Winterize Your Landscaping & Irrigation with Our Detailed Guide
The crisp air of fall is setting in, and the coming winter is not far behind; that means it’s time to start the process of winterizing your outdoor spaces. Not only will you safeguard your lawn and outdoor plants, but proper winterization also guarantees that your irrigation system can handle the chilly months with ease. Here are some tips for getting your landscaping and irrigation prepped for winter and setting your landscaping up to flourish in the spring.
Understanding The Importance of Winterization
Once the first full freeze of winter hits, some plants will go dormant, and any water stuck in your irrigation system can expand and cause significant damage. When you winterize, you prevent issues like these, and ensure your plants are ready to spring back to life when winter is over. Protect plant roots from freezing, reduce soil erosion caused by snow and rain, and minimize the number of bugs that may take shelter in your landscaping with the tips in our guide below.
Assessing Your Landscaping & Getting to Work
When you begin considering the winterization process, your first move is getting a solid idea of your landscaping and irrigation’s current condition. Take some time to inspect your plants, trees, and shrubs, and remove any unhealthy or dead branches that could break under the weight of snow and ice. If you have any fragile plants, consider bringing them inside when practical, or creating adequate covering for the harshest days of winter. While it may seem counterintuitive with blankets of snow on the horizon, now is the best time of year to add mulch. It can serve as a layer of insulation that shields plants and their roots from constant refreezing and rethawing.
Fall is also the perfect time to aerate and fertilize your lawn, which allows water, nutrients, and fresh air to reach plant roots and enhance overall health. Fertilizing at this stage can give your grass and other plants a boost of strength, helping them endure tough upcoming conditions. Also don’t overlook any hardscaped areas of your yard. Inspect your driveways, pathways, and patios for cracks, as cold weather can worsen these issues and lead to more significant damage over time. By inspecting and addressing these aspects of your landscaping and irrigation in the fall, you can ensure you're well-prepared for the winter season before the snow starts.
Preparing Irrigation Systems
The biggest threat for residential irrigation in Denver is the freezing temperatures of our Colorado winters. Any remaining water in the pipes could freeze and expand without adequate winterization, bursting pipes or shattering valves. To stop unwanted water from getting into your irrigation system, start by turning off the main water supply. Next, empty the system by blowing out the leftover water with compressed air, manually, or automatically (if your system includes a drain valve). Be careful not to create too much pressure in the system with compressed air; for the safest approach, contact the pros for help. To keep above-ground irrigation components like pipelines, valves, or backflow preventors from freezing, ensure their existing insultation is in good shape. Check the system for any damage or leaks that might require repairs, that way you’re fully prepared when you restart your irrigation efforts in the spring.
Our Landscaping & Irrigation Professionals Serve Denver & Beyond
While we’ve done our best to cover the intricacies of the winterization process in this guide, we can’t give the personalized insight your landscape and irrigation designer can. Our designers not only know your systems but are fully aware of Denver’s fickle winter conditions and possess the knowledge to ensure your outdoor environment is safe and sound year-round. With our help, you can start winterizing now to preserve your yard, protect your plants, and make sure your irrigation system is operational come spring.
Give the team at Enviroscapes a call today with any questions you may have about winterization, or to meet with us to plan the ultimate landscape design come spring.