Just because you're only allowed to water your lawn once a month doesn't mean your yard has to suffer. There are some things you can do to make sure your landscaping makes it through the winter.

Horticulturist Larry Vickerman says there are some definite "dos and don'ts" when it comes to caring for your yard heading into cooler weather:

If your lawn is still growing right now, put that last application of fertilizer on right now and water it thoroughly. If you're still cutting your grass, make sure the blades are at least three inches high.

Although water restrictions are tight, you are allowed to hand water trees, shrubs and other plants. You really want to deep water this time of year because you're trying to just water the roots. Vickerman says the key to hitting the roots on trees is to water under the entire canopy of the tree, just be careful not to over-water.

Another trick for plants, shrubs, and trees is mulching. Spreading some underneath can help lock-in some much-needed moisture.

Vickerman also says to make sure your shrubs and plants get water over the winter, even if it's only once a month.

For more information, call the Colorado State University /El Paso County Cooperative Extension office at 636-8926.

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