Signs of Overwatering Your Lawn

When watering your lawn, a lot can go wrong without the proper care and maintenance your irrigation system deserves. If too much water ends up on your grass, it will likely do more harm than good. Stagnant water prevents the circulation of air the plants need to grow, leading to the deterioration of the upper part of the plant. While modern irrigation systems provide enhanced control to prevent such incidences, improper irrigation system installation can result in overwatering and other subsequent water-related damages. Atlanta Irrigation Company has a team of experienced technicians ready to help you upgrade to a smart irrigation system and provide quality sprinkler repair services to mitigate further damage.

How Much Water Does Your Lawn Need?

Many factors determine the right amount of water for your lawn, from the evapotranspiration rate and sun intensity to precipitation levels. It can be difficult for a homeowner to account for all these factors, but an irrigation expert can assess your landscape to determine the right amount of water needed weekly. We usually recommend 1.5 to 2 inches of water once or twice a week for turf grasses, and any amount exceeding this is considered overwatering. Here are some signs of overwatering to look out for as a homeowner.

Runoff Water

A common sign of overwatering is runoff flowing to the street or other parts of your lawn. Runoff usually forms when the soil is waterlogged and can't hold any more water, carrying away fertilizer and the top-rich soil needed by plants to grow. When the soil can't hold irrigation water, it only raises your water bill without the benefits of irrigation. You can prevent further damage to your lawn by hiring an expert for smart irrigation system installation, giving you control over the time and duration of watering.

Spongy or Squishy Lawn

After irrigating your lawn, check the soil to0 see if it is wet or spongy. If you step on your lawn and detect a sponge-like feel, step on other parts of the watered area to ensure all the water is absorbed. A sponge usually holds water until it is squeezed, and your soil behaves similarly, preventing sufficient water and air circulation. Step on various parts within the watered area to allow water to disperse and reach the bottom layers of the soil.

Mushroom and Fungi Growth

Prolonged periods of overwatering create the perfect conditions for the growth of mushrooms and fungi. If you detect colorful growth on top of your trees and grass or mushrooms sprouting on your lawn, you need to call an irrigation expert to assess your system and adjust it to prevent further damage. Most of the different types of mushrooms are poisonous, posing a health hazard to children and pets who accidentally consume them.

The only way to prevent overwatering is to find the ideal irrigation system for your property. Contact us today at Atlanta Irrigation Company and start your search for the ideal system for your property. We provide top-notch installations, repairs, and replacements at competitive market rates.