You'd think it would be easy to turn on the sprinklers whenever you need the backyard watered, but unfortunately, it's not that straightforward. Turning on your sprinklers too early in the year, and you're risking the pipes freezing up in the cold weather. If you wait until the weather warms, your plants, shrubs, and flowers might be too dehydrated. 

Based on the West Coast, Nevada features an array of climates throughout the year. The city of Reno is no exception to this - due to its placement in the northwest of the state, it ranges significantly from freezing winters to scorching summers. This means it's not always easy to tell when to turn the sprinklers on, unlike in warmer states like Arizona. 

Here is everything you need to know about when to turn sprinklers on in Reno! 

When should you turn sprinklers on in Reno?

The general rule of thumb is to turn your sprinklers on in Reno around beginning to middle of April. During this time, the snow on Peavine Mountain is likely to have melted, which is a clear indication that winter has been and gone. This is the best time to turn on the sprinklers because it means the weather is warm enough for your pipes not to freeze. 

If you turn on the sprinklers before the cold weather has disappeared for the year, you run the risk of the pipes freezing and bursting. However, this also applies to random bursts of cold weather throughout the year, which is why you mostly have to play it by ear. 

However, you also don't want to leave it too late. If certain plants, shrubs, flowers, trees, and types of grass have been left without water for too long, then not even a sprinkler can bring them back to life. To prevent this from happening, it's important to continue watering your plants manually during these cold months when the sprinklers are off. You might have to use a watering can or wait for the rain, but this is better than waiting until the plants have dried completely! 

How to winterize your sprinkler system in Reno 

There is no need for your plants, shrubs, flowers, and trees to be watered by a sprinkler over winter. This is because they will go into their dormancy stage, relying on the nutrients in the soil to stay somewhat alive until they come out of the dormancy stage, which is usually in spring. You need to winterize your sprinkler system as it doesn't need to be used during this period. 

Not only will watering your backyard with sprinklers be a waste of water, but it can also be damaging to the system. Damage to the irrigation system can be a nightmare to deal with in spring, so here are the steps to avoid such damage. 

Firstly, before the weather turns cold, you'll need to water the foliage in your backyard one last time. Using the sprinkler system or a hose, make sure to give your plants, shrubs, and trees a good soak. This will help to prepare your garden for its dormant stage. 

Then, you'll have to shut off the sprinkler system's controller before turning off the water supply altogether. It's essential to wrap the shut-off valve (also called a ‘pressure vacuum breaker’) with something to insulate it, such as a valve bag cover, to protect and prevent it from freezing. You can buy a valve bag cover either online or at your local Home Depot. 

Next, make sure to drain the water from the pipes. The way to do this depends on your system - most houses in Reno have manual drain valves instead of automatic ones. You will need to manually open these up to allow water to drain out. The reason for this is to ensure there are no pressurized points in the system to prevent freezing. 

Here is how to properly drain a sprinkler system:

• Turn off the main valve to the irrigation system

• Prepare to release the pressure from the valves by turning the backflow test cocks and ball valves to a 45-degree angle

• Open the valves to release the water pressure

• Wait until all the water has released from the sprinklers

• Turn everything off

As well as ensuring the valves are insulated, do the same with the backflow preventers if they are above ground. 

Fortunately, winterizing your sprinkler system isn't as complicated as you think. However, if you are struggling to figure out how your particular system works, make sure to contact your local lawn care company for professional help.

How to start up a sprinkler system in Reno

Once the snow has melted from Peavine Mountain (typically around early to Mid-April, depending on the year), it's time to start up your sprinkler system again. To do this, you'll have to slowly open the water valve to prevent high-pressure water from flying through the pipes, which can cause cracking. Be sure that all drain valve, sprinkler valves, and test clocks are put into the closed position before activating or you will have water flooding.

Once fully opened, turn on the controller and check each setting. It's best to manually activate each zone to check for leaks or low pressure. This will allow you to adjust the sprinkler heads or clean filters accordingly. 

Then, you can set the controller to whatever settings you like! Just make sure to remember that sprinkler systems may crack or freeze when the weather drops again, so you'll have to use it according to the temperature at the time. 

How to keep shrubs and trees alive during winter 

While shrubs and trees go into a period of dormancy during winter, they will still need some form of water to keep themselves alive in time for the growing season that starts in spring. To get the best out of your backyard foliage, you can continue to water your shrubs, trees, and plants during winter manually. Instead of using a sprinkler system, you can use a hose or a watering can. 

Your plants won't need to be watered as often as you would water them in spring and summer. Think of it like this - when a bear goes into hibernation, they deliberately fill themselves up and store food in their hibernating spots to carry them through winter. The same goes for outdoor plants, which will require some water to keep them alive - don't expect them to grow during this time. 

Watering your shrubs and trees during winter will promote healthier and faster growth in spring and summer because they will have stored some nutrients from the water and soil over the dormancy period. 

Conclusion

If you're worried about the best way to activate or winterize your sprinkler system, call Cory's Lawn Service. Cory's Lawn Service is a residential lawn care company based in Reno equipped to activate, winterize, repair, inspect, and adjust sprinkler systems. With a certified Irrigation Technician ready to diagnose and fix virtually any sprinkler-related problem, Cory's Lawn Service will provide the utmost care required to keep your lawn and system healthy and prepared during winter.