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Lawn irrigation allows homeowners to maintain lush, green grass regardless of the weather. However, if you improperly calibrate your sprinkler system, you could end up overwatering your yard, which can potentially do as much damage as underwatering. Learn more below about the signs of overwatering, as well as how to prevent it. 

Identifying Overwatering 

The difference between a healthy lawn and an overwatered lawn might be subtle at first, but the signs are hard to ignore over time. Once weeds start sprouting up at record speed, for example, it’s a clear indication that the grass is oversaturated. Weeds like crabgrass and nutsedge fare especially well in wet soil. 

lawn irrigationAnother sign of overwatering is the sudden appearance of mushrooms or insects on the lawn. Fungi thrive in moist environments, as do insects. Some of the most common bugs that are attracted to moisture include centipedes, cockroaches, earwigs, and mosquitos. 

Preventing Overwatering 

If your yard is exhibiting signs of overwatering, your lawn irrigation system needs to be adjusted. Its optimal output will depend on a variety of factors, including the species of grass that you’re growing and the amount of rain that you’re getting. Generally speaking, most lawns require 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. This ensures the top 6 inches or so of soil remains saturated so the roots have the nutrients they need to continue growing. 

The best way to prevent overwatering is to monitor the weather closely. Even with rain sensors, your sprinklers could end up drenching the lawn if their output is too high. These sensors merely turn off sprinklers during rainstorms; they don't adjust their output according to the amount of moisture present in the lawn. As such, it’s up to you to change the settings manually following heavy downpours. During the especially wet months, you may not need to turn on the system at all. 

 

 

If your lawn irrigation system needs to be repaired or replaced, turn to The Sprinkler Connection. One of Monroe County’s leading irrigation companies, they've served homeowners throughout western New York for more than 30 years. Their expert technicians are equipped to install and maintain sprinklers and backflow preventers. To learn more about the year-round maintenance they perform on lawn irrigation systems, visit their website. To schedule service, call (585) 398-3960.

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