Preparing Your Landscape Before Winter

​Preparing your landscape for the upcoming winter months is very important. Not only does it allow you to protect your outdoor living area and ensure the safety of your investment, but it also helps you develop the basis for a beautiful, thriving garden next year. Among the foremost issues to consider before the winter season starts are the finalization of any ongoing construction projects as well as the winterization of your irrigation system.

Complete Winter Landscaping Construction Projects

• Fall is the last opportunity to get winter landscaping construction finished so you can lay the groundwork through the winter so it helps for the spring season. Complete your hardscapes, build your garden beds, lay your pathways – all of it. 
• Not only will you not be wrestling with frozen ground in the spring, you won’t be wrestling with all the other winter and weather-related drama that can pop up and delay progress. 
• Winter construction can be hard not only on the building materials – stone, wood, and otherwise – but leaving them disturbed in the ground during the winter. When you stop an installation halfway through the building materials, it could lead to destruction, spread and waste.

The ground freezes, leading to delays: quite simply, you won’t be able to do it! You will just be wasting time.

Irrigation Winterization: Preparing Your System for Cold Weather

Freezing temperatures can affect irrigation systems. In the spring, damaged pipes and costly repairs may arise from incomplete irrigation winterization. Because irrigation systems are susceptible to freezing temperatures, proper winterization guarantees that your system will be in good working order and ready to go when the growing season resumes. When your system is properly winterized, it stays healthy and is prepared for the resumption of the growing season.

Steps for Winterizing Your Irrigation System:

• Shut off the water supply: Turn off the main water valve to your irrigation system to prevent water from flowing into the pipes.
• Drain the pipes: Either manually drain the pipes or use an air compressor to blow out any remaining water. This step is crucial in preventing water from freezing and expanding, which could cause pipes to burst.
• Insulate exposed parts: Any above-ground components like backflow preventers, valves, or hoses should be insulated with foam covers to protect them from freezing temperatures.
• Check for leaks: This is a great time to inspect your system for any issues that need repair before winter hits.

Benefits of Winterizing Now:

• Prevent expensive repairs: Damage and leaks caused by frozen pipes may necessitate pricey repairs.
• Conserve energy and water: By winterizing your irrigation system appropriately, you may prevent water waste and unnecessary overuse.

Landscape Maintenance: Combining Projects for Efficiency

• You can expedite your fall preparations by scheduling the completion of your irrigation winterization and landscaping work at the same time. Together, these tasks can be scheduled so that you can:
• Organize contractors: By combining these chores, you may secure the time of skilled landscapers and irrigation specialists before their schedules are overloaded with winter work.
• Make sure you're prepared: If you've finished all the preparations, your winter garden will be ready to withstand the cold without any last-minute surprises.

To keep your property looking its best all year round, we provide expert landscape maintenance services that include both commercial maintenance and residential maintenance. Make sure your irrigation system is prepared for winter by letting Graham Landscape & Design assist you in finishing your fall projects! For a consultation, contact us right now.