Opening your sprinklers after winter has passed is key to maintaining a lush, healthy lawn. Since the weather can be unpredictable, especially in the spring, many homeowners are uncertain when to begin watering their grass again. The guide below will help you plan the most strategic date for rebooting your irrigation system.

When Is the Ideal Time to Start Your Sprinkler System?

Spring is the season for de-winterizing lawn irrigation systems, but you’ll need to wait until all threats of freezing weather have passed. If you open your sprinklers and a frost passes through, the water inside can expand and damage your system. 

Sunny mornings in early spring can be misleading when the nights can easily drop below 32 °F. In general, it is best to avoid starting up your sprinkler system until after April 15. Waiting until the second weekend of May is the safest bet. If May is a particularly rainy month, however, you may even want to wait until June. Just make sure your irrigation system is up and running before the summer heat arrives.

What Other Factors Should You Consider?

With this timeline in mind, it’s important to pay attention to the changing temperatures throughout the spring. Check the day and nighttime temperatures on your phone’s weather app. Once you’ve gone a few weeks without the temperature dipping at or below freezing, you can confidently turn your sprinklers on. 

Remember to watch your lawn as well. If your grass looks green and healthy from the spring rain, you could potentially wait until June. Dry, brown grass is a clear sign your lawn needs watering.

How Should You Start Your System?

When you’re ready to start up your sprinklers, open the main water valve slowly to allow the pipes to gradually fill with water. A sudden surge of high pressure can cause damage. Inspect the main line, backflow device, and valves for leaks. 

Going zone by zone, check every sprinkler head for water coverage, leaks, and obstructions. Unscrew the head casing or nozzle and rinse the filter if it is clogged. Make sure your system is programmed for automatic watering and replace the backup battery if necessary.

When you need an irrigation specialist to ensure your sprinklers are ready for spring, get in touch with Anderson Irrigation and Outdoor Lighting in Williamsburg, OH. Serving the Cincinnati Tri-State area for over 20 years, these professionals provide a full range of irrigation services, including winterization, backflow testing, spring startup, repairs, and complete system installations. Learn more about their residential irrigation services online and call (513) 724-0472 to request a free estimate.