Florida Irrigation Winterization
WINTERIZATION OF THE IRRIGATION SYSTEM: GETTING READY FOR THE WINTER MONTHS IN PARADISE
While a spectacular "ice sculpture" created by a busted irrigation system is captivating, it's not something you want to see in your own backyard. Hard freezes are relatively uncommon in Florida, thankfully. But that's no reason to put irrigation winterization at the bottom of your seasonal to-do list. Knowing how to winterize a sprinkler system can save commercial property owners time and money that could be put to better use elsewhere.
Performing some basic sprinkler system maintenance before the cooler season arrives is still a good idea. Regular inspections of a sprinkler system's performance will extend its life. Making the necessary tweaks to account for seasonal variations will ensure that your landscape is always in top shape.
Irrigation Winterization Fundamentals
Irrigation system winterization does not necessary imply shutting it down. Even though it is winter on the calendar, the Florida landscape still has green grass and blooming plants that require attention. However, lengthy cold periods can occur in northern Florida, notably in the Panhandle, with daytime temperatures in the 40s and nighttime temperatures significantly lower. We may not see snow on the ground very often in Florida, but we are all familiar with the impacts of frost on our citrus crops and fragile tropical blossoms.
As a result, having a strategy is a good idea. Here's what you need to know about irrigation in the winter.
Is there a Freeze Sensor on your system?
Why not, if not? A freeze sensor will immediately turn the system off when temperatures dip below 32 degrees, or any time moisture is detected, much as a rain sensor is an appreciated asset during the rainy months for both efficient and cost-effective operation. Any pooled water, even a tiny gloss on sidewalks or streets, can be both dangerous and wasteful. Plants will be harmed by frost or ice that has built up.
If you already have a sensor, now is the time to make sure it's in good working order. Check that the batteries are in good condition and test if the light comes on manually with a blast of cold, compressed air. Because cold has an impact on battery life, it's a good idea to verify sensor operation on a frequent basis.
Sprinkler System Components Should Be Winterized
Underground water lines are usually insulated, so they shouldn't be a problem in a Florida winter. However, if there is a freeze, surface lines and drip irrigation systems may be harmed, though this is normally not a problem. Prior to a freeze, some owners wrap exposed lines with insulating fabric or disconnect the lines from attached pumps and pump housings. It's rarely required to empty or blow out sprinkler lines unless a protracted frost is forecast.
Hose bibs should be checked; hoses should be removed.
When the temperature drops, disconnect hoses from a building's hose bibs or from an outdoor hydrant. They're simple to reattach as necessary. Most current spigots include freeze protection, it's best to be safe than sorry. A leaky or ruptured bib can cause considerable damage within a structure,
In the winter, watering is necessary.
When a rare freeze is forecast, it's a good idea to water ahead of time. Although most irrigation pipes are buried deep enough to avoid harm from a brief freeze, sensitive grass and landscape plant roots can be damaged. Watering immediately before a freeze will give your landscaping an advantage because damp soil holds heat better than dry soil.
Determine Your Landscape Maintenance Requirements for the Winter
Watering requirements vary depending on the characteristics of your landscape design in different sections of the state. Take stock of your individual requirements; if necessary, tweak irrigation timers and routines to account for seasonal changes. It may also be a good idea to evaluate your overall landscape strategy over the winter. It's a good time to think about making changes to your landscape for extra value and design interest.
Use the seasonal growth cycles of your landscape to your advantage. Plants benefit from a break during the winter season: shorter daylight hours and slower growth cycles are advantageous in many ways. Install new hardscape components with as little damage to plant development as possible, clean up old beds, transplant some tree and perennial species, and start thinking about spring planting.
Winter is also a good time to update your irrigation system, add or replace sprinkler heads, adjust, and modify valves, install inside controllers to a building, run additional lines, or adapt a drip system to new applications because of the lower watering schedules. Most of Florida has mild temperatures and a year-round outdoor lifestyle, making both indoor and outdoor work possible in the winter.
If you want to know how to winterize a sprinkler system, you should hire a professional.
Consider contacting a professional to shut down your irrigation system if you need to do so for any reason. Sprinkler system maintenance and repairs, especially for large commercial landscapes, necessitate experience and understanding.