A Common Symptom of Over-Watering

CONCORD — If you notice little black dots or other instances of discoloration on your plants, you may assume they need more water, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, these symptoms are often a sign of over-watering.

As the weather gets warmer in summer, property owners have a tendency to overcompensate for the heat by giving their plants extra water. However, this can actually have a detrimental effect—since the plants are used to a certain type of watering, when their water intake suddenly jumps, it can put them in a state of stress. For this reason, it’s important to exercise caution when making adjustments to your plants’ irrigation regimen.

The challenge is figuring out how much water your plants actually need. One way to determine this is to cut back on irrigation and see how your plants respond. If they start to look wilted, slightly increase the amount of water and continue to do so until they look healthy. This will help you establish a proper watering schedule.

Of course, over-watering isn’t the only factor that can cause stress in plants—it can also be caused by nutrient-deficient soil or root damage from subterranean rodents. If you suspect the former, take a soil sample to your local parks department or nursery and have it tested for nutrient content and pH balance; if something is off, ask for a recommendation on how to remedy the issue. To prevent rodent damage, install some wire mesh in the soil around your plants’ roots.