WHAT DOES AN OVERWATERED LAWN LOOK LIKE?

Many people in Florida overestimate our lawn’s watering requirements, especially in the hotter summer months. However, overwatering can be just as detrimental as underwatering, leading to problems like infestation or disease. For that reason, it’s important to keep an eye out for these signs that your lawn is getting too much water:

• Standing water or puddles: Persistent puddles or standing water is a surefire sign of excessive watering. This means that the soil is unable to keep up with drainage. 
• Mushy or spongy feel: If your lawn squishes when you walk on it, the grass is likely oversaturated with water and needs to be watered a little less frequently. 
• Increase of weeds: Weeds often thrive with excess moisture, which allows them to germinate and grow quickly. A lot of weeds could mean that you are watering too much.
• Yellow or wilted grass: Excessive water can suffocate the grass roots and prevent the grass from absorbing nutrients or oxygen, which can lead to yellowing or wilting. 
• High water bills: Especially if you use an automatic irrigation system, a sudden spike in your water bills could mean that your lawn is getting more water than it should.
• Fungal disease: Fungus needs moisture to survive, so overwatering creates the perfect environment for disease. Look for brown patches, spots, or a slimy appearance.

AM I OVERWATERING OR UNDERWATERING?

Distinguishing between overwatering and underwatering isn’t always easy. Wilted, yellow grass signals overwatering, while brown, dry grass suggests underwatering. Conduct a soil moisture test by probing the ground; easy penetration indicates excess water, while resistance suggests insufficient hydration.

What If My Lawn Gets Too Much Water?

Too much water can have a big impact on your lawn over time, which is why it’s important to be vigilant about your irrigation schedule all year long. Overwatering can lead to a whole host of problems in your lawn such as:

• Fungal growth: Fungi prefer areas that are constantly damp. If your lawn has excessive moisture, you’re more likely to encounter fungal diseases such as brown patch and powdery mildew. 
• Weed growth: Weeds are invasive plants that can survive in harsher conditions than your lawn, and they often have shallow root systems that thrive in wet environments. Overwatering can eventually lead to a major outbreak of weeds. 
• Soil compaction: If there’s constantly water on the surface of your soil, it may squish down and become too dense or hard. This can suffocate your grass and make it difficult for your lawn to access vital nutrients. 
• Shallow roots: Deep and infrequent watering encourages our grass to develop strong root systems to access the moisture. If your soil is constantly moist, the grass won’t need to grow strong and resilient roots. 
• Leached nutrients: Over time, waterflow can carry some vital nutrients out of your soil and away from your grass. Nitrogen, for example, is commonly leached from soil during long-term excessive moisture. 

HOW TO FIX OVERWATERED GRASS

Combatting overwatering in Florida’s humid climate is crucial for maintaining a healthy lawn. If your grass appears limp, yellow, or moldy, it’s likely suffering from excess water. To remedy this, adjust your watering schedule to water deeply but less frequently, allowing the soil to dry between sessions. Aerating your lawn can also help improve drainage and prevent water from pooling on the surface. Additionally, consider reducing the duration of your watering sessions to prevent excessive saturation. Lastly, ensure proper soil composition by adding organic matter to improve its ability to absorb and retain water efficiently. With these proactive measures, you can revive your lawn and promote healthier growth.

There are a lot of details to consider when caring for your grass, and it can be challenging to manage all aspects of your lawn care. Thankfully, local experts like those at Heron Home & Outdoor are here to help. They’re well-versed in best industry practices that will keep your landscape green and beautiful all year long. From helping you establish a great watering routine to other aspects of lawn care, they can provide you with personalized recommendations and guidelines to help you get the best results possible.

Discover more top tips on how to maintain a healthy green lawn with our expert lawn care guides.