If you live in Central Texas, you know winter can be unpredictable. One week it’s 75° and sunny, the next we’re covering pipes for a surprise freeze. Before you flip the switch on your irrigation system this spring, it’s critical to make sure everything is in good shape.
As irrigation professional in the Central Texas area, We see the same issues every year. A little preventative inspection now can save you from high water bills, soggy lawns, and expensive repairs later.
Here are the four key components you should always check before running your system for the first time after winter.
Backflow Preventer (Pressure Vacuum Breaker, RPZ or Double Check)
Your backflow preventer is one of the most important safety components in your irrigation system. In Central Texas, most systems use a Double Check Back Flow, Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) or a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) assembly.
Why It Matters
This device prevents contaminated irrigation water from flowing back into your home or city’s drinking water supply. It’s required by code—and for good reason.
What to Check
- Visible cracks in the brass body (especially after a hard freeze)
- Loose fittings or unions
- Leaking shut-off valves
- Missing or damaged test cocks or caps
Freeze damage is extremely common here, particularly if the system wasn’t fully winterized. Even a small hairline crack can become a major leak under pressure.
Pro Tip: When turning water back on, open the valves slowly. Sudden pressure can damage internal components.
Valve Boxes and Solenoid Valves
Valve boxes tend to collect dirt, mulch, and sometimes even fire ants over the winter.
Why It Matters
Your irrigation valves control water flow to each zone. If a valve sticks open or fails to activate, you’ll either have dry spots—or a swamp.
What to Check
- Remove the lid and clear out debris
- Look for standing water (a sign of a leak)
- Inspect wires for rodent damage
- Check that each solenoid is secure and not cracked
In Central Texas clay soils and shifting ground can also stress fittings and manifolds. If you see muddy water or soil erosion inside the box, that’s usually a red flag.
Sprinkler Heads and Drip Lines
Sprinkler heads take the most abuse year-round—from lawn mowers, foot traffic, pets, and soil movement.
Why It Matters
Even one broken or misaligned head can waste hundreds of gallons of water and create uneven coverage. With Central Texas often under watering restrictions, efficiency is critical.
What to Check
- Broken or cracked heads
- Heads tilted or sunk too low
- Clogged nozzles
- Mismatched spray patterns
- Damaged drip emitters or chewed tubing
Run each zone manually and walk the property while it’s operating. Look for:
- Dry patches
- Overspray onto sidewalks or driveways
- Excessive misting (often a sign of high pressure)
Pro Tip: Spring is also a great time to adjust spray patterns to account for new landscaping or plant growth.
Controller Settings (Don’t Skip This)
While not a mechanical component, your irrigation controller deserves attention too.
- Check the date and time
- Replace backup batteries if needed
- Adjust watering schedules for spring rainfall
- Make sure you’re complying with local watering restrictions
In Central Texas, overwatering in early spring is one of the biggest mistakes homeowners make. Clay soils hold moisture longer than you think.
Final Thoughts
Before turning your irrigation system loose for the season, take 30–60 minutes to inspect:
- Backflow preventer
- Valves and wiring
- Sprinkler heads and drip lines
A careful spring startup helps:
- Prevent costly leaks
- Improve water efficiency
- Protect your home’s water supply
- Keep your landscape healthy through our intense Texas summer
If you’re unsure about anything—or if you experienced a hard freeze this winter—it’s always smart to schedule a professional irrigation checkup. Give us a call 512-930-4707
A little attention now goes a long way toward a stress-free watering season.
SPRING START-UP SPECIAL
$49.99 incl. up to 12 zones. Click to Learn More.
Now is the right time to prevent weed
We’ve had a warmer than normal winter. The grass is still dormant, but the weeds aren’t. If
you’ve started to notice pesky weeds or patches in your lawn, you’re not alone. Many
homeowners face these same challenges, especially during seasonal transitions. While
the appearance of weeds or thin/patchy areas in your lawn may seem like a random
occurrence, they often stem from a combination of weather, timing, and lawn care
practices, or sometimes the lack of them.
One of the most critical pieces of lawn care is the effective use of pre-emergent. These products are essential for maintaining lush, healthy, weed-free turf. But why are they so important, and how do they relate to common lawn issues?
What are Pre-Emergent Herbicides?
Pre-Emergent herbicides are specialized products designed to stop weeds before they
even appear. These products create a barrier in the soil that keeps weeds from
germinating. This proactive approach is key in preventing weeds from taking over your turf
before the season even starts.
Why do you have weeds now?
1. Timing Issues
The most common reason for weed invasion is improper timing when applying pre-
emergent. Ideal application is before soil temperatures reach 55°F for several days,
typically in the spring and fall seasons.
2. Heavy Rain or Irrigation
Heavy rain or excessive irrigation can wash away pre-emergent. This is especially
problematic if it occurs right after application.
3. Poor Lawn Health
Thin patches create the perfect environment for weeds to take over. Weak grass
struggles to compete for nutrients with aggressive weeds. Even proper pre-
emergent application may be ineffective in an unhealthy lawn. Weeds will often still
find an opportunity to establish themselves.
Why do you have thin patches in your turf?
1. Compacted Soil
When soil becomes compacted, grass cannot grow. Compaction is common in
high foot traffic areas and heavy clay soils. Compacted soils limit oxygen and
nutrients, leaving turf weak and vulnerable.
2. Improper Watering
Watering too much and too little can both lead to a
patchy lawn. Overwatering promotes fungal diseases
and root rot. Underwatering can lead to turf drying out
and dying.
3. Nutrient Deficiency
Lack of proper fertilization can result in weak grass and
thin patches. Your lawn needs a balanced diet of
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium specific for the Central Texas region.
4. Pest & Disease
Grubs and Chinch bugs can damage your lawn by eating the grass roots and
leaves. If you’ve noticed yellowing, browning, or thin patches in your lawn, pests
could be the cause. Fungal diseases can also lead to bare or thinning patches in
your lawn.
Tips for healthy turf
- Apply pre-emergent at the right time: Timing is everything. Apply in early
spring and again in the fall minimally. - Address thin patches: Aerate your turf, reseed, and fertilize to improve
grass density - Proper watering: Ensure consistent watering with the correct coverage;
early morning watering is best to avoid disease. - Keep turf healthy: Mow regularly, fertilize, add soil enhancers as needed
- Monitor for pest & disease: Inspect your lawn regularly for signs of pest and
disease presence.
If you need help or assistance give us a call. We are here to help. Also check out our Seasonal Offers and start saving!
Spring is almost here, and that means it’s the perfect time for plant cutbacks and pruning in the Southwest! While it may look drastic at first, these cutbacks are essential for healthy growth, vibrant blooms, and a tidy landscape.
Here’s what you need to know:
Why We Do Spring Cutbacks
•Encourage new growth: Cutting back old, overgrown stems allows fresh shoots to thrive.
•Boost flowering and fruiting: Many plants, including roses, shrubs, and perennials, produce stronger blooms after pruning.
•Control size and shape: Keep plants neat and prevent overcrowding in your landscape.
•Reduce disease and pests: Removing dead or damaged branches improves airflow and reduces pest habitats.
What to Expect During Service
•Plants may look bare or scraggly right after trimming. Don’t worry – this is normal.
•Our team will carefully prune roses, shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses according to each plant’s needs.
•Any debris or trimmings will be removed and hauled away – leaving your yard clean.
What You Can Expect After
•Vibrant spring growth: New shoots will emerge within a few weeks, filling out your landscape.
•Stronger, healthier plants: Pruning reduces disease risk and encourages robust structure.
•Season-long beauty: With proper cutbacks, your plants will bloom fuller and longer.
Pro Tips
•Water and fertilize trimmed plants to support new growth.
•Mulching helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool during Southwest heat.
•Avoid pruning during extreme heat or drought – spring timing is key.
If you’re ready to give your plants the care they need, contact us at Red & White Greenery and let our experts help your garden thrive.
With expected temperatures to dip down into the teens in the next few days, here are some tips to help you avoid costly repairs to your backflow and irrigation system:
Step 1: Turn on the lowest zone. From the controller, turn on the irrigation zone that is at the lowest elevation point on your property – if you’re not certain, use your best judgement.
Step 2: Shut the water off. Locate the shut-off valve for your irrigation system. This is usually located by your water meter in a box in the ground, but not always. Older systems might not have an isolation valve for the irrigation system and you might need to shut the water using the backflow preventer – consider getting an isolation valve installed if you do not have one since the backflow preventer should not be used regularly to shut off the water. Shut the water off.
*Tip: Once you locate your shut-off or backflow preventer, take pictures and ensure that the box does not get covered in the future.
Step 3: Relieve Pressure. Let the system continue to run with the water off and controller still on. This allows for the pipes to drain as much as possible creating space in the pipes for water to expand if temperatures drop low enough to freeze.
Step 4: Drain the backflow preventer. One of the most expensive components in your system is your backflow device. This component is crucial for public health as well. Its purpose is to prevent irrigation water from returning back into our drinking water. Locate the 2-4 small test cocks and with a small flat head screwdriver, open these up and leave at a 45 degree angle during the “off” season.
Step 5: Turn off your controller. With the water off and your system drained, you can now turn the dial on your controller to the “off” position. Leave it off until you want to use the system again in the spring.
Protect your investment – winterize every year
Be sure to insulate any exposed pipes or any above ground backflow preventers or other exposed components. Winterizing your irrigation system can be simple, but not every system is as straightforward as outlined in this guide. If you need help or guidance, give us a call!
Red & White Greenery
Since 1983, Red & White Greenery Inc. has delivered industry-leading landscape construction and management services. We construct and manage outdoor spaces that combine beauty, functionality, and inspiration.
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