City Properties
While the costs associated with irrigation system installation are not insignificant, they provide a wealth of benefits, which is part of the reason they remain so popular. A few of the key benefits they offer include:
Water Efficiency
Modern irrigation systems employ a number of principles to help reduce water usage and ensure that the water they do use is distributed in a manner that maximizes its value.
For example, a professionally designed and installed sprinkler system will often use much less water than a sprinkler connected to a hose and placed in the center of your lawn. It will also ensure the water actually reaches the plants and trees that need it, rather than simply running down your driveway and into the sewer.
Many irrigation systems also feature things like rain sensors, which will automatically adjust the amount of water provided.
Convenient Automation
Manually watering your lawn, plants, and trees can become quite a chore. Not only do you have to make time to do so several times each week, but you may also have to drag out the garden hose and connect sprinklers to it.
But with a professionally installed irrigation system, you don’t even have to remember to turn on the water — the system will handle everything for you, from turning on the water to adjusting the amount of water supplied to turning off the water at the appropriate time.
Healthier Lawns, Plants, and Trees
When your plants and trees receive supplemental water in the proper places and on the appropriate schedule, they’ll usually remain healthier than ever before. As a bonus, irrigation systems help to keep plants, lawns, and trees healthier during droughts, when all of the other landscapes in your neighborhood start to appear brown and wilted.
Increased Property Value
Irrigation systems can contribute to increased property value, especially when paired with professional landscaping improvements. Additionally, because an irrigation system will help keep your plants and lawn healthier, this will help further boost your property’s curb appeal.
Environmental Benefits
Because irrigation systems tend to use water more efficiently, they offer a more environmentally friendly method of watering your property. Additionally, because irrigation systems help to reduce runoff water, they help to keep our creeks, lakes, and rivers free of harmful pollutants.
Irrigation System Installation in Oklahoma City: FAQ
Still have questions about irrigation installation costs? We’ve rounded up a few of the most common questions we hear from our customers and answered them below.
How much does it cost to install an irrigation system in Oklahoma City?
Irrigation system installation in Oklahoma City will usually cost between about $3,000 and $10,000, depending on the size of the property and the details of the project.
Does an irrigation system add value to a house?
Yes, an irrigation system may increase your home’s value by as much as 15% in some cases, and the National Association of Realtors estimates that irrigation systems generate an ROI of approximately 83%.
Is an underground sprinkler system worth it?
Underground sprinkler systems are generally very worthwhile in drought-prone regions, such as Oklahoma City. However, they may not provide as much value in areas with more frequent rainfall, such as the Pacific Northwest or the Southeastern United States.
What is the best time of year to install an irrigation system?
While you can install an irrigation system anytime the ground is not frozen, fall is often considered the ideal time, given the comfortable temperatures and the fact that it’ll allow you to plant trees or shrubs shortly afterward. This will give them time to generate healthy root systems before winter sets in.
What are the downsides of irrigation?
There aren’t many downsides for homeowners installing an irrigation system, aside from the costs associated with the project. However, there are some downsides to commercial-scale irrigation systems, such as soil salinization, runoff water issues, and ecosystem disruptions.
How much will my water bill go up with an irrigation system?
The exact amount your water bill will increase after installing an irrigation system will depend on a variety of factors, but most homeowners will likely see cost increases in the $50 to $300 range.
Do you need a plumber to install a sprinkler system in Oklahoma City?
You’ll need a licensed plumber to install a backflow device, but landscapers can complete the trenching work and lay out the pipes in Oklahoma City.
Trust Elion Landscaping & Tree Service for Your Irrigation System Needs
If you’d like to start enjoying all of the convenience an irrigation system provides (not to mention a lusher lawn and healthier plants), contact the professionals at Elion Landscaping & Tree Service. We’ll be happy to arrange for an on-site evaluation and provide you with an itemized estimate of the costs.
From landscaping services in Choctaw to tree removal services in Edmond, we’ve been serving the Oklahoma City area since 2022. We’d love the chance to provide you with the kind of professionalism, craftsmanship, and customer service that you deserve.
Sources & References
- Realtor.com – “Does a Sprinkler System Add Value to Your Home?”
Home improvement article from Realtor.com examining how installing an automatic sprinkler system can impact curb appeal, homeowner convenience, and potential resale value.
https://www.realtor.com/advice/home-improvement/sprinkler-system-home-value/ - Homeyou – “Sprinkler Installation in Oklahoma City, OK – Costs 12 / 2025”
Cost guide from Homeyou presenting typical installation prices for residential sprinkler systems in the Oklahoma City area based on recent project data.
https://www.homeyou.com/ok/sprinkler-installation-oklahoma-city-costs - Oklahoma State University Extension – “Grow Gardening Columns”
Oklahoma State University Extension gardening column series offering research-based insights, seasonal tips, and horticultural advice for home gardeners.
https://extension.okstate.edu/announcements/grow-gardening-columns
