Why Does My Lawn Have Dry Spots?
Call (385) 226-5764. Summer in Salt Lake City is hard on lawns. If you’ve started noticing brown or dry patches while the rest of your grass stays green, your sprinkler system is usually the first place to look. A small irrigation problem can quickly turn into dead grass if it isn’t fixed.
The Most Common Causes of Dry Spots
Clogged Sprinkler Nozzles
Dirt, sand, and mineral deposits can clog sprinkler nozzles over time. Even a partially clogged nozzle can reduce water coverage enough to create dry spots. Flushing your irrigation system at the beginning of the season helps remove debris before it reaches your sprinkler heads.
Broken Sprinkler Heads
A broken sprinkler head doesn’t just waste water—it also reduces water pressure to the rest of the zone. That means other sprinklers may not throw water as far as they should, leaving sections of your lawn dry.
Tilted or Sunken Sprinkler Heads
One of the most overlooked causes of dry spots is a sprinkler head that has shifted. According to Utah State University Extension, even a few degrees of tilt can create uneven watering and dry spots. Sprinkler heads should sit level with the ground and remain perfectly upright for proper coverage.
Poor Sprinkler Coverage
Each sprinkler should spray all the way to the next sprinkler, often called head-to-head coverage. If the spray patterns don’t overlap, parts of your lawn won’t receive enough water during every cycle. Adjusting spray patterns or relocating sprinkler heads can often solve the problem.
Low Water Pressure
Leaks, cracked sprinkler bodies, broken pipes, or damaged valves can reduce water pressure throughout the irrigation zone. Low pressure prevents sprinklers from distributing water evenly, resulting in brown patches. If your sprinklers produce a weak spray or don’t fully rotate, low pressure could be the cause.
Blocked Spray Patterns
Grass, shrubs, flowers, or other landscaping can block sprinkler spray. As plants grow throughout the summer, they may prevent water from reaching parts of your lawn. Regularly checking for obstructions helps maintain even coverage.
Incorrect Nozzles
Using different nozzle types on the same irrigation zone causes sprinklers to apply water at different rates. Some areas become overwatered while others stay dry. Utah State University recommends using the same type of nozzle throughout each irrigation zone for consistent watering. For more information look at USU Extension Services.
Salt Lake City’s Hot, Dry Climate
Salt Lake City’s hot summers, low humidity, and frequent afternoon heat make sprinkler performance especially important. Even a small irrigation problem can become a noticeable brown spot within just a few days.
How Sprinkler Master Can Help
At Sprinkler Master, we perform a complete irrigation inspection—not just replacing broken heads. We check your entire system for water pressure issues, clogged nozzles, leaks, spray coverage, head alignment, and controller settings to make sure every part of your lawn receives the water it needs.
By correcting these small problems early, we help homeowners:
- Eliminate dry spots
- Reduce water waste
- Lower monthly water bills
- Improve lawn health
- Extend the life of their sprinkler system
Don’t Let Dry Spots Spread
Dry spots usually start as a simple sprinkler problem, but they can quickly become expensive lawn repairs. If your grass is turning brown while the rest of your lawn stays green, it’s time to have your irrigation system inspected.
Sprinkler Master provides professional sprinkler repair throughout Salt Lake City and surrounding communities. We’ll diagnose the problem, make the necessary repairs, and get your lawn back to healthy, even watering.