October 2022 - W.P. Law Incorporated

How to Winterize My Outdoor Fountain

Posted on October 26, 2022September 30, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

It’s fall, and it’s time to winterize outdoor fountains. If you have an outdoor fountain or water feature, you need to ensure it’s set up for cooler weather so you can still enjoy it when spring and summer roll back around. Here’s what you need to know.

The Climate Matters

South Carolina has a varied climate depending on what part of the state you live in. But, for the most part, it’s mild and doesn’t swing to extremes like the more northern states. Because of this, outdoor fountains and pond winterizing look slightly different than in places where they get a deep freeze.

Basic Winter Prep

Prepping your fountain for Winter in the south can mean removing debris, cleaning the fountain, and inspecting the pump. Then, drain the fountain and do a deeper clean before refilling it for a little more in-depth maintenance. Finally, if worried about colder temperatures, you can opt for a complete shutdown until spring. Shutting it down for the Winter includes unplugging, draining, and removing the pump for winter storage and blowing out the pipes in the system.

Keeping it Running in the Winter

If you decide to enjoy your fountain or pond year-round, it’s a great choice with our generally mild temperatures. The option of floating heaters is one way to ensure the water doesn’t freeze over when the temperatures dip. It’s also important to watch the forecast if extreme weather decides to head our way.

A great way to care for and maintain your water feature, including winterizing your outdoor fountain, is with fountain design, installation, and maintenance experts. Reach out to the team at W.P. Law, Inc. for all your fountain and water feature needs.

Maintaining Warm Season Grasses in the Winter

Posted on October 19, 2022September 30, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

If you live in South Carolina, you might look out at your lawn and wonder about the best grass for Winter. Can you plant and seed in winter weather? Can you maintain warm-season grasses? Here’s what you need to know.

Which Type of Grass to Plant

There are two primary grass types, warm season and cool season. Warm season grasses green up in the spring and thrive in the summer heat and will go dormant with the first frost in late fall or early winter. Warm season grasses include centipede, St. Augustine, Bermuda, and zoysia. Cool season grasses remain green and thrive in the winter months, but suffer during the hot summer months. Cool season grasses include tall fescue and ryegrass. While most people in SC have warm season grasses as their lawn, a few will overseed their lawn with an annual ryegrass to keep the beautiful green color year round.

To Seed or Sod, that is the Question

While you can add sod in the Winter when the grass is dormant, the roots won’t take hold until the weather warms up in the spring and summer. Fall, however, is an ideal time for seeding cool season grasses. The summer heat can make it hard for the seeds to germinate properly, while the cool temperatures let the seeds root and thrive. Ryegrass is an excellent choice for winter seeding. Once established, it will do well and provide a lush, green lawn year-round. Overseeding in Winter is also a great idea because it improves the grass’s aesthetics and increases the lawn’s resilience.

Maintaining warm-season grass and knowing the best grass for Winter is an art. Still, with the right advice and guidance, you can nurture your grass this Winter for a fantastic lawn come spring. Contact the W.P. Law, Inc. team for the advice you need for winter lawn care.

It’s Tailgating Season! Tips for Using your Outdoor Grill this Fall

Posted on October 12, 2022September 30, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Are you wondering about using your outdoor grill this fall? Of course, it doesn’t get snowy and freezing in South Carolina in the fall and Winter, but the cooler weather can still affect your outdoor grilling. It’s football and entertaining season, so we’ve gathered our best tips for using your outdoor kitchen and grill this fall.

Bundle Up

Make sure to wear weather-appropriate clothing when grilling outdoors in cooler weather. Grilling can take time, and it’s more fun when you’re not freezing. Something to be very careful about are the gloves you wear. It can be tempting to grab something hot with regular gloves, but make sure you switch to heat-resistant gloves before handling the grill.

Patience is Key

Food cooks differently when it’s cool outside than when it’s warm. So be patient and adjust your timing and expectations accordingly. Keep the grill closed and choose recipes and foods that aren’t as sensitive to the temperature difference between the grill and the outside temperature.

Keep the Grill Outside

Some might think moving the grill under an overhang or into a garage is okay. Please do not do this. It’s a great way to start a house fire. A better alternative is upgrading to an outdoor kitchen and grilling area. You can include a grill, counter space, a sink, a roof, and so much more.

One of the best ways to cook and entertain during the fall football season and year-round is with outdoor kitchens and grills. So, if you’ve been dreaming of an outdoor space upgrade, now’s the time. Contact W.P. Law, Inc. for the expert team to help you bring your vision to life.

Tips for Irrigating Turfgrass in the Fall

Posted on October 5, 2022September 30, 2022 by splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Your irrigation system worked hard all summer, but is fall the time to shut it down for the Winter? In South Carolina, we don’t need to winterize our irrigation systems the same way in colder states to the north. Here’s what you need to know about taking care of your grass and sprinkler system.

Keep Watering

Watering your grass in the summer is a no-brainer, but what about Winter? The general rule in the south is to keep watering year-round, even when the grass becomes dormant. In the Winter, the exception is when it rains. If we have a particularly wet fall and Winter, you won’t need to water as much. When it’s dry for more than a few days and the soil is dry, it’s a good idea to turn on the sprinklers and irrigate your lawn and landscaping. It’s beneficial to water in the morning instead of the evening to avoid fungus.

Irrigation System Winterization

In other states where the temperatures regularly get to freezing and below, it’s critical to drain and blow out sprinkler systems. In the south, with our mild climate, that’s generally not necessary. However, protecting components from freezing is still essential since we get some cold nights. If you have any exposed water pipes, drain them and the pumps. The rest of the system, especially what’s underground, should be fine in the South Carolina fall and Winter.

When you’re ready to transition from summer to fall, your local landscaping and irrigation system professionals can help. Contact the team at W.P. Law, Inc. for all the guidance you need.

Month: October 2022