Why do irrigators chop down trees?

When putting in a new centre pivot irrigation system, it often means reconfiguring the farm’s tracks, fences and shelterbelts. In some cases it is possible to reduce the height of trees, hedges and shelter belts, and have the irrigator travel over the top of them.

Centre pivots and linear moves are the most efficient method of applying water. They apply it very evenly and in small amounts. This allows economical irrigation of stony soils, which have low water holding ability. Centre pivots and linear moves also offer more flexibility (if rain is forecast irrigators can wait and see how much falls before irrigating).