Plan to winterize your sprinkler system by late November. Texas A&M’s advice for most of Texas is simple: turn off the controller, shut off the water, insulate exposed pipe and drain the above-ground parts. Do it before the first hard cold snap.
When does it usually freeze around Bastrop?
KVUE’s list of average first freeze dates does not include Bastrop, but the closest stations are a useful guide:
| Station | Average first freeze |
|---|---|
| Austin-Bergstrom | Nov. 28 |
| Austin Camp Mabry | Dec. 2 |
| San Marcos | Nov. 22 |
These are averages, not promises. An early cold front can beat them, so keep an eye on the forecast.
How do you winterize a sprinkler system?
For light to mild freezes, Texas A&M’s irrigation program lists four steps:
- Turn off the irrigation controller.
- Shut off the water supply at the water meter or backflow prevention assembly. Texas A&M notes most systems have an isolation valve for this.
- Insulate exposed PVC pipe that runs above ground.
- Drain above-ground components, such as the backflow prevention assembly.
Should you blow out your sprinklers?
Probably not. Texas A&M says the blow-out method is mainly used in northern regions where the ground freezes down to buried pipe, and that most landscape irrigation systems in Texas are not designed for it. Confirm your system can handle it first, or call your irrigation company.
What else should you do in the yard this month?
The Texas A&M AgriLife November checklist for Central Texas suggests:
- Mulch your leaves. Chop them into the grass with a mulching mower instead of raking them off, or bag them for compost.
- Water wisely. Water thoroughly before a freeze, but do not overwater, and skip it after rain.
- Bring in the harvest. Pick tomatoes and other cold-sensitive vegetables before the first frost, and harvest basil, parsley and cilantro before temperatures drop below 40 degrees.
- Protect containers. Cover cool-season annuals in pots when frost is coming.
Is this your first Bastrop winter?
Knowing your home’s shutoffs is one of the best things you can do in your first year here. Our Moving to Bastrop guide covers the rest of settling in. If you are getting a home ready to sell this winter, our Sell Your Home page is a good next stop.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the first freeze near Bastrop, Texas?
- KVUE lists average first freeze dates of Nov. 28 at Austin-Bergstrom and Dec. 2 at Camp Mabry. Bastrop is not on that list, but Austin-Bergstrom is the nearest listed station, so plan for late November.
- How do you winterize a sprinkler system in Texas?
- Texas A&M's irrigation program says to turn off the controller, shut off the water at the meter or backflow assembly, insulate exposed PVC pipe and drain above-ground parts such as the backflow assembly.
- Do you need to blow out sprinklers in Texas?
- Usually not. Texas A&M says most landscape irrigation systems in Texas are not designed for a blow out, so confirm your system is designed for it before trying one.
- Should you water before a freeze in Central Texas?
- Texas A&M AgriLife's Austin-area checklist says to water thoroughly before a freeze, but not to overwater. Check soil moisture before you turn on the hose.
Sources
- Texas A&M Irrigation: Winterization
- Texas A&M AgriLife Travis County: November Gardening Checklist
- KVUE: Average first freeze dates in Central Texas
Thinking about moving to Bastrop? Start with our moving guide and neighborhood guide, or send us a question.
