As the UK enjoys the warm summer months, gardening enthusiasts are being warned about a common mistake that could be wreaking havoc on their lawns. While watering your lawn might seem like the logical way to combat sun-scorched grass, experts say too much water can be just as harmful as too little.

According to lawn care specialists from Master Lawn, the misconception that “more water is always better” is one of the biggest errors homeowners make. Not only can it cause grass to yellow, often mistaken for drought damage, but it can also weaken the very roots that keep your lawn healthy."

“You can apply too much water to the lawn and cause potential trouble,” the experts said.

“An overwatered lawn will often appear yellow and feel spongey underfoot. In contrast, a drought-stressed lawn usually has dry, compact soil and grass blades that stay bent when walked on.”

The danger lies beneath the surface. When soil becomes overly saturated, it deprives grass roots of the oxygen they need to thrive. This can result in shallow root systems that are highly vulnerable to disease, thatch build-up, and pests.

Mushrooms and fungus are also common signs of a lawn getting too much moisture.

In short, instead of helping your lawn flourish, overwatering could actually be suffocating it.

The good news is that lawns can often recover if overwatering is caught early. The first step is to cut back on watering and assess any side effects, such as fungal patches or pest infestations.

Experts recommend watering just once or twice a week, depending on rainfall, and always in the early morning when evaporation is low and conditions are ideal.

“To keep your lawn healthy, it’s best to mimic natural rainfall with a deep, even soak,” Master Lawn advised. “Water early in the day, and allow your lawn time to dry out between sessions to prevent fungus growth.”

They suggest using a rain gauge or even a simple screwdriver to check soil moisture levels before deciding to water again.