Let Your Lawn Rest This Winter
Your Lawn's Winter Slumber
As winter approaches, your lawn enters a natural phase of dormancy, much like a bear hibernating. This is a survival mechanism for grass to withstand the colder temperatures and reduced sunlight. During this period, your lawn's growth significantly slows down, and the vibrant green color may fade. This doesn't mean your lawn is unhealthy; it's simply in a state of rest. Watering needs decrease dramatically, as the dormant grass isn't actively growing or using resources. It's essential to adjust your lawn care routine accordingly during these months. Letting your lawn "sleep" through the winter without unnecessary interference ensures it will awaken in the spring ready for a new season of growth and greenery.
Why Winterize Your Irrigation System?
1. Prevent Pipe Damage: Water expands when it freezes, and this can cause pipes to burst. Even in mild climates, exposed pipes or shallow buried pipes can freeze.
2. Protect Sprinkler Heads and Valves: Sprinkler heads and valves can also be damaged by freezing temperatures, leading to costly repairs.
3. Save Money and Resources: A well-maintained system is more efficient, conserves water, and saves you money in the long run.
Steps to Winterize Your Irrigation System
1. Turn Off the Water Supply: The first step is to shut off the water supply to your irrigation system. This prevents more water from entering the system.
2. Drain the Pipes: Drain all the water from the irrigation pipes. In Southeast Texas, where deep freezes are rare, manual or automatic drain valves can be effective. For manual valves, open the drain valves to let water out. For automatic systems, running the system briefly can help drain the water.
3. Insulate Above-Ground Components: Any components of your system that are above ground, such as backflow preventers and valves, should be insulated. You can use foam insulation covers or insulation tape.
4. Inspect and Repair: This is a good time to inspect your system for any damages or leaks and make necessary repairs. Fixing issues now can prevent bigger problems in the spring.
5. Professional Blow-Out (Optional): In some cases, you might consider a professional blow-out of your system. This process uses compressed air to remove water from the pipes and is typically done by a professional.
Controller Settings: Adjust your irrigation controller for the winter months. Some systems have a “rain mode” that keeps the settings intact but stops the system from running