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For most homeowners, taking care of their garden is the last thing on their mind in the winter. Instead, they’re focused on staying warm, saving money on heating bills, and making sure their driveways are free of ice and snow when those unexpected storms hit. Once their Denver sprinkler service blows out the lines, there’s not much to worry about until spring, right? While you might not have to worry about your garden once the snows start to fall, that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything with it until spring. Here are a few simple things you can do to get a jumpstart on your spring gardening tasks, even when it’s freezing outside.

Start Planning New Garden Beds

Winter is the perfect time to start thinking about how you want your landscape to look come spring and summer. Grab a piece of paper and sketch out your ideal bed shape and design. Make a note of which plants you want to incorporate and where. This will serve as a point of reference when you’re ready to start planting. 

Not sure where to start? Pick up a gardening magazine at the grocery store, browse pictures online, and even consider what your neighbors have done with their yards. The only limit is your imagination and once you see a few beautiful examples, the ideas will start coming more quickly. Don’t be afraid to get creative—your garden beds can be as orderly or as varied as you want and you don’t have to stick to the same plants as you’ve had for the last few years. 

Order Seeds Ahead of Time

Once you plan out your garden bed and have an idea of what you want to plant, start ordering seeds. It may be tempting to use starter plants from your local nursery to save on work, but doing so can ruin your gardening budget. Starter plants are expensive and for the cost of one plant, you can often purchase several seed packets. Make a list of the must-have plants in your garden and start ordering those seeds as soon as possible. This way, you’ll be prepared as soon as the weather starts to get warmer.

Get Tools in Order

Winter is the best time to start looking for deals on new gardening tools or taking care of repairs. Fewer people are thinking about gardening which means stores may offer sales and clearance pricing on gardening equipment every few weeks. Stock up on the materials you need now when prices are at their lowest. Remember, it never hurts to pick up a few extra pairs of gardening gloves. For old tools, use steel wool to get rid of rust and a good mineral oil to keep the rust from coming back. This way, you’ll get decades more use out of each tool in your shed.

If you have electronic gardening tools, consider having them serviced during the winter as well. With fewer people worrying about their gardens, technicians have more availability and will be able to tune up your machines or take care of repairs more quickly. Best of all, you’ll have your equipment back in good condition before the first spring thaw. While everyone else is worrying about getting their lawnmower repaired, you’ll be ready and able to start mowing as soon as the grass starts growing. 

Clean Up Overgrowth and Dead Plants

Just because the ground is frozen doesn’t mean you can’t show your garden a bit of love. Take a look at the garden beds and see if there’s an abundance of dead growth or overgrowth left from the summer. If so, get rid of it. Most dead growth can be removed easily with a pair of gardening gloves and a small trowel. Keep in mind that for larger plants, shrubs, bushes, and trees, you may need to call a professional landscaping team to haul the materials away. 

Repurpose That Christmas Tree

In Colorado, a fresh layer of mulch can help keep the perennial plants in your garden beds in good shape, protecting them from frost damage. However, mulch isn’t the only thing you can use. Once the holiday season is over, chop some of the boughs off the Christmas tree before having the trash company haul it away. 

Lay the boughs over the garden beds—just make sure that the branches are cut into small pieces so they won’t crush the root systems beneath the soil. Come spring, you can discard the makeshift mulch or toss it into your compost pile. 

Start Your Seeds

About six weeks before the end of winter, you can start thinking about preparing those seeds you bought earlier in the season. Before you plant the seeds in a good starter mix, make sure your trays and equipment are clean, dry, and free of remnants from the previous year’s seedlings. Any moisture, mold spores, or remaining material on the trays puts your new seeds at risk and could lead to a disease-ridden garden bed once the starter plants are transferred outside. When in doubt, soak the trays in a diluted bleach solution or use white vinegar and water for a more eco-friendly alternative. Rinse the trays thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before starting new seeds. 

Build Your Beds

While you may not be able to plant during the winter, you can still start mapping out and building new garden beds, even when the ground is frozen. Frame out raised beds in the garage where you can stay warm while you work. If you’re planning on using stones or other hardscape elements in the garden, start compiling the materials ahead of time. Once the weather is warm enough to work outside, you’ll be able to start building immediately. 

Winter doesn’t have to put an end to your gardening  and landscaping tasks. Use the season as an opportunity to get everything ready for spring so you can be ready to start planting as soon as the weather improves. If you’re looking for help creating the perfect landscape design, don’t hesitate to get help. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate and consultation. 
 

Fall is in full swing and that means the days are starting to get shorter. For most homeowners, this means their outdoor lighting systems see increased use that can put strain both on their electricity budget and the fixtures themselves. Now that you’ve scheduled a blowout for your Denver sprinkler system, it’s time to pay attention to the rest of your landscaping. Here are a few simple ways to get your outdoor lighting and landscape lighting systems ready for those longer nights and cold temperatures. 

Take Care of Trees and Shrubs

Your outdoor lighting system is only effective if you can see the light the fixtures put off. This fall, take the time to clear away overgrown branches and trim back any bushes that might block the light at night. This will make the yard instantly brighter and help maximize the impact that your landscape lighting has on your plants. If you’re not sure how to trim your plants or are hesitant to prune your trees for fear of damaging them for spring, contact an experienced arborist. 

Replace Burned Out Light Bulbs

No matter what type of light bulbs you have installed in your outdoor lighting, they can’t illuminate your landscaping if they’re burned out. Worse, if you turn the lights on with burned out bulbs in the fixtures, you’ll still be using the same amount of energy. Instead of using electricity without illuminating a part of your yard, replace the bulbs as soon as you notice they’re out. This way, you’ll avoid wasting energy when you turn the outdoor lights on while also increasing the visual impact that your landscape lighting has at night. 

Upgrade the Light Bulbs

Since you’re relying on the fixtures to keep your landscaping lit for longer periods of time, you’ll likely see an increase in your home’s energy consumption. Though incandescent bulbs put out tons of light, they’re not always ideal for outdoor use. They tend to burn out in cold temperatures and draw a lot energy anytime they’re on. Instead, upgrade your light bulbs to a quality LED bulb rated for landscape lighting. This will ensure that they’re able to handle the cold temperatures of Denver winters without burning out prematurely. Best of all, LED light bulbs are among the most energy-efficient options available and can save you hundreds on your energy bill over the life of the bulbs. 

Inspect the System for Exposed Wires

As we enter into the first few snows and hard freezes, it’s important to inspect the outdoor lighting system for signs of damage. Exposed wires are by far the biggest issue that ground-level lights see. Periodically inspect the area around those low-lying fixtures for damage and exposed wires. If you see exposed wires and they look undamaged, rebury them with a hand-held garden trowel. If the wires look worn or damaged, contact your landscape lighting contractor and let them assess the damage. They’ll be able to make any necessary repairs so you can rely on your fixtures throughout the winter. 

Clean the Glass 

Once the snows start to fall, dust, dirt and debris can leave the exterior glass protecting the bulbs looking dingy and dirty while daytime condensation can mar the inside of the glass. The dirtier the glass gets, the less light the fixture will put out. Every few weeks, clean the glass with a quality glass cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth. This will prevent scratching and keep the fixture looking great for years to come. If you notice excess moisture or condensation inside the fixture, schedule a consultation with your lighting contractor. There could be a problem with the seal around the fixture that, once repaired, will prevent the moisture buildup completely. 

Maintain the Metal and Plastic Housing

While cleaning the glass lenses of your fixtures, take the time to clean the metal or plastic housing. This won’t impact the quality of the light itself, but it will make your landscaping look that much more polished. Furthermore, by keeping the housing clean, you’ll make it easier to spot damage and identify premature wear and tear before the fixture is ruined. Dents, paint chips, and cracks can lead to corrosion inside the system. Over time, this can lead to problems with the electrical housing, the wiring, and even cause the light to fail completely. The sooner the damage is fixed, the less likely it is to impact the condition of your outdoor fixtures in the long-run. 

Clear Away Snow

Depending on the types of light bulbs you have, you may need to clear away snow as it falls to keep the yard properly illuminated. Halogen and incandescent bulbs typically out enough heat to melt most snow as it falls, but LED bulbs won’t. Because LED bulbs are efficient and draw less energy, they also put out less heat. This means that snowfall can quickly collect around the light fixtures and cover them unless you take the time to clear them off. After a heavy snowfall, head out to the yard and clear away any snow that’s collected on the fixtures. Use a plastic-bristled brush or broom to sweep the snow aside. This will keep the fixtures themselves in good shape and prevent scratching and other damage. Once cleared, turn the lights on and let the small amount of heat they generate slowly melt any remaining ice from the glass. A sunny afternoon will accomplish the same task quickly. 

Keeping your outdoor lighting in good condition this fall and winter is key for providing adequate light to your home’s exterior. If you notice any problems with your existing fixtures or want an experienced pro to assess the lighting needs of your yard, contact Water Solutions Sprinkler Service. Our experienced landscaping team will help you find the best lighting solutions for your yard, whether you’re looking to illuminate your entryway or want to call attention to your favorite landscaping elements at night. The last thing you want to face is a dark yard in the middle of winter. Call (720) 435-1495 for a free estimate today. 
 

Fall is finally upon us and that means colder weather is just around the corner. For most homeowners in the Denver area, this can put a damper on enjoying their outdoor living areas. The mild fall weather promises to extend your outdoor enjoyment for at least a few weeks longer than past seasons. However, there are a few things you can do to further extend your enjoyment of your outdoor living space. Your Denver sprinkler service shares a few simple fall landscaping projects that will let you use your patio or outdoor living area well into autumn.

Install a Fire Pit

Fire pits are the perfect way to add warmth and ambiance to any patio or outdoor living area. When considering building a fire pit, the first thing you’ll want to decide on is whether or not you want a permanent addition to the space. Fire pits can be built up to mimic the rest of your landscaping and exterior design and look wonderful with touches of natural stone. However, if you’re looking for something simpler, a moveable fire pit or fire bowl is a wonderful option. Make sure you choose a fuel source that fits your needs as well. Remember, propane fire pits are wonderful and durable, but they won’t give you the same ambiance as a traditional wood-burning option.

Warm Up the Seating Area

If a fire pit is not the right option for your home, make a few simple improvements to your seating area. Add cushions to stone benches and metal chairs to insulate you from the cold. Keep throw blankets on hand to give guests the option to warm up with a wrap, and consider installing space heaters meant for the outdoors. These units can be powered by electricity or incorporated into your natural gas supply making it easy to keep the patio space warm without you having to worry about an open flame. For homeowners with small children, space heaters are an ideal option. 

Cover Your Grill

Grilling season doesn’t have to end with the first snowfall. Extend your patio covering to your grill area to keep the snow at bay and ensure that the grill is ready to use at all times. To make the space even more comfortable and inviting, consider upgrading to a full outdoor kitchen. The heat of the grill will provide enough warmth while you’re cooking and the convenience of having everything you need at your fingertips will encourage you to keep using the space for many more months to come. 

Upgrade Your Outdoor Lighting

Fall weather means colder temperatures, but it also means shorter days. Fewer hours of sunlight can be enough to send your family and guests indoors where there’s plenty of light to see by. Instead, upgrade your outdoor lighting to illuminate the patio and yard comfortably. Add fixtures around your main seating area and install LED bulbs throughout the yard to add brightness to your landscaping. As an added plus, this might even help increase your home’s property value should you decide to sell in the future. 

Switch to Container Gardens

Though fall is the perfect time to schedule a sprinkler system blowout, it doesn’t mean you need to forgo gardening until spring. Instead of planting veggies and herbs in your garden beds, create a container garden. Plant multiple herbs in a single pot to create an eye-catching display that’s also guaranteed to be useful for all of your autumn inspired dinners. For larger crops like kale, lettuce, spinach, and broccoli, give each one a large pot of their own. They can sit outside in the sun on mild days and be brought inside the house when the temperatures drop. 

Enclose Your Patio

Enclosed patios naturally hold more heat than open seating areas, helping extend your use well into the winter. To accomplish this task, you can hire a contractor to install a permanent enclosure or opt for a removable canvas and plastic covering. These coverings allow you to create temporary walls around a covered patio and are mounted to the frame of the patio itself. The canvas is water resistant and the plastic windows let light in while blocking the seating area from those cold autumn winds. For maximum warmth and comfort, combine a patio enclosure with an outdoor heater and you’ll be able to use the space even when there’s snow on the ground.

Install a Hot Tub

Hot tubs may not be a true landscaping project, but they can make your outdoor living space more useable once the temperatures drop. After all, who wants to sit in an outdoor spa in full summer? These units can be free-standing or incorporated into your hardscape design to provide a more seamless look to your yard. Remember, the hot tub doesn’t have to be huge. You just need a small amount of space to install the unit and a large enough spa to accommodate the people that would use it most. 

Keep Your Furniture Outside

Once the weather starts to get colder, it may be tempting to put your outdoor furniture in storage. However, doing so only means you won’t be able to use the furnishings on those warm autumn afternoons. Instead of putting your furniture in storage for the season, leave it outside. Cover each piece with a furniture cover or remove the cushions and store them in the garage where they’ll stay dry. This way, you’ll be able to use your furniture whenever the desire strikes without having to haul those heavy pieces out of storage multiple times during the fall. 

No matter how much or little you use your yard, make sure your sprinklers are ready for the colder weather this fall. Schedule a sprinkler blowout with Water Solutions and keep your home’s irrigation system and pipes in good shape even during those troublesome hard freezes. Our experienced technicians will take the time to make sure your system is ready for winter and in good repair so your yard will be good to go come spring. Call (720) 435-1495 to schedule an appointment today.  
 

You rely on your home’s sprinkler system to keep your yard properly watered throughout the spring and summer. After all those days of use, the system will likely need maintenance and repairs. While you could wait until spring to schedule a maintenance and repair appointment with your Denver sprinkler service, you don’t have to. Here are a few reasons to consider scheduling a maintenance appointment during the fall instead of waiting until the first thaw in the spring. 

More Availability

During the height of summer, people are more likely to schedule appointments to repair even minor issues with their sprinkler system. This can mean your repair technicians might not be able to squeeze you in for an appointment as soon as you’d like. For most homeowners, this can put strain on their schedule, forcing them to find time to meet the repair team after a busy day at work or ask a friend or neighbor to point out the problems in their stead. By waiting until fall, they’ll have more open availability, allowing you to pick an appointment that fits with your schedule rather than having only a few times to choose from. 

Changing Weather

Fall brings with it colder weather. This means the end of the growing season for your plants and garden. Once the growing season ends, you won’t have to rely on your sprinkler system to keep your lawn and plants looking their best and are better prepared to give your sprinkler system the attention it needs. By waiting until fall for regular maintenance, you’ll be able to address even major repairs without worrying about neglecting your plants. This gives you the freedom to shut off the water as needed, even if the technicians have to come back several times to completely repair the damage. 

Better Soil Conditions

Some repairs require replacing the system with an entirely new sprinkler or irrigation system. To install the system, the soil conditions need to be just right. The yard can’t be too wet, like it would be if you were watering regularly. Similarly, the soil can’t be frozen as it would be in winter. By scheduling a repair or maintenance service in the early fall, you’ll be able to make use of the remaining warm days before the soil freezes. This makes it easier to replace any parts of the system that are broken and allows your repair technicians to access areas under the soil without wasting time struggling to dig up frozen dirt. 

Let’s You Prepare Ahead of Time

It’s important to address repairs as soon as they happen with your sprinkler system. However, by scheduling routine maintenance during the fall instead of waiting until spring or summer, you’ll be well ahead of your neighbors on your maintenance schedule. This means as soon as the weather is suitable for planting, you’ll be able to start using your sprinkler system immediately. While your neighbors are waiting to have their systems tuned up and fixed, you’ll be ready to de-winterize and get started watering in time for the growing season. 

Saves You Money

Freezing winter temperatures can put strain on even winterized systems if they already have pre-existing issues that need repair. Those minor problems that would be easy to fix at first can turn into major issues that threaten the safety and functionality of the rest of the sprinkler system. By repairing those issues and maintaining your unit during the fall, you’ll save money on repairs. When minor issues are fixed, the lack of use during the winter can’t make them worse. This is both beneficial for your budget and your sprinkler system. 

Maintenance and Winterization Can Happen at the Same Time

Every winter, you’ll need to prepare the system for the freezing temperatures. For most homeowners, this is a separate appointment. However, if you plan ahead and discuss your needs and concerns with your sprinkler technicians, you may be able to take care of routine maintenance at the same time that you winterize the system. This allows you to book only a single appointment rather than having to schedule a routine tune-up earlier in the season and then schedule winterization session with your sprinkler service, saving you both time and money. 

Why Regular Maintenance Matters

Your sprinkler system is responsible for distributing water at relatively high pressure throughout your landscaping and lawn. When it’s damaged or not working properly, water can leak underground, threatening your home and your plants. By incorporating regular maintenance into your landscaping routine, you’ll be able to address repairs before they threaten the safety of your system or risk flooding the roots of your landscaping with more water than they can handle. 

When left unaddressed, minor repair issues can become major problems. Remember, your landscaping is the first thing people notice about your home—it’s an investment in both time and money. When the plants are damaged or over-watered, you run the risk of losing that investment. Routine maintenance, especially when coupled with a winterization appointment helps reduce your loss, keeps your plants and yard in good condition, and gets you ready for spring planting season well before the snow starts to fall. You’ll be ready to get your yard in good shape well before your neighbors. 

What You Can Expect From an Appointment

When you schedule a maintenance and winterization appointment, you can expect the technicians to first inspect your system. They’ll go through the entire system from the water supply connection to the individual sprinkler heads to make sure everything is running as it should. Once any minor issues are taken care of, they’ll flush the water from the lines, removing any buildup and excess moisture from the system. This protects your yard and sprinklers during hard freezes. Then, they’ll make sure everything is safely retracted and ready for winter weather. 

If you’re ready to schedule a winter maintenance appointment, contact Water Solutions Sprinkler Service today. Our technicians can repair and maintain your system so you’ll be ready for spring weather the moment it hits. Call (720) 435-1495 to schedule an appointment today. 
 

Fall is just around the corner and before you know it, cold weather, snow flurries, and the harvest season will be upon us. While the cooler weather can send most home gardeners back inside to wait for spring, you don’t have to give up on your landscaping as soon as the temperatures drop. In fact, with a little work and preparation, you’ll be able to keep your garden going strong well into the cooler months. Your trusted Denver sprinkler installation pros have put together a few tips and tricks to keep your landscaping and garden looking great this fall. Here’s what you need to do:

Cut Back on Fertilizer

Fertilizer may make everything grow more rapidly and more vibrantly, but continuing your fertilization schedule into the fall months can put too much strain on your plants. Instead, cut back your fertilization efforts as summer starts to fade. You’ll still want to fertilize once more before the growing season ends, but once the lawn starts getting those first few brown blades of grass, it’s best to let the lawn rest. Otherwise, the soil could become overdrawn on nutrients, leaving you with an underperforming lawn come springtime. 

Keep the Lawn Clean

Falling leaves have a way of cluttering up even the most pristine and cared-for landscaping. Instead of leaving them where they fall, pick them up. Try to clear the lawn every week at least. Remember, even into mid-fall, it’s not uncommon for lawns to stay green provided they have enough water. Fallen leaves block the performance of your home’s sprinkler system, keeping the water from reaching the grass in the first place. When you clear away leaves on a regular basis, the grass will still be able to get the much-needed water from your sprinkler system and your landscaping will continue to look as great as possible for longer. 

Aerate Your Lawn

Fall is the perfect time to schedule a lawn aeration appointment with your landscaping crew. This process involves poking hundreds of holes through your lawn to allow air and water to better circulate throughout the lawn’s roots. This helps keep the soil light and allows the lawn to draw nutrients from the soil more easily. Neglecting this step causes the soil to grow more compacted with each passing season. Eventually, the soil will become too dense for the roots to draw enough water or nutrients up, leaving you with a patchy and brown lawn even in the height of spring. 

Mulch Your Garden Beds

Mulch helps protect the roots and soil of your garden beds from the elements. Even if you’re not actively growing anything in the beds once fall rolls around, it’s always a good idea to spread a new layer of mulch. This will keep your perennials roots insulated against those random cold spells early in the season and protects them well into the winter from premature frost and damage. As an added precaution, consider mulching around the base of your trees to protect them from everything those harsh Colorado winters can bring. 

Transition to Container Plants

If you’re looking for a way to add some fall color without disrupting your existing garden beds, consider incorporating a few container plants into your yard. Hardy flowers like chrysanthemums, pansies, and million bells all offer a pop of bright color when other plants are starting to fade. Best of all, by keeping them in individual pots rather than planting them in the garden bed, you’ll be able to protect them from early frosts and freezing temperatures. Simply bring them inside the house on nights when the temps drop and set them back outside when the sun is back out. 

Mow the Lawn One Last Time

To give your grass a fighting chance against disease this winter, cut it back one last time. Go as short as your grass can handle—for most species, keep the blades no taller than three inches. Shorter grass withstands heavy snowfall better, keeping the individual blades intact even under the weight of the snow. If the blades are too long, the snow will compress them, causing the soil to retain excess moisture. The more moisture there is, the higher the risk of mold in the roots.  

Take Care of Pruning

Fallen limbs are always a hazard for homeowners in the Denver area. However, they can be controlled by pruning the trees in the fall. Schedule an appointment with an arborist and let them carefully trim away damaged or dangerous growth. This way, when the snows fall, the limbs will be less likely to break, keeping you and your home safe. Trim back perennials and shrubs as well to prepare them for the winter cold. When done properly, pruning will help keep the plants healthy through the coldest months of the year so you can better enjoy them when summer is in full swing. 

Schedule a Sprinkler Maintenance Appointment

Sprinklers and cold weather don’t mix and it’s important to get your system ready for freezing temperatures ahead of time. Before the first freeze of the year, schedule a fall maintenance appointment and let your sprinkler service inspect the lines and system for damage. This will allow them to fix the problem long before spring and ensures that you’re ready for the growing season when it returns. During that appointment, they’ll also blow out the lines, removing any excess water still trapped inside the system. This keeps the lines from freezing and saves you from unexpected burst pipes and costly underground leaks. 

Getting your landscaping ready for fall doesn’t have to be a challenge. Follow these tips and contact your trusted landscaping experts at Water Solutions Sprinkler Service to get your yard ready for winter. Our experienced team will help with everything from winterizing your sprinklers to making sure your lawn’s drainage is ready for the winter snows. Call us today at (720) 435-1495 to schedule a free estimate and see the difference that a little preparation and TLC can make in getting your yard and landscaping ready for winter.