If your lawn looks yellow, brown, or pale green when it should be a lush, deep green colour, then there's a good chance it's getting too much water. Consider reducing watering frequency immediately to restore its vibrant colour. Overwatered soil will often feel spongy and soggy.
If the grass in the brown area is wetter than the shaded area, it's too wet. If it's wetter in the shaded area then it's too dry. Again that's not foolproof, but it will give you a better idea of what's going on that just cutting back water indiscriminately.
1. If a plant is overwatered, it will likely develop yellow or brown limp, droopy leaves as opposed to dry, crispy leaves (which are a sign of too little water). Wilting leaves combined with wet soil usually mean that root rot has set in and the roots can no longer absorb water. 2.
Overwatering means yellowing leaves, a general feeling of flop (science calls it wilting!), fuzzy soil, and a pot that feels like it could double as a weight. Underwatering shows itself with crispy leaves, that same sad droop, and bone-dry soil.
Then, you should address any problems that you've created such as fungal growth, a pest problem, or thatch build-up. Most of the time, lawns will bounce back from overwatering unless it's been going on for such a long time that the grass is dead.
Root Health: The condition of the grass roots can provide insight into watering issues. Overwatered grass may have shallow roots that are concentrated near the surface due to the excess moisture. Conversely, underwatered grass may develop shallow and sparse roots in an effort to find water deeper in the soil.
Discoloration: When soil is saturated with water, soil oxygen levels take a dive. (There's that nerdy info we promised you.) What does this mean for your lawn? Well, its ability to uptake water and nutrients is compromised, its root hairs die, and your grass turns brown or yellow.
Water Wisely
Many of us water too often and too long. Most lawns need to be watered no more than three days a week in the spring as well as in the summer and two days a week in the fall. This watering schedule is recommended under normal water supply conditions.
If possible, we recommend deeply watering your yard for about two weeks to help it recover. Allow the water to soak into the soil table so it will become saturated and the roots will be able to absorb plenty of water.
Measuring the depth of water penetration is easy! Simply insert a long screw driver into the ground. If it pushes down 6 to 8 inches without much resistance, you have the proper water saturation. Water new grass seed for 5 to 10 minutes immediately after planting to gently moisten the first several inches of soil.
Knowing when your plants need water is key to keeping them healthy. 🌿💧 Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger about an inch deep; if it feels dry, it's time to water. 🌱 Wilting leaves can also indicate thirst, but be careful—some plants wilt from too much water too.
Dormancy is a natural hibernation that allows the lawn to rest until it can start growing again in the spring. As a rule of thumb, stop watering your lawn by the third week of November. In frost-prone regions, you may need to stop watering earlier. In warm areas, you may need to water into early December.
Overwatered grass can struggle to grow and develop healthy roots. If you're overwatering your lawn, you'll notice thin areas or bare, patchy spots.
Signs of Overwatered Grass
Spongy soil. If you step on your lawn and it feels spongy or squishy then there is likely too much water. A spongy feeling can also indicate a layer of thatch that is too thick.
When a plant is first becoming overwatered, leaves turn yellow. If soil doesn't have a chance to dry out before you water again, leaves start to wilt. When overwatering is the problem, wilted leaves are soft and limp. (If too little water is the issue, wilted leaves are dry and crispy.)
How to check for root rot. The main signs to look out for are: yellowing, wilting leaves, wet soil that isn't drying, black, wet roots, quickly declining health, and stunted growth.
In most cases, you can leave your plants soil to dry out and it will recover after 2-3 weeks. You might have to prune some of the damaged leaves but in the end your plant will make it's come back!