Quick answer: Sprinkler nozzles affect spray distance, pattern, flow and precipitation rate. The wrong nozzle can create dry spots, overspray, excessive flow demand or uneven watering even when the sprinkler body itself works correctly.
Radius and arc are different
Radius describes how far water travels. Arc describes the portion of a circle being watered. Both need to fit the landscape area.
Flow demand matters
Changing several nozzles to higher-flow models can increase total zone demand. If demand exceeds available flow, sprinkler pressure and throw distance can decline.
Matched watering matters
Nozzles on the same zone should be selected with compatible application characteristics so one area is not soaked while another remains dry.
See why sprinklers leave dry spots and rotor vs spray heads.
