Dead Spot in the Lawn?
Check the Sprinkler Head First

If you have one dry or brown spot in the yard, start by checking the closest sprinkler head. A lot of times the head is clogged, tilted, buried too low, or not rotating correctly. In Idaho the clay-heavy soil common across Nampa, Caldwell and Kuna can shift and settle over time, which gradually buries heads below grade. Grass can also grow over the top of the head and block the spray pattern completely.

What to Look For

A quick thing to look for is whether the head is spraying evenly and reaching the area it is supposed to cover. If the head barely pops up, sprays sideways, or looks weak compared to the others, it may need to be cleaned, adjusted, raised, or replaced.

• Head barely pops up above the grass line
• Spray pattern is uneven or aimed in the wrong direction
• Head is clogged with dirt or debris
• Rotor is not turning or turning too slowly
• Grass has grown over and is blocking the nozzle

Why It Happens

This is one of the most common calls we get across the Treasure Valley, especially on systems that have been in the ground for 10 or more years. Freeze and thaw cycles shift the soil. Mowers clip heads over time. Debris works its way into nozzles. None of it is unusual and most of it is a straightforward fix.