Overwatering vs. Underwatering: How to Know the Difference—and When to Call the Pros
- Pinellas Premium
- May 20
- 3 min read
(Plus Why a Professional Irrigation Check Is a Smart Move for Your Lawn)
Trying to keep your Florida lawn healthy shouldn't feel like a guessing game. But if you're not sure whether you're watering too much or too little, you're not alone.
At Pinellas Premium, we help homeowners all across St. Petersburg and surrounding areas take the stress out of lawn care with professional irrigation system checks. We’ll help you understand what’s really going on with your system, so you can stop worrying and start enjoying a healthy, thriving yard.
Signs You're Overwatering Your Lawn
Overwatering is a common issue in Florida’s hot, humid climate. Many homeowners try to fight the heat by adding more water—but that can backfire. Here are the telltale signs:
Mushy or squishy patches in the lawn
Yellowing grass and wilting (yes, wilting can happen from too much water!)
Increased presence of fungus or mushrooms
Shallow root growth
Higher water bills with no improvement in lawn health
Pro Tip: Yellow grass often points to fungus caused by excess moisture, especially if it's slimy or paired with mushrooms. Don’t confuse this with brown, crispy grass, which is usually a sign of dryness.
Too much water can actually drown your roots and attract pests, weakening your lawn's overall health.
Signs You're Underwatering Your Lawn
Florida lawns also suffer from not getting enough water—especially during the dry season or under strict watering restrictions.
Watch out for these signs of underwatering:
Grass blades folding in half lengthwise to conserve moisture
Lawn takes on a dull blue-gray tint before it turns brown
Brown spots that feel dry and brittle (not to be confused with yellow, fungal patches)
Footprints stay visible after walking across the grass
Soil is dry and cracking
Lawn recovers slowly after mowing or foot traffic
If you’re seeing these symptoms but you’re watering regularly, your system might not be covering all zones effectively—or it could be watering at the wrong times of day.
What an Irrigation System Check Includes
A professional irrigation inspection from Pinellas Premium takes the guesswork out of lawn care. Here’s what we’ll look at:
Sprinkler heads (Are they broken, clogged, or misaligned?)
Water coverage and uniformity across all zones
Timer and controller settings, adjusted for the season
Signs of leaks, dry spots, or overspray
Recommendations for adjustments or upgrades
Bonus: We give you a full report and walk you through what’s working, what needs attention, and what could make your system more efficient.
The Florida-Friendly Way to Water
We’re big believers in Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles, which means:
Water only as needed (not daily)
Adjust your system for seasonal changes
Use tools like rain sensors or smart controllers
Deep, infrequent watering for stronger root systems
Choose efficient equipment for long-term savings
And yes—your irrigation system can help or hurt you here. That’s why proper maintenance and system checks are essential.
Let Us Handle the Headache
Whether you're overwatering, underwatering, or just not sure, you don't have to figure it out alone. Pinellas Premium is here to:
Diagnose the problem
Optimize your watering schedule
Make recommendations that fit your yard and your budget
Help you save water—and save money
Book Your Irrigation System Check Today
Want to stop stressing and start growing a healthier landscape? Let us take a look at your system and help you get it working the way it should.
Local. Trusted. Professional.
Proudly serving St. Petersburg and surrounding areas in Pinellas County. We’re here to help homeowners make smart, sustainable choices that keep lawns green, healthy, and water bills low.