Many homeowners assume their sprinkler system is working efficiently, but that’s not always the case. Overwatering can happen when schedules aren’t adjusted for the weather, when system settings are outdated, or when sprinklers run longer than necessary. The result? Wasted water, higher bills, and potential lawn damage. Modern irrigation technology offers smarter ways to manage water use, helping homeowners strike the right balance between keeping their lawns healthy and avoiding excess.
"Believe it or not, this is a common mistake we see homeowners make," shares Heather Todd, brand president for Conserva Irrigation. "A great way to prevent over-watering is to have a professional install a wi-fi enabled smart controller."
Smart Home Technology Improves Irrigation
"Homeowners can think of a smart controller as an “auto-pilot” of sorts for their sprinkler system," notes Todd. "These savvy controllers automatically read the daily weather forecast and take rain, wind, or even excessive heat into account."
She adds, "One of the most senseless ways to waste water is to run your sprinklers during a rainfall event. It seems silly, but our Conserva pros see it all the time."
Embracing smart home technology makes a difference. "When your home is equipped with a smart controller, if rain is in the forecast, the smart controller will read the amount of rainfall expected, take historical watering metrics into account, and automatically skip or readjust the water the system puts out for that day," shares Todd. "There’s no question that smart controller installation is one of the easiest ways to prevent an overwatered lawn. This will not only save your wallet but also save the environment."
The Impact of Overwatering on Your Lawn and Landscape
Proper irrigation helps prevent issues. Too much water might seem harmless, but it can cause serious problems for your yard. At the end of the day, most types of grass only need about inch of water per week, give or take depending on the season. Remember that your soil plays a role in your lawn care routine, too. Clay soil holds more moisture than sandy soil.
Instead of fostering healthy grass, excess moisture can lead to:
- Shallow root growth, making grass less resilient to drought. Healthy roots need deeper root systems.
- Fungal diseases that thrive in overly damp conditions, triggering root rot and other common diseases.
- Increased weed growth — some weeds prefer wet soil.
- Compacted soil that affects the plants ability to grow deep roots.
- Soil surface erosion and runoff. The excess water washes away nutrients.
- Higher water bills. Obviously.
How Seasonal Changes Affect Watering Needs
Sprinkler schedules and your watering cycle should shift with the seasons. Many homeowners forget that their lawns need less water during cooler months and more during the peak heat of summer. Smart irrigation systems adapt for water restriction automatically, but if you’re setting watering times manually, consider these seasonal changes:
- Spring and Fall: Less evaporation means your lawn needs fewer watering sessions.
- Summer: Hotter temperatures and increased sun exposure require more frequent watering.
- Winter: Many regions see dormancy, meaning little to no watering is needed.
FAQ
How can I tell if my lawn is overwatered?
Look for telltale signs like constantly soggy soil, fungal growth (like mushrooms growing in the grass), or patches of yellowing or brown lawn. If footprints stay visible in the grass after walking on it, you likely have a waterlogged lawn.
Is it better to water during the day or at night?
Early morning is best if you want a well-watered lawn, ideally between 4am and 10am. Watering at night can encourage mold and fungus, while midday watering often leads to evaporation.
