I’m a garden expert – the task you need to do before winter, it will make mowing your lawn so much easier next year
YOUR spring lawn maintenance will be easier if you do one simple chore before winter frost sets in.
According to home experts, you can prepare your push or riding lawn mower for winter now and thank yourself in the spring.
Lawn care professionals told the team at Gardening Etc that winterizing a lawn mower is crucial.
Whether it's a gas-powered push mower, a battery-operated model, or a riding mower, you need to clean and store your mower properly for winter.
Finishing the easy chore "will prolong its lifespan and ensure that come spring, you'll have a mower that's in perfect working order," the outlet explained.
Outdoor expert Dale Steven explained the step-by-step process you can use to winterize a standard push mower.
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First, for safety purposes, remove the spark plugs and recoil starter before cleaning. You can then disconnect the battery cables as well.
Then, remove and empty the fuel tank.
"Do not leave old fuel in the tank over winter to avoid damaging your lawn mower's engine," the experts warned.
Remove the air filter next, then remove and clean the mower's blades.
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A good rule of thumb is to clean any moving parts with a brush. Then, wipe down the mower's frame with a cleaning cloth, and you'll be all set.
You'll also need to change the oil on your mower before winter, said lawn expert Darren Feasey.
Pitch the old oil that you used over the spring, summer, and fall, and replace it with a "high-quality" oil, he recommended.
There's a reason you should change the oil, instead of emptying the oil tank as you would with fuel.
"The fresh oil contains rust inhibitors that can help extend the life of your lawn mower," Feasey explained.
He added, "If you don’t change the oil before storage, it will allow deposits to settle during the wintertime."
Jen Stark, a home improvement expert, provided instructions for winterizing an electric cordless mower.
It's incredibly simple: remove the mower's battery pack, and store it indoors, away from cold and moisture.
If the battery isn't removable, just charge it to completion before storing the mower.
Make sure your mower is clean before putting it away somewhere warm and dry.
Feasey explained that cold conditions and moisture can cause damage to the battery.
To winterize a riding lawn mower, you may want to call in an expert. Stark recommended taking the mower to a professional to make sure it's ready for the winter months.
If you want to do it yourself, you can winterize a gas-powered riding mower just as you would a push mower.
If you use an electric riding mower, you'll need to take some additional steps.
Remove leaves, dirt, and other debris from the deck, to prevent ice buildup, the experts recommended.
Clean and sharpen the blades, too, so they won't become brittle.
Protect the mower with a heavy-duty cover, and store it somewhere dry and warm if you can.
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But if that's not an option, insulate your riding mower well to prevent damage from extreme temperatures.
Whether it's in the garage or outdoors, check on it throughout the winter season to check for problems.