Winter Prep for Your Outdoor Living Space

Soon it will be time to leave outdoor living spaces and ride out winter’s cold indoors. But before you batten down the barbecue and stow the patio cushions, don’t forget to take care of wooden structures – like decks, pergolas and play sets – that must remain out in the elements.

Routine maintenance of these structures can ensure they weather the winter well and are ready for you to enjoy come spring. Plus, beautiful, well-kept outdoor structures enhance curb appeal and your home’s resale value.

Here are some ideas for winterizing your wooden outdoor structures:

* Clean leaves, dirt and pine needles from between the boards of your deck. This will increase airflow around the boards and reduce the opportunity for mold and mildew to grow. Even if your deck contains manufactured or natural chemicals that resist insects and decay, excessive dirt, debris and moisture can still harm the wood.

* Remove planters and flower pots – even those that are just ornamental – from the deck. Moisture can collect under planters or pots and leave stains on your deck. If it’s not possible to remove a planter from the deck, or you just have nowhere else to store flower pots, be sure to elevate them off the wood. Built-in planter boxes can be an attractive, permanent alternative than portable planters or pots.

* Clean wooden structures with a broom, a garden sprayer, a little bleach and a water hose. Kill any existing mold or mildew with a solution of three parts water and one part oxygen bleach applied with your garden sprayer. While the bleach in the solution is very dilute, be sure to avoid excessive spraying of the solution and keep it away from children, animals and plants. Rinse the treated areas with clean water once the mold and mildew are gone.

* Be careful about pressure washing. It can mar the surface of your deck. If you absolutely must pressure wash, keep the washer set below 800 pounds per square inch.

* Water, pollen and mold tend to collect and sit on horizontal surfaces throughout the summer. Left over the winter, they become a harmful cocktail that can speed deterioration of otherwise healthy lumber.

Winterizing outdoor structures is simple and quick – and ensures your outdoor living space will be in great shape, and ready for you to enjoy, once warm weather returns.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

The Benefits of an Automatic Sprinkler System

Having a beautiful landscape doesn't mean you have to spend hour after hour working in your yard. With a professionally installed automatic sprinkler system, your lawn will be the envy of the neighborhood!

In addition to keeping your landscape attractive year-round, an automatic sprinkler system will help conserve water too. Your system will place exactly the right amount of water on specific lawn and garden areas so that water is not wasted. Moisture-sensing devices can automatically turn off your system when it rains.

In fact, a professionally installed automatic sprinkler system is one of the best investments that you can make for your home. Just ask anyone who has one. There is no easier or more cost-effective way to beautify your home, increase its value, and save yourself a lot of time and money.

Keep in mind, however, that there is more to a sprinkler system than just sprinklers! System design and installation are critical factors that will affect your system’s performance and longevity. This is why it is important to have a professional irrigation contractor design and install the right system for your home. You can count on a professional to do the job right the first time. If you want to learn more about automatic sprinkler systems, installation or service, contact us or click the link below.

So put away your garden hose and let your sprinkler system do your watering for you -- automatically! You'll have greener grass, healthier plants, and much more free time to smell the roses instead of watering them.

Why purchase an automatic sprinkler system?

    * YOU'LL SAVE TIME: Your system will do all the watering for you.
    * YOU'LL SAVE WATER: An automatic system uses less water than watering by hand.
    * YOU'LL SAVE MONEY: Your water bills will be lower and your plants will live longer.

Courtesy of Rain Bird®

Your sprinkler system saves you time, money, and is efficient at keeping your landscape looking stunning during the spring and summer months. However, once you feel fall approaching, it is best to begin the winterization process of your sprinkler system. Winterizing your sprinkler system means that you take the steps necessary to ensure that your system's pipes will not freeze during the cold winter months and then break. There are two types of pipes typically used in sprinkler systems. These are Polyurethane and PVC. Though Polyurethane pipes are known for being more durable than PVC, they can still succumb to the ravaging effects of freezing temperatures and burst. Therefore, it is essential that you take the time to ensure that your sprinkler system is adequately protected during the winter months.

First of all, it is best left to professionals to winterize your sprinkler system. This is due to the fact that the system must be “blown out’ by using an air compressor. Many homeowners have unwittingly been hurt during this process, so if you aren't sure what you are doing, then it is recommended to hire a professional. It is considered money well spent, especially if you are injured or have an unforeseen mishap with your sprinkler system. Long® Fence now services and winterizes all makes and models of automatic sprinkler systems. Please contact us for more info. However, if you insist on performing the job yourself, then be sure to follow the sprinkler system’s manufacturer’s guide.

If you don't have an irrigation system, ensure your hoses are drained, rolled up, put away, and your sprinklers are stored for winter.