December Yard Care in Georgia: Winterize Irrigation and Plantings Now

Winter in North Georgia may be milder than up north, but our freeze-thaw cycles, clay soils, and occasional hard freezes can still wreak havoc on irrigation systems and tender plantings. If you live in North Atlanta—Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Roswell, Duluth, Suwanee, Buford, Cumming, or nearby—December is the window to protect your landscape before cold snaps arrive. Here’s how Premier Georgia Contractors helps homeowners safeguard curb appeal and avoid costly repairs.

Do You Need to Winterize Sprinklers in Georgia?

Yes. Even in Metro Atlanta, overnight lows in the 20s can crack exposed pipes, backflow preventers, and vacuum breakers. Many systems aren’t fully self-draining, and drip lines hold water. A quick professional winterization is far cheaper than replacing split fittings or a flooded valve box come January. If you’re traveling for the holidays, winterizing now is a must.

Irrigation Winterization Checklist

• Shut off the water supply: Close the irrigation shutoff valve and isolate the backflow preventer.
• Drain or blow out lines: Open drain valves; for buried zones, a controlled air blow-out by a pro helps clear remaining water safely.
• Protect the backflow: Insulate with a weatherproof cover; make sure unions and test cocks are dry and capped.
• Set the controller: Switch to “off” or “rain mode.” Replace old backup batteries.
• Prep drip zones: Open end caps to drain, clean filters, and cap lines securely.
• Inspect for leaks: Look for soggy spots around valve boxes; schedule a repair now rather than waiting for spring.
• Pro tip for North Atlanta clay: Poor drainage magnifies freeze damage. If you notice persistent puddling around heads or pavers heaving, ask us about grading fixes or French drains while vegetation is dormant.

Protect Your Plantings From Frost

Our team installs and maintains landscapes designed for Georgia’s climate, and these steps keep them thriving through winter:

• Mulch 2–3 inches deep around shrubs, trees, and perennials (keep mulch a few inches away from trunks).
• Water before a freeze: Hydrated roots handle cold better—especially for new trees, sod, and evergreens.
• Use frost cloths, not plastic: Cover tender shrubs or citrus; secure to the ground to trap warmth.
• Move containers: Group pots near a south-facing wall or into a garage during freezes.
• Skip heavy pruning: Wait until late winter to avoid stimulating tender growth.

Lawn Care in December: Warm-Season vs. Fescue

• Bermuda/Zoysia (dormant): Don’t fertilize now. Keep leaves off the lawn to prevent disease. Spot-treat winter weeds and maintain mower blades for the first spring cut.
• Tall Fescue (active): Keep mowing as needed at 2.5–3 inches when growth continues during mild spells. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer in December; focus on weed control and leaf removal.

Holiday-Ready Curb Appeal

Hosting in Buckhead, Brookhaven, or Sandy Springs? Quick updates that look great now and last into spring:

• Refresh mulch and edge beds for crisp lines.
• Check outdoor lighting for safety and holiday decor highlighting.
• Clean gutters to prevent overflow that erodes beds and stains siding.

Plan Ahead: Off-Season Projects That Pay Off

Winter is ideal for work that’s tougher to schedule in spring:

• Irrigation upgrades: Smart controller installs, zone rerouting, and pressure fixes.
• Planting trees/shrubs: Cooler temps reduce transplant stress in Metro Atlanta.
• Hardscaping: New walkways, patios, or retaining walls in Marietta, Smyrna, Vinings, and Dunwoody cure beautifully in winter.
• Sod planning: Evaluate drainage and soil prep now for a flawless spring install.

Why Partner With Premier Georgia Contractors

From irrigation system installation & repair to tree/shrubs/plants installation, sod, hardscaping, and drainage, our Lawrenceville-based team serves homeowners across Gwinnett and North Fulton counties with transparent communication and expert craftsmanship. We tailor recommendations to your microclimate—Milton’s open exposures, Johns Creek’s creekside humidity, or Duluth’s shaded lots—so your yard weathers winter and wakes up strong in spring.

Ready to Winterize?

Avoid mid-winter surprises and protect your investment. Schedule a December irrigation winterization and landscape checkup with Premier Georgia Contractors today. We’ll inspect your system, insulate vulnerable components, and create a custom cold-weather plan for your property. Contact us to book your visit and enjoy a worry-free winter.