Prepare Your Landscape for Winter Dormancy

As winter approaches, it's a good time to prepare your irrigation system and landscape for the changing weather. This checklist will help you conserve water, protect your plants, and prepare your irrigation system for the spring watering season.

November - Early December

• Add fallen leaves and plant debris to your compost pile. Avoid using a blower in shrub beds to prevent the removal of mulch and topsoil.
• Reduce or turn off automatic irrigation systems. Refer to our watering schedule for recommendations.
• Adjust irrigation controller clocks for Daylight Savings Time.
• Replace irrigation controller backup battery to retain programming during power outages.
• Clear gutters if connected to a rain collection system to maximize water capture.

December - January

• Clean and activate rain sensors or weather-based controllers. Consider upgrading to a smart timer to automatically adjust watering schedules based on real-time weather.
• Review irrigation zones to ensure the plants in each zone have similar water needs, preventing over- or under-watering.
• Apply mulch to plant beds to retain moisture and prevent soil compaction.

February - March

• Inspect sprinkler heads and drip systems for damage or leaks.
• Flush irrigation lines and clean filters and emitters to remove debris and prevent blockages.
• Plan spring adjustments for your irrigation controller.