By taking a few simple steps now, you can help your lawn and garden thrive through winter and reduce water use year-round.
1. Aerate and Add Compost
Cooler weather makes this the ideal time to aerate your lawn and mix in compost. These steps help grass recover from summer stress, grow deeper roots before winter, and absorb vital nutrients. It’s a small investment that pays off in healthier, more drought-resistant turf next year.
2. Replace Turf with Native Plants
Less turf means more water savings. Replacing grass with native garden beds or drought-tolerant plants reduces the need for irrigation and maintenance. The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) offers landscape rebates to help cover costs and even provides a free turf conversion guide with design templates to make the process easier.
3. Pause Irrigation During Winter
From November through February, lawns go dormant and don’t need watering. Turning off your irrigation system during this time helps save water and money. Use the downtime to upgrade your system with efficient components. LCRA rebates can help offset those costs, too.
Every drop counts when it comes to preserving our precious water resources.
For more information on available rebates or water-saving resources, visit LCRA WaterSmart or email watersmart@lcra.org.