Landscaping Tips

Arizona doesn’t get a lot of rain, but when we do, be sure to check your soil’s moisture levels and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. Plants typically need less water in the winter than during the warmer times of the year, even without the rain. Last weekend’s wet weather may further reduce the need for additional hydration from your irrigation system.

Depending on the amount of rain received, you may be able to shut your irrigation system off for all desert-adapted plants. Annual flowers should still be checked to ensure the soil they have enough moisture before completely turning off their water source.

If you are unsure about how much moisture your plants are receiving, you can probe your soil using a screwdriver. The screwdriver will move easily through moist soil but will stop when it reaches dry soil, telling you whether or not the moisture is reaching your plant’s roots. Specialized soil probe tools are also available to measure your moisture levels. When in doubt, always check these moisture levels before taking water away from your plants.

For additional information on turf care, visit our Learning Center at dlcresources.com/resources.

Sometimes winter overseeding can be challenging, and the Ryegrass you tried to grow has spots that never sprouted. Help your lawn look a little more even by letting the Rye grow a little taller than normal. The Ryegrass that did come in should be fairly thick and green. Allowing the turf to grow higher helps to cover patchy areas.

Typically, you should be mowing your Ryegrass at a height of 1.5” to 3” max. Mowing closer to 3” is a great way to help your lawn look healthier while disguising bare spots. And review winter overseed guidelines carefully to help you grow a beautiful, even turf crop next year!  

For additional information on turf care, visit our Learning Center at dlcresources.com/.

When temperatures dip below 32 degrees, your backflow preventer is at risk for damage from freezing water that sits in the unit. Usually, the easiest way to protect your backflow is to cover it with a towel or blanket on the nights that temperatures are projected to drop below freezing. You can also choose to drain the water from your backflow if you are concerned about prolonged freezing temperatures or plan to be gone for several nights.

It’s not typically cold enough that backflows are at risk, but you never know what the winter might bring this year!

For additional information on winter landscape care, visit our Learning Center at dlcresources.com/resources.