Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019 | 2 a.m.
Created and presented by Southern Nevada Water Authority
Protecting your landscape during the winter
Landscapes need less water in colder months, however, specific plants may need special attention. Be sure to give each one an individualized touch. "Determine if your plants are winter hardy and safeguard them accordingly," said Fritz Kollmann, Botanical Garden Supervisor at Springs Preserve.
Before freezing temperatures strike, cover sensitive plants and move potted plants to a protected area or covered patio. "Cover frost-sensitive foliage with frost cloth or blankets to prevent damage," Kollmann said. "Use some sort of support to keep heavier fabric off the plants you are covering to prevent breakage. Tomato cages, tent poles or other scaffolding-type materials work well." The fabric should cover the soil below the plants as well. This helps keep the heat in and protect shallow roots. Kollmann notes that frost cloths can be left on the plants for several days but heavier cloths should be removed as soon as temperatures are a few degrees above freezing.
More resilient plants require less winter maintenance, but it's still important to be mindful of their needs. "Many leafy perennials, shrubs, trees and conifers can have improved frost tolerance if they receive water roughly once every 10 days throughout winter," Kollmann said. "Water these plants before a hard freeze to help the leaves survive."
Winter watering schedule
November 1 – February 29
For spray irrigation and sprinklers, water only one day a week on your assigned watering day. Drip irrigation is also limited to one day per week, though it can be any day but Sunday. To prevent freezing, water during mid-morning, when temperatures are warmer. You can find your assigned watering day on your water bill or at snwa.com.
Don't forget about the succulents
Cacti and succulents should be kept mostly dry during the winter. "Most cacti and succulents in the Las Vegas area grow actively during the hot summer months and are dormant in the winter," Kollmann said. "Wet soil and freezing temperatures are often a lethal combination, causing rot at the base. Protect the tops of frost-sensitive cacti and succulents with foam cups and entirely cover frost-intolerant plants with rose cones, old coolers, frost cloth or anything that provides some insulation." Covers can be removed once the danger of frost has passed.
Consider water smart landscaping
Winter is a great time to consider replacing your grass with water smart landscaping through Southern Nevada Water Authority's Water Smart Landscaping Program. "Use the winter months to plan your landscape conversion, coordinate with a landscaper (or do it yourself), and apply the program so that you are ready to go when the spring planting season arrives in March," said Bronson Mack of SNWA. Find a list of water-smart contractors to help with the conversion at bit.ly/2K2hh9K. "Better yet, visit the Botanical Garden at Springs Preserve and get inspired to create a welcoming outdoor space that is enjoyable and water-smart," Mack said.
Other Tips
• If frost or freeze has damaged one of your plants, leave it alone until a period of warmer temperatures has passed; new growth may still appear. Pruning or transplanting a cold-damaged plant in the winter can cause more harm.
• Locate your water shut-off valve and learn how to stop water at the source, which can help minimize damage from leaks or burst water lines caused by freezing.
• Disconnect and drain garden hoses when they are not being used.
• Set your thermostat to 55 degrees when you're away to protect pipes and houseplants.
• Insulate your backflow device with an inexpensive cover or even an old towel and bucket. Be sure not to obstruct or seal the ports.
• To avoid freezing, wrap exposed irrigation pipes with pipe insulation, faucet socks or an old towel secured with duct tape.
• Do not water any plant in freezing temperatures, regardless of their hardiness.
