Why is My Irrigation System Causing Soggy Areas?
There are many advantages to having an irrigation system installed on your property. After all, a good irrigation system helps ensure that your lawn is regularly watered so that it remains healthy all year round.
However, one common issue that can arise with irrigation systems is soggy areas. The last thing you want is to have soggy areas throughout your lawn. Not only is it unsightly, but soggy areas can create ideal conditions for pests, diseases, and weeds to grow in.
Reasons Your Irrigation System is Causing Soggy Areas
The following are a few of the most common reasons why your irrigation system might be causing soggy areas to form in your lawn:
- Improper Grading: Grading refers to the slope of the land in your yard. If your lawn is not graded correctly, it can cause water to pool in one specific area rather than evenly dispersed throughout. This can lead to soggy patches developing in certain spots of your lawn.
- Poor Irrigation: Poor irrigation can be an issue for any type of watering system, not just those that use sprinklers. Poor irrigation can be caused by various factors, such as incorrect nozzle sizes or water pressure levels. Not to mention, if the irrigation system isn’t installed correctly, it can lead to poor water coverage, resulting in soggy areas.
- Too Much Vegetation: If there is too much vegetation in any given area, it can prevent water from draining properly and cause soggy patches. To solve this issue, you’ll need to trim back some of the vegetation or create pathways for the water to flow away from the soggy areas.
- Improperly Installed Drainage Equipment: If you have drainage installed on your property, it needs to be done correctly in order for it to work properly. Poorly installed drainage solutions can prevent water from dispersing away from soggy areas. For example, if the drainage pipes are too small, it can restrict the amount of water that passes through them.
- Soil Type: Different types of soil absorb water at different rates. If the soil type in your yard isn’t suitable for your climate, it can cause water to pool in certain areas rather than spread evenly throughout. To fix this issue, you may need to aerate and amend the soil with nutrient-rich organic material such as compost or manure.
How to Prevent Soggy Areas
The best way to prevent soggy areas from developing throughout your lawn is to work with a professional irrigation maintenance service. If you have soggy areas in your yard, a professional can evaluate the problem to determine what the root cause is, and then suggest the best course of action.
However, a professional can also evaluate your existing irrigation system and landscape to determine if your lawn is at risk of developing soggy patches in the future. They may also be able to make suggestions as to how you can improve your irrigation system, such as installing new nozzles or adjusting the water pressure levels. Additionally, they may recommend that you aerate and amend the soil on your property so that it is better suited for absorbing water properly.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Your irrigation system is a big investment, and the best way to protect your investment and your lawn and landscape is to follow a proactive maintenance plan. Small system issues can escalate quickly and lead to improperly watering your lawn and landscape. If you’re having issues with your existing irrigation system, schedule an appointment with one of our irrigation maintenance specialists at Sprinkler Pro today.