Too Much Of A Good Thing: Warning Signs of Over-Watering

Insects and weeds thrive in conditions that cause our lawns and gardens to struggle. This ability to survive and thrive in extreme weather conditions would be pretty cool if they would go survive and thrive somewhere other than your lawn! One extreme weather condition we're able to counteract is drought. Giving your lawn too much water can create as many problems as not having enough.

A lawn that receives consistent deep watering (once a week or once every two weeks) all summer is better able to resist weeds and insects, and an inground sprinkler system is the most efficient way to deliver water. With sensors that detect how much natural rainfall is present in the soil and water accordingly, and allow you to program which days and what time of day to water for greatest efficiency.

Drowning

It's possible for plants to literally drown when too much water is present. There are numerous air pockets in the soil and when it rains those air pockets fill with water. If the water never drains or evaporates, the plant roots suffer from a lack of oxygen.

Weak Roots

Plants that are watered too often grow shallow roots that won't withstand extreme weather or survive winter very well. When water is always present in the top layer of soil, the plant never stretches its roots out deeper to find the moisture lower down. These shallow root systems can't withstand wind, rain, or drought very well.

Weeds

When the grass gets stressed is when weeds take advantage and move in. Some weeds thrive in conditions that are hot and dry, while others prefer always moist conditions. Crabgrass is one that loves always wet soil and can thrive in that environment whereas your grass will drown and be prone to fungus and other diseases. Lawns that are consistently, year after year, watered too much will struggle with weed proliferation.

Lost Nutrients

When too much water is applied, the nutrients naturally present in the soil wash away. The nutrients are pushed past the roots too quickly to be absorbed and your lawn will lose colour. When this happens, the obvious response is to apply fertilizer. This vicious cycle continues on and on adding unnecessary expense.

Irrigation Tips

Change With Seasons

In Ontario, each distinct season brings different amounts of water. Spring may have similar temperatures to fall, but the amount of water we receive may be different. Summer is different than spring and fall again. Without the technology in Nutri-Lawn Burlington's irrigation systems to help determine how much water is in the soil, you may just be guessing season to season, month to month.

Know Your Soil

Soil is made up of a cocktail of components that affect how water is absorbed. Clay-based soils hold the water longer and drainage can be an issue. Sandy soil won't hold moisture as long and keeping plants moist could be a problem. It's not a bad idea to have your soil tested every 4-5 years to monitor any soils changes like the composition or ph to adjust the sprinkler systems in your yard accordingly.

The experts at Nutri-Lawn Burlington Irrigation can help you take the guess work out of commercial and residential irrigation and offer the major brands with professional expertise. Contact us today for your complimentary quote.