Winter is coming; are you ready?

Person raking leaves which lay on the ground using green rake.
Getting ready for winter. Photo credit: iStock/rudigobbo.

With cooler weather, your turfgrass is wrapping things up for the season and doesn’t need extra water.

October is an important time to prepare your landscape and irrigation system for the cold months ahead — and to make plans for water-wise updates inside and outside your home.

Here are some tips to ensure your yard is ready to weather the winter:

  • Take a rake to your lawn. Use the leaves you gather to create compost or cover cold-sensitive perennials.
  • Prune trees, shrubs and perennials to promote blooming and control growth. Shred the removed plant material and use it to top off your compost piles.
  • If you haven’t yet, winterize your sprinkler system to avoid a freeze-thaw-freeze cycle, which can create cracks in pipes and lead to costly leaks. Turn off the water, drain valves and use compressed air to blow the remaining water out of lines.
  • Garden hoses should be disconnected, drained and rolled up for storage. While you’re at it, drain outdoor faucets and exposed pipes as added protection against freeze-related damage.