Preparing Irrigation Systems for Shutoff

As fall progresses and temperatures begin to drop, it’s critical for commercial property managers to start thinking about shutting down irrigation systems before the first hard frost. While this task may seem routine, improper shutoff or delayed action can lead to costly repairs, water damage, and even disruptions to service next spring.

At LMC Landscaping, we treat irrigation shutdowns as a key part of our fall maintenance plan—not an afterthought. Here’s what every property manager should know about properly preparing irrigation systems for winter.

Why Irrigation Shutdown Matters

Irrigation systems are vulnerable to freezing temperatures. When water is left in pipes, valves, or backflow devices, it can expand and crack components—leading to leaks, broken lines, or total system failure. Beyond the cost of repairs, these issues can disrupt early spring services and leave parts of your landscape dry during the growing season.

Proactive, professional shutdowns protect your infrastructure and ensure a smoother, on-time startup when spring arrives.

When to Shut Down Your System

Timing is everything. In the Baltimore region, irrigation shutdowns typically occur between mid-October and early November, depending on seasonal temperatures. It’s important to shut systems down before the first hard freeze, which often happens without much warning.

LMC begins scheduling shutdowns in late September, giving our clients priority on the calendar. We coordinate service timing based on your property’s exposure, system size, and historical weather data.

Step-by-Step Shutdown Process

At LMC, irrigation shutoff is handled by trained technicians using professional-grade equipment. Our standard process includes:

Shutting Off the Water Source: We turn off the main irrigation supply to prevent new water from entering the system.
Blowing Out the Lines: Using commercial air compressors, we force compressed air through each zone, expelling water from pipes, valves, heads, and lateral lines.
Draining and Protecting Backflow Devices: We ensure backflow preventers are fully drained, isolated, and left in the open position to avoid pressure buildup.
Controller Adjustment: We turn off irrigation controllers, record settings if needed, and leave systems ready for spring reactivation.
System Inspection and Notes: Our technicians check for visible damage, leaks, or wear that should be addressed before spring. We document our findings and share them with you in a service report.

Why Professional Shutdown Is a Must

Some property managers attempt DIY irrigation blowouts or rely on non-specialist vendors—but the risk isn’t worth the savings. Incorrect pressure, skipped zones, or neglected components can result in hidden damage that only becomes obvious months later.

LMC technicians are trained in multi-zone commercial systems, including smart controllers, drip zones, large-scale backflows, and complex property layouts. We use calibrated compressors to match your system’s PSI requirements and ensure complete water removal without damaging components.

Coordinating with Fall Maintenance and Enhancements

We often coordinate irrigation shutdowns with final seasonal enhancements, mulching, and turf services. This integration avoids scheduling conflicts and ensures water is not accidentally applied to newly planted material or freshly mulched beds.

If late-season plantings are still planned, we can leave specific zones active temporarily and return to complete the shutdown once installations are complete.

Post-Shutdown Support and Spring Prep

Once your system is winterized, we don’t disappear. LMC keeps service records and photos on file for use during your spring startup, making it easier to identify any issues and get your irrigation running efficiently when the growing season returns.

We also offer smart irrigation audits during spring startups to recommend water-saving upgrades and improvements.

Winterize with Confidence

Don’t let a preventable irrigation failure derail your landscape investment. LMC Landscaping brings the training, equipment, and scheduling discipline needed to shut your system down the right way.