Prepare Your Lawn and Irrigation System for Winter

As temperatures begin to drop, fall is a good time to prepare your lawn and irrigation system for winter. A few simple steps can help protect your landscape from freezing temperatures and make spring maintenance easier.

Prepare Your Irrigation System

One of the most important fall tasks is winterizing your irrigation system. Water left in irrigation lines and components can freeze and expand, which may cause damage.

Utah State University Extension recommends turning off the irrigation water supply, releasing pressure from the system and draining the lines when possible. Depending on the system, compressed air may also be used to remove remaining water.

Give Your Lawn a Fall Checkup

Your lawn also benefits from a little preparation as temperatures cool. Grass growth slows as the weather changes, and some lawns eventually become dormant.

Try to limit unnecessary traffic on dormant grass, especially when the ground is wet or frozen. Repeated traffic can damage the turf and contribute to soil compaction.

It is also a good idea to keep leaves and other debris from building up on the lawn. Regularly removing leaves helps keep the grass clear as winter approaches and can make spring cleanup easier.

Finish Up Lawn Care Before Winter

Fall is also a good time to finish any remaining lawn care before the ground freezes. The Utah Division of Water Resources, in guidance developed with Utah State University Extension turf grass experts, recommends late-fall lawn care based on grass growth and soil conditions.

Because lawns can vary by grass type and growing conditions, follow recommendations appropriate for your particular lawn rather than relying on a set calendar date. Utah State University Extension provides additional guidance for maintaining Utah lawns throughout the year.

Taking care of these tasks before winter arrives can help protect your irrigation system and lawn through the colder months. Preparing irrigation lines, clearing leaves and limiting traffic on dormant turf are simple ways to get your landscape ready for winter.