Regular watering is a vital part of lawn maintenance. However, despite the fact that grass needs water to survive, it’s important not to overdo it, as watering too much can harm the lawn’s health and appearance over time. Here are several signs that you’re overwatering the grass.

How to Tell If Your Lawn Is Overwatered

1. Discoloration

When too much moisture is present in the grass, the water causes the roots to rot over time. This is a serious and common fungal condition that leads grass blades to turn yellow and brown. While taking care of routine lawn maintenance, you might also discover that the roots appear brown or feel slimy. Often, the ground also feels spongy to the touch when the roots rot. 

2. Runoff 

If you can see water traveling from your lawn to the sidewalk or the road, it's a sign that the soil may already be too moist. If it’s overly saturated, then any excess water will simply stream away from the property. This can also harm the integrity of the rest of your landscape if the runoff washes vital fertilizers away with it.

3. Weeds

Excessive weed growth is another side effect of overwatering that you may notice. While plucking weeds away may be part of your regular lawn maintenance routine, it’s important to identify the root cause of the problem to prevent them from sprouting up in the first place. If the ground feels damp, and the weeds seem to come in large clusters without signs of slowing, it’s likely that the grass is receiving too much water.

4. Thatch

As roots and plant materials break down, they form a layer on the soil called thatch. Under normal circumstances, organisms break down this layer and contribute to a robust cycle of thatch breakdown. Overwatering causes those vital organisms to drown, in turn causing thatch to build up. Excess thatch prevents the grass from receiving oxygen and developing the deep root system it needs to thrive, which can harm the quality of your lawn.

To avoid overwatering your lawn, turn to the team at Landscaper’s Corner in Lexington, KY. They offer a variety of high-quality formulas and tools to promote the health and longevity of your lawn and can help clear up any damage from overwatering. Count on them for a wide range of lawn maintenance products, from garden supplies to gravel and mulch. Visit the website for more information, or call (859) 225-9433 to speak with a representative.