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    • Reno-Sparks may get its first freeze of the season: weather forecast
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    Reno-Sparks may get its first freeze of the season: weather forecast

    Vaseline Posted on

    The first freeze of fall 2024 comes just in time.

    The National Weather Service is forecasting lows of 26 degrees in Reno-Sparks early Friday morning, Oct. 18, the first 32 degrees or lower in the area since April 8. Weather data since 1980 shows the average first freeze in the valley occurs on October 8. 15.

    A midweek storm system is expected to bring rain and snow to northwestern Nevada and the Sierra starting Wednesday, possibly lingering through Thursday evening and early Friday. The combination of precipitation and cold weather could mean snow in the foothills around Reno-Sparks Friday morning.

    October snow possible

    The latest forecast for the Tahoe area calls for the Sierra to see snow above 7,000 feet Wednesday night. Thursday evening into the early hours of Friday, that same storm system could bring snow as high as 4,500 feet to higher elevations around Reno-Sparks. (Reno’s official elevation is 4,505 feet.)

    However, the snow won’t last. Friday’s forecast high for the valley floor is 53 degrees. High temperatures should return to around 70 degrees on Sunday, and overnight lows will be a few degrees above freezing again.

    When, on average, does the Reno area see its first fall frost?

    There is a difference between frost and freeze.

    A frost (32 degrees) will smother the leaves of tender annual flowers and above-ground vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers. It is unlikely to damage components of overhead sprinkler systems. Since 1980, the average first night frost has been on October 20.

    A frost (28 degrees) will significantly damage annual plants and vegetables. If it continues, it can damage the above-ground portions of your sprinkler system if you haven’t drained it. Since 1980, the average first freeze has been on October 27.

    This Friday’s forecast will likely be both the first frost in Reno.

    Options for draining sprinkler systems when cold temperatures are expected

    Cover: If light frost is expected, throw an insulated cover over the vacuum breaker/backflow preventer, the above-ground device of the system near your home.

    Fast drainage: For more protection, you can perform a quick drain yourself. This removes the water from your above-ground parts to prevent frost damage. After the threat of freezing has passed, you can easily recharge your system with water.

    Seasonal eruption: Commercial landscaping companies will typically inflate your system, with the price depending on the number of zones your system has. Call for service sooner rather than later as businesses are busy this time of year. Or, if you or a friend has a large enough air compressor, you can blow out the sprinkler system yourself.

    Best lawn preparation in the fall for a green lawn in the spring

    Mowing: Leave the blade length about 2 ½ to 3 inches.

    Fertilization: If fertilization is done once a year, the best time is in October and November, when the grass is still green. Even if you have fertilized more than once, fall is a good time to fertilize. Lawn fertilizer for winterization is a marketing tool. Just look for a slow-release product with a ratio of, say, 4:1:3 or a similar ratio. That’s four parts nitrogen, one part phosphorus and three parts potassium.

    Aeration (nuclear cultivation): In general, it is best to do this from early September to mid-October, but it is not too late; overnight low temperatures should rise above freezing again in the coming week. Water the lawn for a few days before aerating it to soften the soil and allow for deeper plugs. The goal is to get 2 to 3 inch plugs. Mark all sprinkler heads and shallow irrigation to prevent damage. Allow the plugs to break off in the lawn.

    Watering: Trees, shrubs, lawns and perennials for extended periods in late autumn and winter are essential to prevent damage when there is no snow cover. Only water when air and soil temperatures are above 40 degrees.

    Do you need to prune trees, shrubs, roses and perennials in the fall?

    Trees: It is best to avoid pruning in the fall because pruning stimulates growth when the tree begins to go dormant. Mid-February to early March is the best time to prune trees. The only pruning you should do in the fall is dead, damaged and rubbing limbs and branches to prevent future problems. Do not cut evergreens in late fall or winter. The leaves will turn brown due to water loss due to drying wind.

    Shrubs: It is best to avoid pruning in the fall. Spring flowering shrubs such as lilacs and forsythia can be pruned just after flowering. Pruning later in the season will result in the loss of flower buds for the following year. Summer flowering shrubs such as butterfly bush, blue mist spirea, potentilla, hydrangea and rose of Sharon should be pruned in early spring.

    Roses: Avoid pruning in the fall. Wait until two weeks before the last average hard frost, around Mother’s Day, before pruning.

    Perennials: Leave stems and stems in the fall and winter for seasonal interest and wait until February and March before cutting them to the ground.

    Vaseline
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