4 Signs Your Landscape Has Too Much Water

There are some things in life where too much of a good thing makes things worse. Too much sun will ruin your lawn and kill your gardens. Too much wind can break branches and uproot trees. Too much water can be just as harmful. This spring, we've seen a lot of rain in our area, so you may be already seeing some of the negative signs in your yard. The problem with trying to figure out if you're overwatering, is that it often looks a lot like not watering enough!

Wilt

A plant will wilt if it hasn't had enough water, but when it wilts from too much water it looks different. Plants that haven't had enough moisture seem to dry up or dehydrate (feel crispy), the leaves curl, turn brown and crack. Plants that have had too much water wilt, appear soft or limp, though the soil is moist. The leaves may turn yellow or brown or fall off while still green.

Roots Rotting

When plants are overwatered the soil becomes oversaturated. The problem then becomes one of oxygen. An overwatered root system drowns because the air pockets in the soil become filled with water. Roots that are drowning are vulnerable to a variety of diseases, and if caught in time the plant might be revived but sometimes you'll just have to start over. Healthy roots are white and stiff. Diseased roots are brown or slimy or sometimes completely dissolved.

Roots that are overwatered may develop plants with:

Edema

When roots are overwatered and the air is hot and muggy, plants can't expire the extra moisture in the air causing blisters to form on the leaves. Some plants are more susceptible to this than others.

Mold

You'll often see mold on your lawn as the snow melts which is a sign that the grass has too much moisture. Snow mold is fairly easy to eradicate with a good raking, however mold developing on other plants can cause significant damage. Mold, mildew and fungus problems on your plants are a sure sign you're overwatering.

Sometimes, simply sticking your finger in the soil before watering will help you know if your plants need water or not.

Why not take the guesswork out of watering this summer and install an inground irrigation system. With built in rain sensors and moisture meters, you'll never overwater again. Each system comes equipped with zones, so that your lawn is watered differently. This means that your boxwoods will get the right amount of water, and your lawn the right amount of water, and your tomatoes the right amount of water, even if the "right amount" is different for each one.

These systems can be programmed to account for varying amounts of shade and the rate your soil retains water.

This summer, put the hose away! Don't spend your summer moving sprinklers or holding hoses. Let our Nutri-Lawn Ottawa irrigation experts install an inground sprinkler system that does all the work for you so you can spend relax on your deck and enjoy a lush green lawn and a healthy garden. Contact us today!