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What to Do If Your Lawn is Overwatered

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Max Winters | Last updated Jan 30, 2025 7:00 AM ET

Frequent watering is an important part of lawn care, but many homeowners fail to realize that a waterlogged lawn can be more damaging than a dry spell. Most lawns can bounce back from extended summer heat, but not many grass types can come back from drowning. Excessive water causes soggy wet soil that can lead to root rot, soil compaction, or lawn diseases. The delicate balance between water level, grass type, and seasonality is a learning adventure for many, but with a little know how, you'll be able to spot common signs of overwatered soil.

Too much of a good thing? Look For Problem Areas

Dead grass can stem from a lot of problems like poor oxygen levels, excessive thatch, or a pest infestation. But if your problem is excess moisture, you'll see these signs.

Grass that feels spongy or soggy when walked on. That means waterlogged soil.
Water pools or wet grass comes from compacted soil.
Yellowing grass blades or a brown lawn may indicate root rot.
Crabgrass or clover appear because these weeds love moisture.
Fungal growth, including mushrooms or mold patches is a telltale sign of excessive moisture.
Shallow roots because the grass doesn't have to stretch to get water. Ideally grass roots are 4-6 inches deep.

Overwatering vs. Underwatering Your Lawn

Symptoms of an Overwatered Lawn:

Often yellow or brown spots due to drowned roots
Grass roots are rotted
Appearance of a fungal disease
Spongy soil surface

Symptoms of Underwatered Lawn:

Patches of grass turn dull or bluish-green
Blades curl or feel crispy indicates dehydrated grass
The top layer of soil appears dry or cracked
Heavy thatch buildup is a distinct sign that there isn't enough moisture for natural decomposition.

How to Fix Overwatered Grass

The corrective measures aren't particularly hard but remember that repairing a weak lawn is a gradual recovery process. It starts with letting the ground dry out. Halt all lawn maintenance, stop watering, and avoid mowing until the soil firms up. Aerating the lawn relieves soil compaction and creates proper irrigation. Breaking up thatch overgrowth will improve drainage. Both of these things will help lawn roots access much-needed oxygen and essential nutrients.

Once the damp conditions have subsided, focus on a deep, but infrequent watering schedule to encourage strong deep root growth. Water in the early morning so that the water absorption and evaporation create the right moisture balance. Monitor for healthy grass growth over time. If you still see poor lawn health or signs of a grass disease, call in a professional to assess.

Considering a Sprinkler System? This is One We Like

The Irrigreen Smart Home Robotic Irrigation System is a lawn sprinkler that would be a game-changer for your lawn care routine. Using advanced AI, this system devises a lawn watering strategy by factoring in the type of grass, the climate, the soil moisture levels, and the weather forecast. SO COOL.

Unlike traditional systems that rely on guesswork, Irrigreen maps your lawn space, notes overlap with other sprinkler heads, and even recognizes shady vs sunny areas. It adjusts the inches of water per week which reduces the risk of excess water but it also makes every drop count.

This precision in watering isn't just a smarter way to control an essential element; it creates the ideal environment to keep your green lawn healthy and vibrant year-round.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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