So what exactly is overwatering?

It can mean different things for different regions, but for southeastern US in the spring, overwatering means you are using an irrigation system, like sprinklers, every day or even every other day. We are getting plenty of rainwater right now, so sprinklers should be shut off until summer when the southeast can go a week or two without rain. Then it’s time to crank those sprinklers up!

What are some of the consequences to overwatering?

Daily watering keeps soil pores filled with water instead of oxygen, which is vital to plant growth. Without oxygen, the roots of the sod will suffocate, leaving the plant with a very shallow root system.

When the roots of the turf plant die due to lack of oxygen, the plant is put under stress. This makes them more susceptible to disease and insect damage. Minor disease and insect problems can become major lawn disasters when a lawn has shallow roots.

Check back in June for tips on how frequently you should be watering your lawn, but for now let Mother Nature do her thing.