Now that the blazing hot days of summer are behind us, it’s hard to believe that it is time to start preparing our lawns for the winter. Even though Florida doesn’t often get very cold, it’s still a good time to start preparing your lawn for our winter weather. Less sunlight, cooler temperatures, and shorter days all contribute to slower growing lawns. Grass in Florida goes dormant in the winter time, drastically slowing and even stopping the growth rate. Taking steps to winterize your lawn keeps it healthy in cold conditions. Use these tips to protect your lawn this winter.
Fall Cleanup
Chances are your yard is still full of fallen leaves and other debris from the trees in the neighborhood. Fall debris can damage the lawn underneath in several ways. The debris creates a blanket on the surface of the lawn and doesn’t allow the grass to get oxygen. It quickly creates the perfect ground for pests or diseases to ruin your beautiful landscape. You can clean all the leaves yourself, if you have the time and energy, or you can call a professional to help you.
Mowing and Watering
Once the debris is cleared, be sure to mow your lawn to the proper height. Leave your grass taller than you do in the summer months. Taller grass protects the roots from cold weather. The grass goes dormant in the fall, so the lawn doesn’t need as much water. Schedule irrigation every 1 to 2 weeks. Watch out for footprints in the grass. If you see footprints after it’s walked on, it is a warning sign that your lawn is in need of water.
Irrigation & Water
Depending on where in Florida you live, chances are you’re going to get a freeze at some point or many times this winter. In late fall, make sure you wrap any above-ground pipes with insulation and tape. A freeze will cause a PVC pipe to deteriorate, making it more brittle come springtime. Now is the time to get your irrigation heads inspected, adjusted, and fixed.
Trying to figure out if you need to winterize your irrigation system or how to do it? Challenger Irrigation is at your service. Contact our office in Spring Hill, FL to schedule an appointment with one of our irrigation specialists today.
