TYLER — As the weather continues to cool down, it's a good time to evaluate your lawn to make sure it's in the right shape to survive the winter.

Local landscapers tell KETK the main thing to remember is to change out those automatic sprinkler systems.

Breedlove Nursery and Landscape in Tyler says people who have been watering too much leading up to the cooler weather might have some trouble.

The excess water is detrimental to the roots, and when it freezes, the grass is subject to more damage when there aren't enough deep roots to survive.

Another tip: winterize (fertilize) your grass if you haven't already.

Roots will continue to grow until we have several nights below freezing.

Owner Paul Breedlove says to also try and keep those falling leaves off of your lawn as much as possible.

"I think you stand a good chance of harboring fungus underneath those leaves (because of) no air drainage to the grass," Breedlove said. "You should also let your grass grow taller. Don't scalp it until early spring to let itself protect the roots."

In a nutshell, Breedlove suggests changing our those automatic sprinklers, meaning only water when you must and don't let it run all the time) and make sure your grass is wet before it freezes ... just not too wet.

On the web: http://www.breedlovelandscape.com/