Your Lawn: Preparing for Winter
Cooler weather is coming, although it may not seem like it right now. Before the cool weather arrives, you need to take care of a number of tasks, many of them indoors, including some involving your heating system and your windows. Don't forget to handle the outdoor tasks as well. If you live in a colder climate, you need to complete basic tasks to winterize your lawn.
Sprinklers
Draining your sprinkler system is important because the water pooled inside the pipes can easily freeze, causing your system to spring leaks that may require extensive repair. Experts advise that you turn off the water supply to your sprinkler system. Then, if you have a manual drain system, you should find the valves located near the bottom of each sprinkler branch. Open those drains and leave them open for several days. Then open the drains at the top of the system. Leave them open for a day or two. Next, gently jiggle the sprinkler heads to shake out any water to protect things from freezing. When you are finished, close each valve once more. Experts also suggest insulating your sprinkler's connection to the water supply. In some cases, you may want to use compressed air to blow out the water in your sprinkler.
Lawn Care
Fall is the time to prepare your soil for next year's grass growth. You should spread new grass seed and plant your flower bulbs during this period. In addition, experts recommend aerating your soil. You can do this manually, but many people prefer to rent an aerator. These machines punch holes in the soil so that it is not compacted, and this allows the grass seed to more easily to take root. Fall is also the time to fertilize your lawn and, surprisingly, water it after your labors. After that, continue to water enough to keep the grass moist but not wet. Although some of these actions may seem more like spring-friendly activities, completing them during the fall can make a drastic improvement in your lawn next spring.
Winter means getting many things inside prepared for the cold weather, but do not short-change your yard. Your sprinkler system needs attention, as does your grass. Working hard this fall will pay off in the spring. You'll end up with a lawn that's ready to thrive with the help of your well-maintained sprinkler system. Then you can sit back and enjoy the spring weather.
