Is Your Sprinkler Head Too Low?
Signs of Trouble
Incorrect sprinkler head height is one of the most common problems leading to brown spots and poor growth. Heads that have sunk or have been installed at incorrect heights can also lead to damage to the sprinkler system.
Dry Spots
Sprinkler heads that have sunken or have been installed too low aren’t able to rise above the ground or turf level. This can cause dry spots in the sprinkler head zone indicating areas the sprinkler head can't reach.
Retraction Problems
Sprinkler heads that are too low are more likely to have retraction problems and mechanical failures. This is caused by dirt entering the internals of the sprinkler head.
Irregular Spray Patterns
With grass in the way and nowhere else for the water to go, your sunken sprinkler head will be blasting the grass blades directly around it. This will often cause a noticeable water mist and an inconsistent spray pattern from your sprinkler.
Water Pooling
Sunken sprinkler heads that aren’t able to rise above the ground or turf end up having all their water deflected back at them. This can cause a pooling of water around your sprinkler head and is often an early sign that your sprinkler head has sunken too low for your current mow height.