How and Why you Winterize a Lawn Sprinkler System

Even though the weather in Central Texas doesn't match Northern winters, homeowners still need to protect their lawn sprinkler system by winterizing. Why is this important? If a system is not winterized, pipes or valves can freeze creating havoc and in some instances even create backflow problems of contaminated water into home tap water.

Steps to Winterize Your Lawn Sprinkler System

1. Turn off the water supply to the irrigation system. Make this shut-off valve "freeze proof" by wrapping it in insulation. If you don't have a shut-off valve, then it would be a good idea to have a professional install one.
2. Turn the automatic controller of the irrigation system to the "rain" setting. Don't turn off the power or you will need to reprogram.
3. Locate your backflow preventer and make sure it has insulation installed on it. If it freezes and breaks, that can cause contaminated water to back into your house. One way to insulate is to use R-11 fiberglass insulation (which you can wrap around both the backflow preventer and the main valve). Cover the insulation with plastic and duct tape. Another way to handle this is to buy insulation systems from a sprinkler supply center or a lawn care professional.
4. Turn on lawn sprinkler system valves to get all water out of the pipes.
5. Drain water from irrigation components that are above ground. Open up each drain valve at the lowest point to get the most water out.

Watering During Winter

One common winterizing step for northern sprinkler systems is to blow out all of the water in pipes. In Waco, the ground doesn't freeze and most pipes are buried deep enough that a little water inside won't damage them. In addition, although this area has freezing weather, it also has warm, dry spells during the winter where lawns need watering. So in winterizing, it is important to make it as easy as possible to turn the water back on again when needed. To water during winter, you will need to turn on the water supply and turn your automatic controller back to the regular program.

Winterizing Irrigation System Help

If you are uncertain about how to locate parts of your sprinkler system or how to handle any of the steps of winterizing, be sure to contact a lawn care professional for help.

Why Winter Time is the best time for certain lawn and landscape tasks

Many people look forward to that first Texas freeze as a sign that they can drain the gas tanks on their mowers and put them away for the winter. The cold temperatures might mean weekly lawn care is over for a few months, but some key winter lawn care tips can mean a great start for the lawn next Spring.

Aerate

For many people, aerating their lawns every few years is a rite of Spring, but lawns can benefit from aeration in the winter. At the very least, aerating in the winter opens up the soil to absorb more moisture, allowing water to penetrate to the roots. Even though the leaves are dormant, the roots will continue to soak up water, and aeration can make for a stronger root bed and thus a healthier lawn. Another benefit of aerating in the winter is the ability for better weed control during the growing months. Many compounds are now available that will create a protective barrier for lawns preventing weeds from taking root in the first place; however, that protection is destroyed if the soil is aerated after the chemical is applied. Aerating in the winter allows the lawn to maintain a protective barrier once it's applied.

Fertilize

The winter is the perfect time to apply a quality pre-emergent and fertilizer. Aerating before the first freeze will allow for better soil penetration, and the roots will continue to soak up the nutrients they lost during last summer.

Tidy Up

It can be tempting to let leaves, lawn furniture, and other implements stay on the lawn. Yellow lines won't show, and leaves can help hold moisture in. Unfortunately, both of these things can be bad for a lawn, and they're pretty easy to take care of. Clearing off furniture and implements means they won't get lost in the growth over the winter. This keeps them from leaving dead spots in the yard or damaging lawn mowers in the spring. Likewise, mulching and bagging leaves helps prevent lawn fungus, and can provide fill for flower beds where it will act as a natural compost. Following a few simple winter lawn care tips before closing up for the season can mean a lush, healthy lawn next season. Contact Picture Perfect Lawn & Landscape today to see how we can improve your lawn.