Oklahoma winters aren’t too bad when compared to some of our neighbors, but it can certainly get cold enough to freeze at times. If you don’t take proper precautions, the colder weather can harm your landscaping. By taking some simple steps now, you can ensure your lawn and garden will be healthy and thriving come springtime.
4 tips to winterize Your Lawn
1. Cut your grass and trim your lawn one last time. Ideally, you should mow your lawn about a week before the first frost. Leave the grass height at about 2-3″ as this will help the grass store nutrients and stay strong through the winter. When trimming, follow the same advice. Cutting the grass too short before the winter will make it harder to recover in the Spring.
2. Trim your trees and hedges. You’ll have the best results and avoid many health problems if you prune most deciduous trees and shrubs during the late dormant season. Wounds will heal more quickly, because less time passes between when you make the cut and when spring growth begins.
There are all sorts of pruning implements available, so pick what’s right for your project. Some options include pruning shears, lopping shears, hedge shears, hand saws, pole saws and chainsaws – just to name a few! And always remember: safety first by wearing protective clothing while you work, as well as eye protection in case any debris flies up unexpectedly.
3. Aerate your soil. This improves drainage and allows air and nutrients to reach the roots of your grass more easily, which is important for their development.
4. Apply fertilizer in the fall. Just like any other plant, grass needs nutrients to survive the winter months. By applying fertilizer before winter begins, you’ll give your lawn a boost that will last all season long.
How to Winterize Your Lawn Sprinkler System
There are three basic methods for draining leftover water from your sprinkler or irrigation system, and all three start by turning off the water supply to the system.
- Manual drain. There should be valves at the low point of each leg in the system. Simply open the valves and let the water drain out. If there is a backflow device, be sure to drain it.
- Automatic drain. The system psi is designed to reach a certain pressure point where it will automatically turn off the water and begin draining. Open one of the sprinkler heads to release any residual pressure in the system, then close it when done. You may still need to manually drain the water between parts of the shut-off valve and backflow device if they are not equipped with check valves.
- Blow-out. Not all sprinkler systems are designed to be drained with this method. Using compressed air, the lines will drain through your sprinkler heads. Check with the manufacturer before attempting this, and follow their guidelines.
Tips for Keeping Your Lawn Healthy Through the Winter
As any gardener knows, soil is essential for growing healthy plants. Not only does it provide nutrients and support for roots, but it also helps regulate moisture levels and prevent weed growth. However, soil can also be quickly eroded by wind and water, damaging plant life and making it difficult for new seedlings to take root.
Not only do grassroots beautify your home, but they also play an important role in erosion control. A carpet of grass helps to deflect water and wind while slowing the flow of rainwater so that the ground has time to absorb it.
The key is to protect the grass from the cold weather, while still allowing it to get the sunlight and air circulation it needs to grow. One way to do this is to clear the leaves off the lawn regularly. This can be done with a rake or a blower. The purpose is to allow sunlight and air to reach the grass blades, preventing them from becoming damaged by ice or snow.
By following these simple tips, you can help ensure your lawn stays healthy all year long! Shop online today at Kinnunen for your lawn and garden tools, or call us at (405) 743-4400, and speak to one of our equipment specialists.
