With the weather getting hotter and the days longer, it’s the perfect time to assess your lawn irrigation system. While a certain amount of hydration is essential, Maxum Irrigation of Waterford, CT, warns that too much water can hinder your yard’s health. If you’re not sure how well of a job your system is doing, consult their team of trusted professionals.

Here, they offer a list of signs your lawn is getting too much water: 

• Weeds: While many weeds sprout up in dry, neglected lawns, certain species—like crabgrass and nutsedge—flourish in over-watered areas.​
• Thatch: Thatch, a dense accumulation of decomposed grass roots and stalks, can easily develop on top of an over-watered lawn. With so much water on the surface, the roots don't need to grow downward—so they form a network on top.
• Insects: If thatch gets thicker than ¾ of an inch, insects will use it as shelter from insecticides. Because these pests generally feed on grass, they can leave a once-lush lawn with bare, brownish patches.
• Fungi: Moisture breeds fungi like mushrooms and fungal diseases like anthracnose and rust. In this case, there's no need for fungicide—an irrigation adjustment will usually solve the issue.
• Standing Water or Runoff: After your automatic sprinkler system runs, look for puddles or runoff. If either is present, the soil is waterlogged and cannot absorb any more moisture.
• Yellowing: Too much water can leach the nutrients from the soil and roots throughout your lawn, resulting in a nitrogen deficiency and a light green or yellow hue.

To ensure your lawn always gets the appropriate amount of water, Maxum Irrigation recommends installing an automatic irrigation system synced to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It will monitor the precipitation in your area and adjust itself accordingly.

If you're in New London County and interested in an automatic irrigation system for your lawn, call Maxum Irrigation today at (860) 525-7000. Have a flowerbed or vegetable garden that requires a bit more attention? Their trained technicians can design a system that's customized to your needs. To learn more about their services, visit the website.