Overwatering is one of the most common lawn maintenance problems, whether done manually or with an irrigation system that has not been properly set up and maintained. Responsible irrigation with a high-quality system is the best way to avoid the many problems overwatering creates, so your lawn looks green and beautiful and your carbon footprint and water bills remain reasonable. Learn about the detrimental effects of overzealous watering before scheduling irrigation system installation.

Why Overwatering Hurts Your Lawn & How Irrigation Helps

1. Encourages Fungal Growth

Continually drenched grass and soil promote fungal growth among root systems because conditions are dark and damp. You may notice mushrooms popping up around your lawn, indicating you are watering too much. Other common fungi that appear on waterlogged lawns include anthracnose, which causes brown patches, and rust, which creates reddish-brown grass.

2. Promotes Weeds & Thatch Patches

Increased weed susceptibility is a common overwatering sign, as some weeds thrive on saturated lawns. Crabgrass and nutsedge are two of the most common weeds that crop up when conditions are right. Patches of thatch, or thick mats of roots and stems, may also appear. Too much water prevents deep root system establishment, resulting in unsightly thatch patches.

3. Attracts Pests

Certain pests enjoy saturated grass and soil, especially because it provides protection from insecticides. White grubs, armyworms, and cutworms are among the most common pests that appear, with worms chewing on grass blades. The grubs feast on roots and subsequently kill the grass.

4. Irrigation Avoids These Problems

A high-quality irrigation system set on a timer is the best and most effective way to avoid a yellow, patchy lawn infested with weeds and pests. How much water your lawn needs depends on what species of cool or warm season grass it predominantly features, for example Kentucky bluegrass and other cool season blades only need water every four to five days. Zoysia and Bermuda are among the warm season species benefiting from ½ to ¾ inches of water every one to three weeks.

Maxum Irrigation is the Waterford, CT, lawn irrigation service that keeps your grass sufficiently hydrated and healthy. Find what’s best for you, such as eco-friendly drip irrigation, and rely on these friendly experts whenever you need sprinkler maintenance or winterization. Call (860) 525-7000 or visit their website to request a quote or schedule a consultation. Follow the company on Twitter for many more helpful tips.