Pines shed their needles the same as a leaf!

Just like deciduous trees lose their leaves, pines regularly shed their needles to make way for new growth.

Interior needles turn brown and fall off creating a natural mulch for the tree..

If your needles are turning brown from the tips that indicates a potential problem with the tree.

As we move into fall and irrigation systems are turned off for the winter,  it’s important to water not only your evergreens but all of your plants.

– G. Berg

Looking to clean up and remove yard waste to assist in fire safety? Check out our Maintenance page for more info HERE.

How to Winterize and Restart an Irrigation System

This post is based on our original pdf about winterizing irrigation systems.

Winter Shutdown Procedure

  1. Close the main supply/shutoff valve (marked in blue.)


    looking down the stand pipe at the irrigation main valve


  2. Open all 1/4″ ball valves on the backflow preventer.

    backflow preventer with the correct "open " or "on" postition


  3. Turn ball valves on the backflow preventer to a 45 degree (or less) angle.

    backflow preventer at 45 degress


  4. Open all drains in the main line and in the valves boxes (marked in green).


    drain covers


  5. Open all bleed screws on the valves or turn all solenoids to the “ON” position.

    Bleed screws on valves


  6. Turn clock to the “off” position.

    Clock in off position


  7. Cover the backflow preventer with a backflow blanket.



  8. Check the hose bib to be sure you did not turn off the house water supply!
  9. Your house main is marked in red.