I needed to put together a drip system in a hurry last summer before some travel, so I DIYed a very simple system that has proven reliable and effective for me.
From the hose faucet:
-two-way splitter (so I can still use the hose)
-simpel hose timer (Raindrip Programmable 1 Zone Water Timer Mfr# R675CT - Ace Hardware
-short length garden hose to get off the patio
-filter
-pressure regulator (20psi for drip I think)
-two way splitter
-1/2 and 3/4 black plastic irrigation pipe for trunk lines (3/4" for the long run to the far side of my 1/2 acre)
-1/4" barbs to connect to trunk line
-1/4" tubing to tree (<10 ft)
-1/4" emitter tubing (5ft/5 emitters per tree, more than necessary but allows to spread out the water
-1/4" endcaps
This cost me $350-400 and it covers basically my entire yard. I’m on a well and have decent pressure and it works as one zone for ~22 trees over a full half acre.
You need a few little tools for crimping and the barb connectors, you have to make figure out the irrigation pipe sizing, you have to stand in the home depot irrigation section for quite awhile to figure out all the little parts.
Since I was in a hurry I just laid the trunk lines on the grass, and slightly buried the 1/4" tubing, but it’s turned out that I can mow right over it. I think I’m at the upper limit for one zone but it’s working great as is.