Landscaping is one of the most prominent features of any neighborhood. Therefore, maintaining a beautiful and healthy landscape is important, especially in communities with a homeowners association (HOA).
When it comes to maintaining a healthy and beautiful landscape, it’s important to note that over-watering can cause damage to trees, plants, and turf. Plus, it wastes water and money. This is why it's essential for HOAs to be able to recognize signs that their neighborhood’s landscaping is being over-watered.
Common Signs Your Community’s Landscaping Is Being Over-Watered
Maintaining a beautiful landscape requires proper watering. Over-watering can cause harm to your plants and waste water. As an HOA, it's important to be aware of the signs of over-watering, such as the following:
- Mushy and Spongy Soil – One of the most visible signs of over-watering is mushy soil. Spongy and soft soil is often a sign that water is not draining properly because there is too much of it. Not only does over-watering damage the roots of plants, but it can also cause soil compaction and prevent air circulation, which is necessary for plant growth. If you notice your community's soil is soft and mushy, it may be time to cut back on watering. To prevent this issue, set up a watering schedule and ensure that the soil is dry one to two inches deep before watering your landscaping again.
- Yellowing Grass – Another sign of over-watering is yellowing grass. Your turf can turn yellow if it's receiving too much water and not enough air. This can happen when the soil is oversaturated, resulting in oxygen starvation and suffocation. Yellowing is often a sign of stress in your turf, and if you don't address it, your grass may start to die. To prevent this, monitor your irrigation system and cut back if you see yellowing.
- Mushrooms and Fungi – When your lawn is soggy and oversaturated, mushrooms and fungi can thrive. They grow in moist environments, and over-watering provides the perfect breeding ground for them. Mushrooms and fungi are not only unsightly but can also be hazardous, especially for children and pets. If you see mushrooms or fungi growing in your grass, cut back on watering and improve drainage.
- Algae Growth – Over-watering can lead to the growth of algae. Algae grow in water, and if your sprinklers are on frequently, you may notice green or brown slime-like growths in your landscape. This is not only unattractive but can also lead to bacterial infections. To prevent algae growth, cut back on watering and consider a fungicide treatment.
- Increased Water Bills – Finally, one of the most obvious signs of over-watering is an increased water bill. If you notice that your community's water bills are higher than usual, this is a clear indicator that your irrigation system needs to be optimized. Calculate the water usage and compare it to the average usage in your area. If it's too high, it's time to fix any leaks, adjust your sprinkler's settings, and change the watering schedule.
By identifying and addressing over-watering issues, you can keep your community's landscape beautiful and sustainable.
Our Landscaping Professionals Can Help You Ensure Your Neighborhood’s Irrigation System Isn’t Over-Watering Your Community’s Landscaping
While your neighborhood’s irrigation system may have met the needs of your community in prior years, it will eventually need to be updated to continue to properly meet your landscaping’s watering needs. This is because as time goes by, your community’s landscaping needs will evolve.
For instance, you may have installed plant beds around your neighborhood, or you may have planted new types of trees and shrubs throughout your neighborhood that have different care requirements from the trees and shrubs they replaced.
The point is, if you fail to recognize the changing needs of your community’s plant life, it can result in expensive problems down the road.
Stay Green is deeply committed to assisting HOAs in maintaining the optimal health and aesthetics of their community's landscaping. Our team of dedicated professionals specializes in commercial landscaping and is primed to address all your HOA's landscaping requirements. This includes ensuring that the neighborhood's irrigation system adequately caters to your community’s unique landscaping needs.
For more information about our commercial irrigation professionals, check out our customers’ reviews and photo gallery.
To learn more about commercial irrigation and how to properly water landscaping in Southern California, call us at (800) 741-9150 or contact us online today.