Home Garden

How to Prevent Grass From Growing Over Sprinkler Heads

Homeowners install sprinkler systems to keep their lawns watered and green without having to deal with the hassle of dragging out a garden hose and spraying by hand each day. However, sprinklers suffer from their own unique challenges. Grass spreads quickly, and sometimes grows over retracting sprinkler heads nestled into the ground. The strength of the grass prevents the sprinkler head from rising and doing its job. Worried homeowners can take steps to prevent grass from growing over sprinkler heads.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Trowel
  • Sprinkler donut
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the diameter of the sprinkler head. Travel to the garden supply store and purchase protective sprinkler guards or donuts sized to your sprinkler. Choose a material based off what would look best in your lawn -- donuts come in rubber, plastic and concrete varieties.

    • 2

      Dig up the grass around your sprinklers, including the roots. Remove only what will be covered by the sprinkler guard.

    • 3

      Center basic sprinkler donuts around the sprinkler, settling the donut into the depression created by the grass removal. Slip the donut's hole over the tip of the sprinkler head. Install more advanced sprinkler guards according to the product instructions.