Freeze PRevention

The temps are dropping

With the temperatures dropping, there are several things that you may want to consider to prevent damage to your plants, pipes, and sprinkler systems. If you have any difficulties with this, please feel free to call us at the office for assistance.

Sprinkler System

General instructions to winterize a backflow. 
1. Locate the inground sprinkler shut off valve (usually 3-4’ from the black water meter box in the ground). 
Open the top and close the valve. You may need to dig out some soil from around the valve to do so. 
If you are unable to locate the inground shut off valve, turn the shut off valve #1 located on the vertical pipe leading up to your backflow preventer so that it is crossing the pipe (closed) and no longer in line with it (open) as shown in photo. 

2. Go to the backflow (vertical exterior pipes with a copper colored "bell"). Open test cocks 1 & 2 (screw type slots) using a flat head screwdriver by turning them between 45 & 180 degrees. This should allow the water in your lines to drain out. Leave these open.

3. Ensure that the exposed pipes are insulated with pipe insulators.

4. Cover the bell/top with a towel and then with a plastic bag to keep the towel dry.

Tender plants

You should consider covering your plants with sheets or blankets if you cannot find freeze cloth. Make sure to secure the sheets or blankets so that the wind does not blow them away. Remember to remove the covers once the temps rise above 32 degrees so that they can benefit from the sun and air circulation.

Outside faucets

Un-attach all water hoses and insulate faucets outside. Make sure exposed pipes are covered as well. If you use a towel or cloth, be sure to also wrap it with a bag to waterproof the towel. You certainly don't want a wet frozen towel "insulating" your faucets.

Spring is coming!

Early Spring is the most important time to prep your garden to achieve healthy and lush plants and trees. Here is a list of several things to think about once the temperatures start to rise. 

· Go through the garden and do a good inspection to see what may have died over the winter and determine what needs to be replaced. 

· Beds need to be cleared of weeds, leaves and debris.

· Remove old annuals and seasonal color to prepare for new.

· Fertilize beds with Microlife & Azomite to replenish nutrients.

· Prune Crape Myrtles, Roses, and Citrus trees. Trim away any dead from hedges or trees as needed.

· Apply pre-emergent herbicide or Weed & Feed to your lawn. Be sure to water it in thoroughly. 

· Check your sprinkler system to make sure you have no broken pipes or broken heads.