Irrigation “Hot Spots”

What Causes Hot Spots

During periods of high heat and extended drought, brown or discolored areas in your lawn are almost always due to a lack of water. 

1. Poor Head-to-Head Coverage.

The #1 reason for dry patches ("Hot Spots") is improper irrigation head placement.

✅ Head-to-Head Coverage: Each sprinkler head should spray water to the adjacent head for even distribution. Simply wetting the entire lawn does NOT mean proper coverage—uneven watering leads to dry, stressed areas.

💡 Solution: Ensure your system is designed with head-to-head coverage to prevent hot spots and maintain a lush, healthy lawn!

2. Shallow Soil or Hydrophobic Soil Profile.

The soil beneath your lawn isn’t uniform—it varies in depth and quality, which can lead to uneven water absorption. Even with a well-timed irrigation cycle, certain areas may still develop hot spots due to poor soil conditions.

Common Causes of Water-Repelling Soil:

💨 Compact Soil – Densely packed soil limits water penetration.
🍂 Low Organic Matter – Poor soil quality struggles to retain moisture.
🛑 Fairy Ring Fungus History – Previously infected soil can become hydrophobic (unable to absorb or hold water).

Signs of Hydrophobic Soil:

• Hard, dusty texture despite watering

• Cracked soil in severe cases

💡 Solution: Aeration, organic amendments, and moisture management products can help restore the soil's ability to absorb water efficiently.