Healthy plants = water efficiency

When cooler temperatures begin to set in, it is important to prepare irrigation systems and landscapes to help prevent costly repairs and ensure plants bounce back easily in the spring. The average first freeze in Castle Rock is Oct. 7, so it is a good rule of thumb to start prepping the landscape in September and winterize the irrigation system by mid-October.

Seasonal watering

• Cut back irrigation
  Unless the weather is exceptionally hot and dry, cut back irrigation days by 30% in September and 60% in October. Reducing irrigation days, but keeping the length of time, allows water to continue to fill the root zone and encourage deeper root growth. Filling the root zone helps produce more resilient plants. 
• Winter watering
  During excessive dry and warm periods, when there is less than 1 inch of precipitation per month, getting the hose from the garage and watering plants may be warranted. 

Lawns

• One final mow to mulch the leaves
  Rake leaves into the lawn, set the mower on the highest setting and mow without the bag. Make two passes for the best efficiency. Chopping these leaves into smaller pieces increases moisture for plant roots, provides food for earthworms and reduces weeds. Place extra leaf mulch in garden beds or compost. Never allow leaves or yard debris to go down the stormdrain, which can accumulate and overwhelm the system.
• Aerate the lawn
  Aerate twice a year (or once in the fall) to reduce soil compaction. This allows water, air and nutrients to reach the roots, encouraging deeper root growth and a healthier plant. Aerate when temperatures are below 80 degrees. Moisten (but don't drench) the lawn before aeration, and ensure plugs are 2 to 4 inches in depth.
• Prep the area for next year
  In the fall, especially after lawn aeration, add a dusting of organic compost to enrich the soil. If fertilizing, use a slow-release one.

Trees

• Take care of trees
  Help the tree prepare for the winter by reducing water. Don’t fertilize and only prune dead or diseased limbs. Add four inches of mulch around the tree root base, but keep the mulch a full 6 inches from the trunk of the tree. This keeps the root ball warm but prevents trapping unwanted moisture next to the bark.
• Wrap young and tender trees
  Protect young and thin-barked trees from sunscald and frost cracks by wrapping the trunk with a light-colored crepe paper tree wrap. Start from the bottom and wrap up all the way to the first branch. Remove the wrap in early spring. (Note: plastic wraps are for protection during transport and not weather.)
• Winter watering
  When natural precipitation is less than 1 inch per month, and temperatures are above 40 degrees, water trees monthly. Water in the morning allows warmer daytime temperatures to aid in absorption.
• Support posts
  For new trees, keep tree stakes in place during the winter to help support the tree when exposed to excessive snow, ice and wind. Generally, tree supports should be removed 1 to 1.5 years after planting. Keeping posts for longer periods can inhibit growth and weaken the tree.

Shrubs

• Mulch new shrubs
  Reduce watering, don’t fertilize and apply 4 inches of mulch to newly planted shrubs, remembering to keep the mulch 6 inches away from the base of the plant.
• Wait to prune
  Only prune dead or diseased branches at this time. Spring is generally the best time to prune since shrubs are actively growing.

Roses

• Mulch rose bushes
  Reduce watering, don’t fertilize and apply a healthy amount of mulch. Mulch should be placed to resemble a volcano around the base of the plant.
• Wait to prune
  Only prune dead or diseased branches in the spring, when shrubs are actively growing.

Perennials

• Weed
  Weeding is a year-round endeavor and necessary so there is no competition for resources. 
• Deadhead
  Remove spent (old/dry) flowers, but, generally, wait until the spring to cut back perennials.
• Mulch
  Apply 4 inches of mulch to the base of each perennial.

Gardening Equipment

• Prep and store equipment
  Wash clippers, shovels and equipment with warm water and mild soap and dry thoroughly. Use steel wool to remove any rust spots. To prevent any potential diseases from spreading, use a 70% isopropyl alcohol or a 10% bleach solution. Dry thoroughly and apply a lubricant to prevent rusting.
• Drain and prep the lawn mower
  For gas-powered lawn mowers and trimmers, add a fuel stabilizer, and run the mower to distribute through the system. Turn off the mower, and after the mower has cooled, siphon out excess gas. Restart the mower and run it until it stops and the fuel lines are empty. Remove the blade, clean and sharpen. Clean the undercarriage and replace the oil, spark plugs and air filters. Replace the blade.
• Wash plant pots
  Discard potted annuals and wash pots with a mild bleach solution.
• Keep hoses handy
  Remove garden hoses from spigots and drain. Store in the garage but keep handy in case winter watering is required.
• Protect spigots
  Check spigots and faucets for leaks or drips which can freeze. Cover the exterior faucet with an insulated slip-on cover. Most modern spigots have an anti-freeze component.