Winterizaton: How to Get Your Yard Ready for Winter
Leaves are falling, the temperature is dropping, and before you know it your neatly cut grass will be covered in a thick layer of snow. If you own real estate, you may be wondering how you should best prepare your property for the winter.
Especially in places where snow is present, taking the proper precautions can set you up for success in the coming months. You’ve probably put in countless hours and dollars into keeping your yard looking pristine throughout the year, and having it all go to waste now would be a shame! Read on to learn 5 simple steps to take before the freezing temperatures that are soon to come.
Step 1: Prepare Your Sprinklers
While your irrigation may be underground and out of sight, its proper care and maintenance are vital to the livelihood of your entire yard! Before the freezing temperatures come, you’ll want to remove all excess moisture from your pipes and drains. This is commonly referred to as a “sprinkler blowout” or “sprinkler winterization”.
This is done by forcing air throughout a sprinkler system to get out every last drop of water. By removing the moisture, the pipes are less likely to freeze and crack during the colder months, which will save you time and money in the future. If you’re worried about lacking the skills or equipment to do this, don’t worry! You’re definitely not the only one.
This is a simple and inexpensive service that our professionals would be happy to help you with.
Step 2: Keep Your Leaves Raked
Raking leaves may seem like a tedious chore, but doing so will help you prepare your yard for the upcoming snow. While the leaves may seem harmless, having a build-up of debris underneath a frozen layer of snow can be problematic.
Eventually, the snow will melt, leaving water in its place. If the ground is uneven due to the built-up leaves, this can cause pools of water to form which will, in turn, affect the grass, soil, and other plants in a negative way. By keeping your yard clear of debris, you’ll allow for the proper drainage of water.
You should also be sure to keep all of your outdoor drains clear of debris to avoid moisture buildup in any unwanted place on your property.
Step 3: Prune
Although cutting plants back may seem counterproductive to their growth, pruning them before the cold temperatures hit can help them grow bigger and fuller during the spring and summer months! Knowing which plants to prune and when to prune them is something that many real-estate owners find difficult to determine.
Talking to someone with landscaping experience will help you make sure that you make the correct cuts at the correct times. A good rule of thumb to follow is that if a plant blooms during the summer months, it’s most likely best to prune them while they’re dormant, in the winter.
Preparing your property before the freezing temperatures hit will save you time and energy in the long run. Following the steps listed above is an easy way to ensure success with your landscaping year after year! Be sure to consult with a professional landscaping company if you have any questions or need additional assistance.