In the heat of the summer or in hot climates, it’s easy to assume that plants need a lot of water. While plants vary in their need for moisture, it’s just as easy to overwater as it is to underwater landscape installations. Many of the symptoms of too much water are the same as for too little. Check the list below for signs that you may be overwatering your garden.

The Results of Over-Watering Your Plants

1. Brown, Wilting Leaves

Overwatering and underwatering can yield the same result: brown, wilting leaves. The key difference is in the feel of the leaf. Underwatering leads to brown, wilted, and brittle leaves, while too much water makes the leaf brown and soft. Overwatering drowns the plant, as it can’t breathe when waterlogged roots can’t take in oxygen.

2. Slow Growth

If plants in your landscape installation seem to be growing too slowly or not at all, and the leaves are yellow, this is another sign they’re being overwatered. Change the frequency or amount that the plants are given. Stick your finger into the soil up to 2 inches; if it’s moist underneath the top layer of soil, the plant doesn’t need more water. A professional gardening service can help you adjust and fine-tune your irrigation system to avoid overwatering.

3. Blistering

Blisters or lesion-like areas on the plant are a signal that plant cells are dying. The cells within the plant leaves burst when it has too much water at the root. Tan or white growths will emerge as the blisters erupt, followed by indentations above the growths that appear on the leaves.

4. Leaf Fall & Bud Failure

If your plants form buds that don’t come to fruition or if new and old leaves are falling at a similar rate, then plantings are getting too much water. This plant behavior can be especially frustrating for gardeners, as the plants form new growth but cannot sustain it. If areas of your landscape installation are failing, contract with a professional team to replant damaged greenery and to help bring struggling plants back to health.

Too much water can damage plants and reverse your gardening efforts. Pasadena Gardening & Tree Service serves Los Angeles County, CA, with full-service professional landscaping and tree maintenance and removal. Insured, certified technicians offer prompt and tidy service for all jobs, from tree trimming to lawn care to landscape installations. Call (626) 449-4340 to request service or plan a design and visit their website to see a full range of landscaping offerings.