Happy holidays from DLC Resources!
As winter approaches and temperatures continue to cool, much of your common areas are ready for your enjoyment. You may have noticed some fresh winter foliage as we recently finished replacing trees and shrubs in select areas. Your overseeded Ryegrass is coming in nicely and we continue to fertilize this new turf and fill in bare spots with extra seeds and mulch.
We look forward to joining you at the Verrado Hayrides on Dec. 3. We are truly proud to be your community partner and we thank you for having us!
As we move further into winter we will adjust your sprinkler system to coincide with the lower temperatures, higher rainfall and specific plant and tree requirements. Unfortunately, the record-breaking temperatures this fall have required us to keep your irrigation system running more often than we normally would this time of year.
We continue with seasonal pruning throughout your community, which means we are trimming plants to about half their size. This process promotes natural regrowth and optimum blooming during the spring and summer months. The end result is that you can enjoy the beauty of your flowering plants while keeping them at a reasonable size. Our spray technicians are also in the midst of applying pre-emergent herbicide in select areas which will help control the spread of weeds.
As we continue to prepare your common areas for the cooler weather, your yard needs attention too! Keep reading below for winter preparation tips for your own landscape.
Winter in the desert Southwest
Arizona is known for warm temperatures and open clear skies all year round. However, the desert Southwest is not exempt from winter weather, including freezing conditions. Here are some tips to help get your landscape ready for the colder temperatures.
Frost protection for your plants
To protect your frost susceptible plants, cover them with cloth towels, blankets, sheets or paper/cardboard boxes to insulate them. Plastic is not recommended for plant cover. Drape the paper or cloth all the way to the ground to help trap heat radiating from the ground. Be sure to remove the cover after the sunrise each morning or when the temperature reaches 35 degrees.
Plants that are not native to the Southwest are most at risk for frost damage. These plants include Bougainvillea, Lantana, winter annuals and others. For cacti such as Mexican Fencepost, covering the tops of the posts with an old t-shirt, foam cup or wash cloth can help prevent frost damage.
Frost protection for your backflow
When temperatures dip below 32 degrees, your backflow is at risk for damage from freezing water that sits in the unit. Usually, the easiest way to protect your backflow preventer 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.
Reduce water usage
Cooler weather and shorter days provide an opportunity to reduce your water usage and save money on your water bill. You can use the interactive tools at wateruseitwisely.com to determine how often and how long the stations on your irrigation controller should run. If you have a desert-adapted landscape with established plants, you can usually turn off your irrigation system from Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day.
Frost recovery for plants
If frost impacts your plant material, it is optimal to wait until the threat of frost has subsided to prune frost-damaged plants. Pruning away frost damage too early can result in additional damage to the plant if it is hit by frost again. New and un-established shrubs or ground cover plants are more susceptible to permanent damage and could be lost due to cold weather. Established plants with a sustainable root system can handle minimal pruning for aesthetic reasons throughout frost season.