As the weather cools down and the first frost approaches, it’s time to start preparing your yard for winter. One of the most important steps you can take is winterizing your sprinkler system. A proper sprinkler blowout protects your irrigation lines from freezing, cracking, or bursting, saving you from costly repairs come spring.
At Northern Roots Lawn Care, we don’t provide sprinkler winterization services, but we’re all about helping homeowners keep their lawns healthy year-round. So today, we’re sharing what you need to know to get your system ready before the deep freeze hits, along with other ways to prepare your lawn for the changing season.
Why Winterizing Your Sprinkler System Matters
When water is left inside your sprinkler lines and temperatures drop below freezing, that water expands as it turns to ice. This can lead to cracked pipes, damaged sprinkler heads, and underground leaks. These problems are not exactly what you want to find in the spring.
Winterizing removes that leftover water, protecting your investment and ensuring your system is ready to go again next season without surprises.
How to Winterize Your Sprinkler System
If you’ve never winterized your system before, here’s a quick overview of what’s typically involved:
- Shut off the water supply to the irrigation system.
- Turn off the controller or put it into “rain mode.”
- Drain or blow out the lines using an air compressor to remove all remaining water.
- Insulate above-ground components, like the backflow preventer and any exposed pipes, to protect them from freezing temperatures.
Pro Tip: It’s best to hire a professional for this process! Improper blowouts can damage the system or leave trapped water behind. While we don’t perform sprinkler blowouts, we know how important they are! We trust the experts at MN Gron to handle the job right. Their team specializes in sprinkler system winterization throughout Minnesota and will ensure your system is safely shut down before temperatures drop. Tell them Northern Roots sent you!
Don’t Forget About Fall Lawn Care!
While taking care of your sprinklers is an important part of the winterization of your yard, don’t forget to give your lawn one final boost before winter arrives.
- Fall Fertilizer: Northern Roots Lawn Care’s Premium Turf Care Program includes a fall fertilizer application for the final treatment of the season. This nutrient-rich formula feeds your lawn as it heads into dormancy, strengthening root systems and helping your turf survive harsh winter conditions.
- Aeration and Overseeding: Fall is also the ideal time for lawn aeration and overseeding. Aeration loosens compacted soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots more effectively. Overseeding fills in thin or bare spots, creating a thicker, more resilient lawn that will green up beautifully in the spring.
- Plan Ahead for Winter: Minnesota winters can be unpredictable, but your snow removal plan doesn’t have to be! Now is the perfect time to get on our snow removal and deicing schedule before the first flakes fall. Northern Roots offers dependable, efficient snow removal services to keep your property clear, safe, and accessible all season long. From driveways and walkways to commercial lots, we’ll make sure winter weather doesn’t slow you down.
Prepare Now, Thrive Later
Winter comes fast in Minnesota, but with the right preparation, your lawn will be ready to handle whatever the season brings. Take time to winterize your sprinkler system and your lawn. If you’re interested in scheduling aeration, overseeding, fall fertilizer, or snow removal services, make sure to contact Northern Roots Lawn Care today! A little planning now means a greener, healthier lawn (and far less stress!) when spring returns.