Even in landscaping, there can be too much of a good thing. Every plant needs sunlight and moisture to thrive but overwatered commercial and residential lawns can lead to stressed roots, weeds, disease, and insect invaders. That’s probably not the look you’re going for!
5 Signs You’re Overwatering Your Lawn
Watch out for these 5 signs of overwatering, and take steps to correct them.
Depressions in the Lawn
We completely understand a property owner’s desire to leave his or her mark, but if your foot is leaving a soggy, mushy, or matted imprint when you walk across your lawn, you’ve been going a bit too heavy on the H2O.
Wilting Grass
Droopy, lifeless plants are typically associated with extreme thirst (i.e., underwatering or drought conditions). But overwatering can cause similar symptoms. Keep an eye out for signs of overwatering such as leaves and lawns that appear dull and faded, in addition to grass that does not spring back into shape after being pressed down.
Fungus
Mushrooms, algae, blight, mold, and patch thrive in excessive moisture. If these conditions are appearing in your lawn and flower gardens, rein in your watering schedule.
Root Rot
Also a fungal disease, root rot is a common ailment caused by too much moisture in the soil. It results in browning and yellowing grasses and leaves, accompanied by gray, brown, or even slimy roots.
Runoff
Excess water flow to the parking lot or street is a surefire sign that your lawn is oversaturated. The runoff is also likely to be taking fertilizer and/or lawn treatment chemicals with it, washing them into the storm sewer and our water supply. That’s one of the reasons why stormwater management is so important for Howard County property owners.
How to Avoid Giving Your Lawn Too Much Water
The following suggestions can help you keep your commercial lawn and landscape healthy:
- Always check the ground moisture before watering your property’s lawn. Don’t just rely on conditions at the surface. Instead, use a probe to check deeper into the ground. Soil should be damp 6-12” below the surface to encourage a deeper (and more drought-resistant) root system for your turfgrass.
- Adjust your watering schedule. Experts suggest the best time to water is between 4 a.m. and 8 a.m. in the morning.
- Do not water lawns at night. Lack of evaporation in the nighttime hours can lead to root rot.
- Do not water lawns when it rains. That might sound simple but if your irrigation system operates on a set schedule, you could find yourself doubling up on water for your lawn. Irrigation specialists can install a rain sensor for your automatic systems that detect moisture and prevent overwatering.
Eos Outdoor Services can help you implement these tips, in addition to any of your irrigation needs. We provide routine inspections, repairs, and more, allowing you to concentrate exclusively on managing your property. Our professionally installed irrigation systems deliver water to those areas of your landscape that need it most, at the right time, keeping your grass green and your guests impressed. Call us today (or use our handy online contact form) to find out more about our commercial landscape services and see why Eos is different!
Contact Us
Give us a call at 410-648-2820 or use our contact form. We'd love to talk with you about any of your landscape needs!
