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Protect Your Plants in Winter

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Frost, Trees & Plants.

Our winter weather is starting to turn cold and you need to protect your plans to keep them in top shape all year long. Here are our suggestions on how to protect your plants in December weather.

Adjust Your Watering Schedule

Although your plants require water to thrive, they need less water during winter months. Adjust your irrigation schedule to slow down. Wildflower seedlings, for example, only need to be watered every week or so. Trees need watering once a month or less depending on the weather. Mature trees like mesquite and palo verde trees can handle minimal amounts of water.

Use Protective Materials

Your plants need a little extra protection throughout the winter in the form of blankets and frost cloths. Use this extra protection when temperatures dip under 30 degrees. You can use Styrofoam cups to protect the tips of your columnar cacti.

Watch the Weather Forecast

Be sure to check your local weather forecast regularly to judge how you should be taking care of your plants. The way you care for your plants will change from day to day in certain circumstances.

Would you like additional tips on protecting your plants from December weather? Contact Santa Rita Landscaping or visit our website. We specialize in landscape design and landscape maintenance in Tucson. You can find out much more about our services by calling us at (520) 623-0421 today.

Prepare for Freezing Temperatures by Insulating Your Irrigation

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Frost, Irrigation Systems.

Even though Tucson temperatures reach freezing only a dozen or so times each winter, it’s still worth protecting your landscaping and making the appropriate preparations. We will explain how covering your irrigation pipes in winter can help you avoid damage to your yard.

Frozen Pipe Dangers

Water expands when it freezes. If you let the water in your irrigation pipes freeze, the pressure inside your pipes will build until they burst, causing leaks. Failing to turn off your main water shutoff valve in time, may result in a flooded yard and huge water bill. Typically, you only need to insulate the pipes that are above ground to protect against the cold weather.

Frost Blanket Installation

Place frost blankets on any water pipes that are above ground to prevent your irrigation pipes from bursting. You can use a true frost blanket that is made of heavy fabric, or you can use insulated tape to wrap on the pipe. Foam insulation and fiberglass insulation that you wrap around the pipe works well also.

Insulation Benefits

Repairing irrigation pipes can be costly and stressful. Watch the weather forecasts to determine when to install frost blankets and avoid the expense and hassle of repairing broken pipes.
To learn more about keeping your irrigation system and landscaping in good shape, call Santa Rita Landscaping at (520) 623-0421. We provide numerous landscape maintenance services for home and business owners throughout Tucson. Visit our website to learn how we can improve your Tucson-area landscape.