Baseline Systems BaseStation 3200 User Manual
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C h a p t e r 1 – G e t t i n g S t a r t e d
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Baseline 3200
Angling the sensor can profile a deeper soil column for trees that have deeper root structures as
well.
If the tree is watered with drip emitters or bubblers, install the sensor in a location that is not
directly under the emitter or bubbler to avoid partial watering of the whole root zone of the tree.
If multiple emitters are used for a single tree, a good rule of thumb is to install the sensor roughly
half way between two emitters and as much inside the root mass of the tree as possible without
damaging the roots.
Root depth and water requirements for trees and shrubs vary much more
greatly than for turf. Consult an experienced Arborist for or Master
Gardener for specific guidelines for watering trees.
Most trees are watered along with turf in commercial landscapes. In this case, Baseline
recommends that biSensor(s) be installed for the turf areas, and that the default run time(s) of
zones with trees be adjusted to insure water application to 12” or whatever is required to
optimize tree health.
Installing biSensors with New Trees
In the case of new landscape with newly installed trees that are watered separately from turf
zones, it is important to make sure that the sensor is located as close to the root ball in the top
1/3 of the root ball as possible. Watering new trees with a sensor based watering strategy is a
good way of avoiding inadvertently “drowning” new trees and shrubs due to overwatering.
Shrubs and Other Ornamental Plants
Many landscapes feature shrub zones that are separately watered from turf zones. Shrubs
generally have very different water needs from turf, so this is a good thing!
For shrub zones, a representative plant should be chosen, and the biSensor should be installed in
or close to the top 1/3 of the root zone for the plant, without damaging the root structure of the
plant.
If drip emitters or bubblers are used, install the sensor in a location that is not directly under the
emitter or bubbler to avoid partial watering of the whole root zone of the plant.
Gardens and Crop Plants
Sensors are excellent tools for maximizing crop results, and have been used for decades in
irrigated agriculture.
Garden and crop plant watering depends greatly on the type of plants being grown, and is
beyond the scope of this manual.
To plan a watering strategy for larger gardens or crops, Baseline recommends that you contact
your local Cooperative Extension Office. You can find a national register of the extension offices
at