Austin Irrigation During Winter Dormancy
Winters in Austin are significantly warmer than in other parts of the country. During the coldest parts of the season, the average lows are in the 40s, with the occasional cold snap. Many assume that winter dormancy means irrigation systems are unnecessary during the cold season. However, that’s not the case. Austin irrigation is still vital to your lawn’s health, even if it is dormant. Here are some important facts about irrigation during winter dormancy from one of the go-to irrigation companies in Austin.
Should I Still Rely on Irrigation to Water My Lawn?
One of the biggest misconceptions about lawn care during the winter is that grass doesn’t need watering. It does, and you can use irrigation in Austin to do it. It’s normal for grass to turn yellow when it goes dormant. Growth slows as grass conserves energy, resulting in less vibrancy. However, you shouldn’t lose any grass during the season.
In many cases, lawns die because property owners fail to use their irrigation systems to feed the grass. Although it needs significantly less water during the cooler months, your lawn still needs hydration to stay alive and maintain good root health.
How Much Water Should An Austin Irrigation Systems Provide?
Depending on the weather conditions, irrigation companies in Austin recommend watering your lawn every one to two weeks. High-quality irrigation equipment has features that allow you to adjust the watering schedule during the winter.
Because grass conserves energy when temperatures drop, it doesn’t require as much water to stay healthy. Generally, irrigation companies suggest hydrating only the top two inches of soil throughout the winter season.
Be mindful of the weather and adjust your irrigation equipment whenever it rains. Too much irrigation can increase the risks of lawn disease. When setting up your irrigation for the winter, create a schedule for early-morning watering. Never irrigate past 10:00 a.m. Early hydration ensures that excess moisture can evaporate to prevent mold growth, disease and more.
How Do I Use This To Protect My Grass During Freezes?
While temperatures are usually above freezing in the winter, Austin does experience several freezes throughout the winter. Some irrigation companies recommend saturating the soil approximately 24 hours before temperatures plummet to protect your lawn. Doing so warms the soil while insulating and protecting the roots. Typically, it takes several consecutive days of freezing temperatures to freeze the soil. Even still, that extra hydration offers your grass protection to make it through harsh temperatures.
Can Freezing Temperatures Cause Irrigation Damage?
Another thing to consider is the safety of your irrigation equipment. Freezing temperatures can damage irrigation in Austin. As water freezes and expands, it can cause the plumbing to burst. If that happens, seek professional Austin irrigation repair.
Austin irrigation repair contractors can mend damaged plumbing, replace faulty equipment and more. Irrigation companies in Austin can also help you optimize grass health throughout the winter, providing valuable guidance to set your lawn up for success come spring.
Sullivan’s Landscaping & Lawn Service is among Austin’s most trusted irrigation companies. We’ve designed, installed and maintained systems for countless clients. No matter the size of your lawn, we work hard to develop solutions that keep your grass healthy year-long. We also do Austin irrigation repair for years of reliability. You can turn to Sullivan’s for all your landscaping and lawn care needs. Our services include landscaping design and installation, custom decks, welding, artificial turfs, outdoor lighting, ongoing lawn care and more.
Let us be your partners in lawn care. Call Sullivan’s Landscaping & Lawn Service today at (512)599-4565, email customerservice@sullivanslandscapingservice.com or use our online form to get your free quote.
