Signs of Overwatering vs. Underwatering in Summer

Watering your lawn and plants during the hot summer months can feel like a balancing act. You want to keep everything green and thriving, but too much water can be just as harmful as too little. In fact, overwatering and underwatering often look surprisingly similar—wilting, yellowing, and patchy growth. So how can you tell the difference?

At Skyline Exteriors Landscaping, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Western Chicago identify and correct watering mistakes. Below, we’ll walk you through the key signs of overwatering and underwatering—and how to adjust your summer watering routine to get your landscape back on track.

🌊 Signs of Overwatering

Overwatering is more common than most people think, especially when temperatures rise and homeowners try to “rescue” their lawn or garden from the heat with daily watering. But too much water drowns the roots, depriving plants of oxygen and creating the perfect environment for fungus, rot, and pests.

Here are the most common signs of an overwatered lawn or garden:

1. Yellowing Leaves or Grass BladesIf your lawn or plants are turning yellow but feel soft or limp, that’s often a sign of excess moisture. Waterlogged soil can choke the roots and prevent them from absorbing nutrients properly.

2. Mushy SoilHealthy soil should feel moist—not soggy. If your soil is consistently wet or if water pools on the surface after watering, you’re overdoing it.

3. Fungal Growth or MoldMushrooms, mildew, and a musty smell are often signs of too much moisture. This is common in shaded areas or lawns watered too late in the evening.

4. Wilting Despite Wet SoilIt sounds contradictory, but plants can wilt even when the soil is wet—because their roots are suffocating. If your plants look droopy and the soil is damp, it’s likely overwatering.

5. Shallow Root SystemsOver time, frequent overwatering encourages roots to stay near the surface, making your lawn or plants more vulnerable to heat stress and drought.

🔥 Signs of Underwatering

During a hot Chicago summer, dry conditions can set in quickly. Lawns and plants that aren’t getting enough water may show clear signs of dehydration—but they can easily be confused with overwatering if you’re not paying close attention.

Here’s how to spot an underwatered landscape:

1. Crispy or Brown EdgesUnlike the yellowing of overwatering, underwatered grass and leaves usually develop dry, brown tips or edges. In severe cases, entire patches may turn brittle and die off.

2. Soil Pulls Away from the EdgesIf you notice the soil shrinking away from sidewalks, garden bed edges, or pots, that’s a sure sign it’s too dry. Dry soil often looks cracked or dusty.

3. Grass Doesn’t Bounce BackTry the “footprint test” on your lawn: walk across it and see if the grass springs back. If your footprints linger, your lawn is likely underwatered and stressed.

4. Slowed Growth and DormancyPlants and lawns that aren’t getting enough water may stop growing or bloom less frequently. Lawns may turn a dull bluish-gray and go dormant as a survival tactic.

5. Wilting in the Afternoon OnlyIf your plants wilt only during the hottest part of the day but perk back up in the evening, they’re showing mild signs of heat stress—not necessarily chronic underwatering. However, repeated cycles of this can wear them down.

💧 How to Fix It: Watering Tips for Summer Success

Finding the sweet spot between too much and too little water starts with good habits. Here are a few tips:

• Water deeply, not frequently: Instead of daily shallow watering, aim for 2–3 deep waterings per week. This encourages deeper root growth.

• Water early in the morning: This reduces evaporation and prevents fungal issues that arise from overnight moisture.

• Use mulch around plants: Mulch helps retain soil moisture and shields roots from extreme heat.

• Check soil moisture: Stick your finger a few inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s still damp, hold off.

• Adjust for rainfall: Don’t water just because it’s a routine—skip irrigation after heavy rain or storms.

🌿 Trust Skyline to Keep Your Landscape Balanced

Whether your lawn is too thirsty or too waterlogged, identifying the cause is the first step toward a healthy, beautiful yard. At Skyline Exteriors Landscaping, we offer seasonal maintenance and custom irrigation solutions to help you water smarter—not harder.

Not sure what your lawn needs? Contact us today for a free evaluation, and let us help you strike the perfect balance for a lush summer landscape.