As temperatures drop and rainfall increases, your irrigation needs in North Texas change dramatically.
Preparing your system properly for fall not only protects against freeze damage but also helps conserve water — an important priority under City of Dallas watering guidelines.
Here’s how the experts at Keane Landscaping recommend winterizing and optimizing your irrigation system this season.
1. Adjust Your Watering Schedule
Dallas lawns don’t need as much water in fall. Overwatering wastes money and encourages disease.
Recommended Fall Schedule:
Water once per week or less, depending on rainfall.
Run early in the morning (before 10 a.m.) to minimize evaporation.
Check soil moisture — if it’s damp two inches down, skip watering that week.
💧 City of Dallas Tip: Local watering restrictions often limit irrigation to twice per week even during cooler months. Always verify current rules at dallas.gov/waterconservation.
2. Inspect for Leaks and Clogged Heads
Fall is the perfect time for a system check-up:
Turn on each zone briefly to spot broken heads or leaks.
Clean nozzles clogged by summer debris.
Look for pooling water — a sign of broken lines.
Keane Landscaping offers professional irrigation inspections that prevent costly repairs later.
3. Drain and Protect Against Freezing
While Dallas rarely sees prolonged freezes, even one cold snap can crack pipes or valves.
Winterization Steps:
Shut off the main irrigation valve.
Open manual drains at the lowest points of the system.
Wrap exposed backflow preventers and valves with insulated covers.
Disconnect hoses and store them indoors.
For automated systems, we can perform a compressed-air blowout to clear lines safely.
4. Upgrade to a Smart Irrigation Controller
Fall is an excellent time to install or upgrade to smart irrigation technology.
These controllers automatically adjust watering based on temperature, rainfall, and soil moisture — saving up to 50% on water usage.
Popular systems integrate with Wi-Fi and mobile apps, giving Dallas homeowners full control from their phones.
5. Add Mulch Around Plants and Trees
Mulching isn’t just for summer — it helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and protect roots during cooler months.
Use 2–3 inches of organic mulch around flower beds and trees to prepare for winter.
Conclusion
Preparing your irrigation system for the fall and winter months ensures your landscape stays healthy while conserving water.
Whether you need a full irrigation inspection, system upgrade, or winterization service, Keane Landscaping has Dallas homeowners covered.
Schedule your irrigation check-up today
