At high elevation, winter is both a pause and a stress test for your landscape. Lawns and plant roots may be dormant, but what you do in late fall and early winter can make a big difference in how they perform next spring. In Sun Valley and the surrounding Wood River Valley, Whitehead’s Landscaping and Mountain Valley Compost & Tree Care work together to keep soil and irrigation systems ready for freezing temperatures.whiteheadlandscaping.com+1
When to Turn Off Irrigation in Sun Valley
Cool-season grasses common in Idaho—like Kentucky bluegrass and fescue—slow their growth as soil temperatures drop. University and NRCS guidance recommends tapering and then stopping irrigation roughly a month before the first hard freeze so plants can “harden off” for winter.kcgov.us+1 In the Wood River Valley, that typically means shutting systems down in the fall and scheduling blow-outs to protect lines, valves, and heads from freeze damage.
Protecting Irrigation Systems from Freeze Damage
Improperly winterized irrigation can lead to cracked lines and expensive spring repairs. Whitehead’s maintenance team offers prescheduled winterization services that include shutting down controllers, blowing out lines, and checking for leaks or issues.whiteheadlandscaping.com+1 They also coordinate with Eco Irrigation, another arm of the Whitehead family, to ensure complex systems are prepared for prolonged sub-zero temperatures.
Soil Care Under the Snow
Even when everything looks frozen, there’s a lot happening below the surface. A final light application of organic compost improves soil structure and helps insulate roots. Mountain Valley’s vermicast-rich compost and compost tea feed beneficial microbes that continue working until the ground fully freezes, leading to healthier turf and beds come spring.whiteheadlandscaping.com+2whiteheadlandscaping.com+2
Avoid Overwatering During Warm Spells
Occasional winter thaws can tempt homeowners to turn irrigation back on. In most cases, that’s unnecessary and can actually create ice layers that suffocate turf. High-altitude lawn care guides stress that cool-season grasses are adapted to long, cold winters and do best when soil stays moist but not saturated going into freeze-up.kcgov.us+1 Snowpack itself often provides adequate moisture in the Sun Valley climate.
Partner with a Year-Round Maintenance Team
The simplest way to handle winter irrigation and soil care is to put it on a plan. Whitehead Landscaping’s year-round maintenance programs include seasonal prep, winterization, and spring startup so you’re never guessing what to do next.whiteheadlandscaping.com While you’re enjoying ski days, Nordic trails, and all the winter fun highlighted by Visit Sun Valley, your landscape will be quietly getting ready for its next big season.Sun Valley Idaho
