“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”
― John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America
Here in Seattle, our gentle Winter climate allows us to install landscape elements year-round. If you have been considering a project for your yard, do not dismiss Winter as an opportunity. Many people mistakenly postpone landscape installations until Spring, when they will have to cross their fingers that it can be planned and installed in time for that party they are hosting, or their child’s graduation celebration, or some other deadline that will cause panic and stress. Winter is a great time to plan and install patios and walkways, irrigation and lighting systems, water features and accent stones. Winter is a truly viable time to landscape in Seattle and you are encouraged to take advantage of it!
Did You Know?In Seattle, our mild climate allows for year-round landscape installations.
Winterize Irrigation Systems
While Seattle rarely experiences periods of extended, deep freezing temperatures, it is still always a good idea to properly shut down your automated irrigation system for the winter. This “shut down” includes both electrical and physical adjustments. During the process of shutting down the system you will also have the opportunity to check for anything out of the ordinary. In many cases, outside of the Spring start up and minor repairs/adjustments, people have their system on auto-pilot and may not notice small problems. These small problems typically translate to system inefficiencies, which result in higher water bills, plant health issues and often, when left unchecked, lead to larger problems.
Irrigation systems need to be professionally checked at least two times a year, but ideally 3 or 4 times a year. Keeping your sprinkler system in good shape and running efficiently will save your money while maintaining the value of your landscaping investment.