How to Fix Dry Spots in Your Yard This Spring and Summer

Fixing dry spots in your yard starts with improving how water is distributed across your landscape. These areas stand out most during late spring and early summer, especially in years when drought conditions are more pronounced.

A common response is to run the sprinklers more often, but that does not correct uneven distribution. This is good news because it often means the issue is not how much water you are using, especially when water costs are higher during drought conditions.

What Is Uniform Water Distribution

Uniform water distribution refers to how evenly water is applied across your lawn or planting beds. Each sprinkler head sprays in a specific arc, and those patterns are designed to overlap so coverage is as consistent as possible.

Irrigation systems are designed to achieve even coverage, but water distribution is never perfectly uniform. Coverage should be adjusted to minimize dry and overwatered areas. This concept is often referred to as Distribution Uniformity (DU), which measures how evenly water is applied across a landscape.

When water is distributed evenly, the entire lawn receives the moisture it needs. When distribution is uneven, some areas receive too much water while others receive too little.

If you are unsure how evenly your system is performing, this is a good time to look into an irrigation inspection to evaluate coverage.

Why Dry Spots Appear in Spring and Summer

Dry spots tend to show up more during late spring and early summer because conditions are more demanding. Higher temperatures and wind increase the need for consistent moisture.

These dry areas are often caused by small issues within the irrigation system, including:

• Sprinkler heads that are slightly out of alignment

• Lack of proper overlap between spray patterns

• Clogged or worn nozzles

• Sprinkler heads that need adjustment or replacement

During cooler periods, these issues may go unnoticed. As conditions become drier, they become much more visible and begin to affect the appearance and health of the lawn.

Why More Water Does Not Fix the Problem

When dry spots appear, homeowners and business owners often increase the amount of times they water their landscape to address the issue.

This approach adds more water to areas that are already receiving adequate coverage, while the dry areas may still not receive enough. Instead of solving the problem, it creates uneven moisture levels across the landscape.

Your goal should be to apply water evenly and spend your money effectively. Applying more water without correcting coverage often leads to higher water bills without improving results.

How to Fix Dry Spots in Your Yard

Fixing dry spots starts with improving how water is distributed across your landscape. In many cases, small adjustments can make a noticeable difference.

These may include:

• Adjusting sprinkler heads to improve coverage

• Realigning spray patterns to create proper overlap

• Cleaning or replacing clogged nozzles

• Replacing worn or damaged sprinkler heads

In some situations, an additional sprinkler head may be needed to cover areas that are not currently receiving adequate water.

Uniform distribution also applies to planting beds. Drip irrigation systems must be installed correctly to ensure water reaches all plants evenly. If drip lines are spaced improperly or do not cover the entire bed, some plants may receive too much water while others receive too little.

If your drip system is not performing well, it is often an installation issue rather than a system failure. A professional irrigation repair can correct these issues and improve overall performance.

When to Schedule an Irrigation Inspection

This time of year is one of the best opportunities to evaluate your irrigation system. Dry spots are easier to identify, and adjustments can be made before conditions become more extreme.

A professional irrigation inspection can help identify:

• Areas with uneven coverage

• Misaligned or inefficient sprinkler heads

• Clogged or underperforming nozzles

• Opportunities to improve overall distribution

Working with one of our licensed irrigators ensures that adjustments are made correctly and that your system is operating as efficiently as possible.

If you are noticing dry spots or uneven watering, scheduling an irrigation inspection now can help prevent larger issues as temperatures continue to rise.

The Value of Professional Support

The value of hiring a professional for dry spot and irrigation issues lies in efficiency. A licensed irrigator understands how sprinkler heads should overlap, how coverage should be distributed, and how to identify problems that are not always visible. Instead of increasing water usage and hoping for better results, a professional can pinpoint the cause of dry spots and make the right adjustments from the start.

Professional support also helps prevent unnecessary water waste. Adjusting sprinkler heads, replacing worn components, or improving coverage allows your system to perform more effectively without increasing run time. If dry spots are starting to show up in your landscape, working with a professional helps ensure your irrigation system is set up correctly so your landscape stays healthier and performs more consistently through the season.

Schedule a Consultation

Submit our consultation request form, or call us at 806-354-9693 to speak with a member of our team. We look forward to working with you!