If you notice these symptoms, you could be over watering.
Keeping your lawn looking nice shouldn’t be a chore, but it can be overwhelming if you’ve got multiple symptoms that seem to have popped up overnight. If the issues you’re seeing sound like the ones listed below, you could be overwatering your lawn.
1. The best fungus treatment is watering properly.
With proper watering and care, you don’t necessarily need a fungicide. Too much water can cause fungus growth, one of the most noticeable being mushrooms. Also, red/orange coloring on your grass may indicate a type of rust fungus. Seeing colorful splotches on the grass blades can also mean you’ve got fungus growth. Watering just enough can help keep your grass green and fungus-free.
2. Too much water is great for weeds, not lawns.
Weeds thrive in very wet conditions and tend to grow faster and more predominately than the grass itself. Crabgrass is one of the most common problems. If you’re noticing more and more weeds, try dialing back the sprinklers. Watering less often and more deeply is the best practice for getting the right moisture balance.
3. Standing water or runoff
When watering, never add so much water that it sits on the top of the soil. If it’s not penetrating the soil, it’s being watered too heavily or quickly. If your lawn feels spongy or squishy when you step on it, it means the soil is saturated (or over saturated). Standing water can be a breeding ground for insects. Also, if you notice water running off your lawn and down the gutter, it’s not being absorbed by the soil and could be carrying nutrients away from your lawn.
4. Unsightly yellowing or discoloration
Water is a persistent erosive force. It can change landscapes bit by bit, carrying away sediment, pebbles, and rocks. It can also carry away your soil. Too much water can lead to yellowing of the grass because the nutrients that keep your grass green are leaving with the water. When you water too much, the water needs to go somewhere. The water ends up overflowing out of your lawn, eroding your soil, and spilling into the gutters and surrounding area.
5. Bugs!
Lawns with excessive moisture tend to be the ideal place for insects to breed. You may notice bare patches of grass, a clear indication of an insect problem. If you have excessive thatch, it also provides a great place for bugs to hide. As soon as your lawn recovers from over watering, and you’ve gotten rid of excess thatch, you can chose a pesticide based on the type of bugs you see. When in doubt, always consult a professional for proper pest control.
Rule of thumb for watering
So when and how much should you be watering your lawn? Most lawns need about ½ inch to 1 inch of watering just once a week to thrive. The best time to water your lawn is early in the morning, before the sun gets high overhead. This will also help protect your lawn during the hottest part of the day. The second best time would be late in the afternoon, but not too late because you don’t want the water to be sitting in your lawn all night.
It’s best to water less often and more deeply. It also depends on your region and the season. The warmer the season or region, the more you’ll need to water.
Your lawn will also let you know when it needs water. A common sign of dehydrated grass is the blades will start to curl, where healthy blades will stand erect. Also, simply walking across your lawn can tell you if it’s dehydrated. If you can see your footprints in the grass after walking across it, that’s another sign that the grass needs water.
Ultimately, Modern Turf can help you to both repair these problems and help you to maintain a beautiful, healthy lawn.
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As a seasoned expert in lawn care and landscaping, my extensive experience and in-depth knowledge position me well to delve into the crucial aspects outlined in the provided article. With a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in maintaining a healthy lawn, I'll guide you through the concepts highlighted in the text.
1. Fungus Growth and Watering: The article rightly emphasizes the impact of overwatering on fungus growth. Mushrooms, red/orange coloring, and colorful splotches on grass blades are indicative of various fungi. Proper watering, maintaining a balance to avoid excess moisture, is recommended as an effective fungus treatment.
2. Weed Control and Watering Practices: Weeds, particularly crabgrass, thrive in excessively wet conditions. The article suggests that reducing the frequency of watering while deepening the watering sessions can help control weed growth. This insight is crucial for maintaining a lush, weed-free lawn.
3. Watering Techniques and Drainage: Standing water and runoff are highlighted as potential problems arising from improper watering. The article underscores the importance of ensuring that water penetrates the soil adequately, preventing issues like soil saturation, sponginess, and runoff. Proper drainage is crucial to prevent standing water, which can become a breeding ground for insects.
4. Impact on Grass Color and Soil Erosion: The article addresses the erosive impact of water, leading to unsightly yellowing or discoloration of grass. Excessive watering can result in nutrient loss, erode soil, and contribute to water overflow. This emphasizes the need for a balanced watering routine to maintain the vibrancy of your lawn.
5. Insect Infestation and Thatch: Excessive moisture creates an environment conducive to insect breeding. The article advises on identifying insect problems through bare patches of grass and excessive thatch. Once the lawn recovers from overwatering, choosing a suitable pesticide for the specific bug issue is recommended.
Rule of Thumb for Watering: The article concludes with a rule of thumb for effective watering. Most lawns thrive with about ½ inch to 1 inch of water per week. Timing is crucial, with early morning being the optimal time to water. Additionally, signs such as curled grass blades and visible footprints can help homeowners gauge when their lawn needs watering.
In summary, the key takeaway is that maintaining a healthy lawn involves a delicate balance in watering practices to prevent issues such as fungus growth, weed infestation, drainage problems, grass discoloration, and insect breeding. Adhering to the rule of thumb for watering, understanding your lawn's specific needs, and addressing issues promptly contribute to a beautiful and thriving lawn.
