Kelsey Jacquard
Senior Category Manager, Landscape Division
Hunter Irrigation
HGSC Role: Irrigation Efficiency
Bio: Kelsey Jacquard (CID, CLIA) is the Senior Category Manager for Mechanical Landscape Irrigation Products at Hunter Industries. She works closely with the Product Management team on key product lines, including sprinklers, valves, and micro irrigation systems.
Kelsey began her career at Hunter in 2010 as a Mechanical Engineer. After four years in engineering, she transitioned into Product Management to deepen her understanding of business, marketing, and the landscape irrigation industry. Over the past decade, she has managed the MP Rotator and Spray product lines, supported the rotor category, and taken on leadership responsibilities for the Mechanical Product Management team. In this role, she collaborates with departments across the organization to deliver high-quality products, marketing materials, and customer support.
Kelsey has been active in industry advocacy, serving on the IA Standards and Codes Committee and currently representing Hunter Industries on the IA Landscape Advocacy Committee, where she contributes to government affairs and the development of industry standards.
Q&A Topic: Overhead Irrigation can be Efficient Irrigation
Can I still maintain my lawn while using less water?
A: Yes! Have a professional audit your system or do a quick self-check: ensure sprinklers clear plants, aren’t spraying hardscape, and aren’t misting due to high pressure. Adjust accordingly to prevent waste.
How can I avoid being that neighbor with water running down the sidewalk?
A: Runoff usually comes from poorly adjusted heads, high pressure, or long runtimes. Fix it by adjusting heads to clear turf or plants, installing correct nozzles for the needed distance, and using “cycle and soak” watering to give the soil time to absorb water.
Are there any inherently efficient sprinklers I should use?
A: Yes, use pressure-regulated sprinkler bodies to optimize the pressure and flow from the nozzle. For efficient nozzles, high-efficiency spray nozzles provide improved coverage to traditional spray nozzles and multi-stream multi-trajectory nozzles (e.g., MP Rotator) apply water evenly and slowly, minimizing the chance of runoff.
Is there a way to effectively water narrow planter areas?
A: Use side strip or short-radius nozzles, available in spray or rotating multi-stream nozzles. Pair with pressure-regulated bodies for targeted watering and minimal overspray.
What are the benefits of overhead irrigation?
A: When done properly, overhead irrigation can mimic natural rainfall, providing even coverage with visual confirmation when running. While robust, overhead irrigation visually indicates a need for maintenance.
What are the benefits of drip irrigation?
A: Drip delivers water directly to plant roots, maximizing water efficiency. With proper scheduling, it supports plant health in dry climates.
When should I use one over the other?
A: It depends on plant type, landscape shape, and your preference. Both can be effective with proper scheduling and regular maintenance.
