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The residents of Lubbock consider conserving water one of the most prized resources due to the semi-arid climate and continuous drought intervals. With only about 18-inch average annual rainfall, conventional irrigation methods waste this precious resource.

If you’re a Lubbock resident looking to maintain a thriving lawn while minimizing water use, there’s a way to go about—applying smart landscaping combined with sophisticated irrigation equipment and, of course, avoiding some of the common irrigation mistakes.

This article shares the top six irrigation mistakes you may want to avoid if you plan on nurturing a thriving lawn.

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1. Lawn Overwatering

It is almost tempting to believe that the more water you irrigate on your lawn, the better. However, overwatering certainly is among the most common and damaging mistakes you could make if you want a thriving lawn in Lubbock.

Too much water can cause shallow root development, making your lawn less resistant to drought or extreme heat. Overwatering can allow weeds, fungus, and other pests to take over the yard and make it a huge mess.

To avoid this, stick to a watering schedule that matches Lubbock’s semi-arid climate. Most lawns only need about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, including rainfall. A simple rain gauge or even an empty tuna can help you measure how much water your sprinkler delivers.

2. Wrong Sprinkler System

Not all sprinklers are equal, and using the wrong kind of system can result in improper watering and often wasted water. For Lubbock’s climate, a drip irrigation system or a properly maintained underground sprinkler system like the ones from the Lubbock Irrigation Company usually works best.

They deliver water directly to the soil, where needed, and minimize evaporation. If you’re using portable sprinklers, make sure they’re adjusted to cover your lawn evenly. Also, check for leaks or sprinkler head breaks regularly. Minor malfunctions may waste gallons of water and cause dry spots in your yard.

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3. Watering at the Wrong Time

Timing is everything with irrigation. Avoid watering in the heat of the day, as so much of the water evaporates before it even has a chance to soak into the soil. One of the times of the day for watering is usually in the morning, from about 5 a.m. to 9 a.m.

The idea behind this is to ensure the grass has as much time to absorb the water as possible before the noonday sun heats things. If this time is not convenient, early evening is also a great option.

Just don’t let the timing get so late that you leave your grass damp throughout the night. If anything, it’ll only contribute to the growth of fungi and other pests.

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4. Ignoring Soil Health

A healthy soil is the foundation of a great lawn. Even the best irrigation system won’t make much difference if your soil is compacted or lacks nutrients. Always observe the soil in your space and test for pH and nutrient levels first.

Many local extension services in Lubbock can support these processes or garden centers around the area. After analyzing your soil condition, you may enhance it by aerating—a process that reduces soil compaction or adds compost to improve its fertility.

Aeration is quite important in Lubbock, as the potential for heavy clay soil could make it very hard for water to get through. This will also improve the soil’s structural quality and help with better infiltration, reaching the roots where the plant needs it most.

5. Failing to Adjust for Seasonal Changes

Your lawn has different water needs depending on the season. The sad thing is that most homeowners fail to adjust the irrigation schedule accordingly, leading to a host of problems, from overwatering during the cooler months to under-watering during heat waves.

Your lawn will require less water in the spring and fall when there are cool temperatures and adequate rain throughout. However, during the hot, dry summer months, you’ll require more frequent lawn water application to keep your yard as thriving as possible.

Smart irrigation controllers can make this easier by automatically adjusting your watering schedule according to the Lubbock weather conditions. If you’d rather make the adjustments manually, pay attention to the forecast and be prepared to adjust accordingly.

6. Neglecting Maintenance

Even the best irrigation systems in the market demand proper maintenance. Without it, inefficiencies, water waste, and a less-than-perfect lawn are sure to follow. So, don’t just invest in a good sprinkling system—ensure it is properly maintained if you want it to serve you well and help nurture a thriving lawn.

Here are a few quick tips to keep your system running smoothly:

• Check for Leaks: Inspect pipes, hoses, and sprinkler heads for leaks.
• Clean the nozzles: Clogged sprinkler heads result in reduced water flow, causing uneven coverage.
• Monitor pressure: High water pressure will destroy your system, while low pressure may not be able to deliver enough water.

The time you put into maintaining your system pays back in the way of small water bills and helps keep your grass healthy.

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Final Thoughts

A thriving lawn does not just happen; it is nurtured through care and attention to detail.

Remember that lawn care is one of those things that you learn by trial and error, with always something new to learn. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining a beautiful lawn you can be proud of.