Lawn & Landscaping Tips for the Fall & Winter Months - Kingwood

Our friends at Yard Birds Landscape put together some helpful hints and reminders to help get your yard in shape for the cold weather ahead.

If you have a sprinkler system, it is a good idea to wrap the exposed pipes at the Backflow Preventer.  Even though we don’t typically get a “hard freeze” in this area, should one occur, your exposed pipes are subjected to breakage if ice forms inside the pipe.

It is also wise to wrap any exposed pipe at the incoming water line and all hose bibs to help prevent them from freezing.  Any hardware store sells insulation specifically designed for wrapping pipes.  We recommend applying duct tape around the insulation to help secure it.  Hardware stores also offer other types of insulating devices to protect hose bibs.

Unless it is an extremely dry winter, an established lawn and landscaping should not need much watering beyond what Mother Nature brings.  In typical winters, a homeowner should not need to water more than once per week.  Any new plantings (like fall color or newly planted shrubs) might need additional watering.  If you watch your landscaping closely, the leaves on plants will let you know if the plant is thirsty (by drooping or curling up).  Excess watering of a lawn in cool weather will promote the development of brown patch or other fungal diseases.

A fresh layer of mulch helps protect the roots of plants, especially newly planted ones, from freezing temperatures.

If a freeze is forecast, any tender plants should be protected by covering them with a sheet or other breathable material.  Plastic is not a good option, as it does not breathe.  Any coverings should be removed as soon as the temperature rises above freezing.  Potted plants that cannot withstand freezing temperatures should also be covered, or relocated to a protected area.  If a hard freeze is expected, it is a good idea to move potted plants into the garage, sunroom or other enclosed area.

Fall is a great time for installing new plants, as they have time to get somewhat established before our hot temperatures hit. 

There are a number of annuals that do well this time of year, many of which are quite vibrant in color.  Examples include Pansies, Petunias, Snapdragons, Allysum, and Cyclamen.  All retail nurseries carry a variety of fall and winter color, as do landscaping contractors.   

To take advantage of a special coupon offer visit the Kingwood.com Coupon page and look for Yard Birds Landscape.