There’s nothing better than going outside and seeing lush green grass that looks fresh and healthy. It’s like a natural way to give your home a warm welcome. But sometimes, how much water you should water, stubborn brown patches, soaked spots, or thinning grasses will not disappear. Does it sound familiar?
The truth is that your sprinkler system may be working against you without realizing it. From too much watering to missing important areas, small mistakes can have a major impact on the health of your garden. Good news? Most of these issues can be easily fixed once you know what to look for.
So, before you spend another weekend and guess what’s wrong, break down the most common sprinkler mistakes and make you aware.
#1. Uneven coverage
A common mistake homeowners make is to assume that the irrigation system is evenly pounding every inch of the garden. However, in reality, some areas may be dead, while others remain bone dry. This leads to a patchy, unhealthy look that is difficult to correct.
Additionally, sprinkler head upgrades can make a huge difference in water efficiency and coverage. However, it is equally important to select the right type and install correctly. A wrong setup can lead to uneven watering, mist, or wasted water. So getting the help of a professional is a wise choice. Experts can recommend the best options and ensure an evenly and appropriate installation.
Photo: Jonathan Cooper
#2. On the water
To fix this, avoid watering for one long session. Try multiple short cycles to help the soil absorb moisture more effectively. Keep an eye on standing water and persistent soil. These are clear signs that it’s time to reduce watering.
#3. Ignore leaks: Hidden drainage of your water bill
Small leaks may not seem like a big deal, but over time you can waste gallons of water and create unexpected flood patches in your garden. So, if your bill suddenly surges for no reason, it’s worth checking out that you drip your head, underground leak, or broken pipe.
How to fix it:
- Walk around your garden and look for puddles and constantly wet soil.
- If a particular zone is not turned on properly, there may be an underground problem.
- Check for the wrong head spraying water in the wrong direction.
Photo: Kaboompics
#4. Use the wrong schedule
Believe it or not, the timing of your irrigation routine makes a huge difference. Doing it in the middle of the day will cause excessive evaporation. That is, most of them disappear before they reach the roots. On the other hand, setting up your system to run late at night increases the risk of fungi and disease.
So the best approach is to schedule early in the morning (before 10am) or later in the evening when the temperature is low. This exercise allows moisture to soak properly without drying too quickly.
If you notice a lot of spills, you may need to adjust the flow rate to absorb the liquid at a slower pace on the ground. Maintaining a proper timing routine prevents wasted resources and helps grasses become stronger over time.
#5. Do not adjust seasonal changes
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is to maintain the same watering schedule all year round. However, as the seasons change, so does the needs of grass watering. Using the wrong settings will waste water in cooler months and cause grass to struggle with hotter things.
Follow these tips:
- In spring and autumn, watering is reduced due to mild temperatures.
- In the summer, add a slight amount of watering, but don’t let the ground get wet.
- Before winter hits, drain the system to prevent freezing and damage to the pipes.
The final thought…
Source: January Girl – www.lizbreygel.com
