How to Properly Water in PA
Water is critical for grass to be healthy and green, but it is possible to have too much of a good thing. Overwatering can increase the risk of damage to the lawn from disease. Just because you want your lawn to be green doesn’t mean it needs to be saturated with water.
Overwatering can suffocate the grass and limit its root growth. If you were to look at the composition of soil, you will see small pockets of air and water surrounded by soil. These pockets help to ensure the roots of the blades of grass get enough oxygen and hydration. If you overwater, all those air pockets fill with water, limiting the amount of air movement in the soil and suffocating your grass. The roots cannot grow deep and healthy enough to support it.
How Do You Know You’re Overwatering?
In Pennsylvania, where the weather changes often and rain during the summer season swings between plentiful and limited, it helps to know how much to water. Here are a few signs that you may be giving your grass too much water.
- Spongey, saturated lawn: If you step onto the lawn and it feels squishy, that’s an indication that you’re overwatering. Water less than this at any one time.
- Fungus growth: Too much water introduces the risk of fungus. You may notice mushrooms popping up on the lawn – and these can be dangerous forms of mushrooms you don’t want for dinner. Fungi can grow quickly with plentiful water.
- Consistent runoff: When watering your lawn, if there’s water that’s running, either across the driveway or down the hill, that’s an indication of too much water. The soil should absorb the water, and when it stops doing so, that’s an indication that you’ve given it enough.
- Weed growth: Weeds grow quickly when there’s a lot of moisture present because they tend to have shallow root systems. Crabgrass and other forms thrive in these conditions.
- Thatch and bug expansion: You may notice that the thatch layer of your grass, which is made up of decomposing plant material, is thickening. While a small amount is okay, too much can create the ideal condition for pests and bugs to move in. That thatch increases when there’s ample water present.
Proper Care of Your Lawn Makes a Difference
It’s easy enough to fix the overwatering problem. Simply aim to water less. However, you may need some help fixing the new problems like weed growth, pests, and thatch buildup. GREENSKEEPER can help you with this. Our professional lawn care services available for residential and commercial customers can help you get rid of these less-than-ideal conditions, helping you have a beautiful lawn all season.
Take a closer look at our service programs, including weed control and aeration which can help with thatch removal. We can create a healthier lawn for you in no time.
Learn more about our weed treatment options. Call GREENSKEEPER at (215) 938-8440. You can also contact us using our online form and get a free, no-obligation quote today.
