William Rettig, Water Efficiency Specialist, 509.625.7972
Monday, October 7, 2024 at 11:03 a.m.
When pumpkin spice lattes make their seasonal return, it’s a perfect reminder to adjust your lawn care habits and prepare for winter. From limiting irrigation to repurposing fallen leaves and winterizing your sprinkler system, these simple steps will save water, protect your plants, and get your landscape ready for the cooler months ahead.
Turn It Off: Plants are starting to go dormant and need far less water than during the peak of summer. Turning off your irrigation or limiting watering to no more than once a week can save hundreds of gallons, setting you up for success next growing season. Even newly planted grass and perennials benefit from less frequent watering, as overwatering can lead to diseases, fungus growth, runoff, and higher utility costs.
Drain & Blow It Out: Few things are scarier than broken sprinklers! Winterizing your sprinkler system before freezing temperatures hit is essential. Water left in pipes can freeze and expand, causing costly damage by spring. To avoid this, turn off your irrigation system and have it blown out before the first freeze.
Leave the Leaves! Fall means leaf cleanup, but instead of bagging them, consider using leaves as natural mulch or adding them to your compost. Shred them with a lawn mower to help them decompose faster and leave them on the ground to replenish nutrients and enrich your soil. Leaves will also insulate root systems during winter and provide food and habitat for insects and birds.
Plan Your SpokaneScape: Identify problematic areas in your landscape that seem impossible to keep green and consider replacing with native and drought tolerant plants. We have lots of resources to help SpokaneScape your landscape.
Embrace the season of change by preparing your yard for winter, ensuring a healthier and more efficient start when spring arrives. A little preparation now means less stress – and more time to enjoy that latte!
Water Wise Spokane is a program of the City of Spokane Water Department, created to support customers efforts to reduce their water use and utility bills year-round. For more information, please visit WaterWiseSpokane.org or call 509.625.7800.
