It doesn't matter where you live, if the soil on your property looks like that in the picture, your landscape irrigation system is overwatering.

That means that not only are you wasting water, but you could be doing some serious damage to the foundation, floors, walls, and ceilings in your house.

Moss and algae require a tremendous amount of water to keep looking like that, especially if you happen to be in a desert environment like I am.

Remember that your house is built on top of soil. Generally that soil will support the house quite well. However, when you add lots of water to that soil, what do you get? Mud, right? I think all of us realize just how well mud would (or would not) support something, especially our houses.

Even though a wood-frame home will flex, stretch, expand, and contract in response to the environment, generally your don't want to see cracks in your home. Certain types of homes, such as older lathe-and-plaster homes, and certain types of cracks, can be exceptions to the rule here.

If you have a lot of floor squeaks and cracks in your walls and ceilings, or you see moss and algae growing on the soil, the foundation wall, or the exterior siding, check your landscape irrigation system and cut the watering times down until you see the moss dry up. Remember to make sure that your sprinkler heads don't spray on the siding or fences; you'll cause moisture damage and decrease their life expectancy under those conditions.