The weather is getting chillier. It’s only a matter of time before snowflakes fall from the sky and a white coat covers everything around.
Is your lawn equipment ready to face the winter?
Your lawn needs care and love all year round. But it’s true that during the coldest months of the year, your lawn equipment doesn’t see much usage.
However, how you store and maintain your machinery can be a game changer once the spring arrives.
Imagine getting ready for the first mow of the season, only to be met with silence instead of a rearing engine.
Winterizing your lawn care equipment guarantees the start of a smooth and green spring and summer season.
In this article, lawn care North Worth experts will share their top secrets to winterizing landscape and garden equipment.
What Is Winterizing?
By winterizing, many homeowners understand storing and covering their lawn equipment for the winter.
That’s the lazy way to do it.
Proper winterizing involves preparing your tools for storage to prevent internal corrosion and deterioration. It’s also a good opportunity to deal with equipment damage that might have occurred during the year.
So yes, it is a bit more work than just setting your tools away. But trust us, it is worth it.
As soon as you start the mower engine next year, you’ll have it running quickly and smoothly.
Best Time to Start Preparing for The Season
The best time to winterize your landscaping tools is right after the last mow. This is usually in late October or November, once the last fall leaves have dropped.
When daytime temperatures drop below 50 degrees, grass growth slows down. This is the time to stow your mower and lawn equipment for the winter.
6 Essential Tips To Winterize Lawn Equipment
Do you want to winterize your lawn equipment but don’t know where to start?
Here are 6 essential tips to properly store and winter-proof your landscape tools:
Winterizing Supplies Checklist
Before you start, there are a few tools you’ll need to winterize your lawn equipment.
This is a list of essential supplies:
- Cleaning tools: Brushes, rags, and cleaning solutions to remove dirt, debris, and oil.
- Fuel stabilizer: It will prevent fuel from deteriorating during storage.
- Oil: To change your equipment’s engine oil.
- Lubricants: To avoid rust and preserve moving parts.
- Sharpening tools: These include blade sharpeners and drill attachments. You’ll use them to keep blades and cutting surfaces sharp.
- Storage covering: Covers or shelters to protect the equipment from the elements.
You already have everything from the list? We can move on!
Asses Your Lawn Tools
Another crucial step before wrapping your landscape tools for storage is inspecting their state.
Go through each one of your tools, checking for wear and tear, damage, or rust.
If you notice any issues, try fixing them before stowing the equipment.
Finally, make a list of all your lawn tools, such as mowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers, and identify their vulnerabilities to winter damage.
For example, metal parts are more likely to rust if exposed to elements, while fuel systems can suffer from fuel freezing. Then, address those potential issues to avoid damage.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The next step is cleaning up your tools so they are ready to go when you unpack them next year.
Storing your equipment without previous maintenance can cause rust, damage, and attract pests.
Use compressed air or a brush to remove dirt, grass, and other debris from the tools. Then, clean surfaces with a rag and a suitable cleaning solution.
For lawnmowers, trimmers, blowers, and other lawn equipment, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and maintenance instructions.
Managing Oil and Fuel
Properly managing oil and fuel is crucial to avoid engine damage during winter.
The gasoline, moisture, soot, and acids within the oil can corrode your mower’s engine.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to drain the fuel tank or add a fuel stabilizer to prevent deterioration.
Handling Electric Equipment
Luckily, you don’t have to worry much about electric equipment during the winter.
However, the end of the mowing season is a good time to check and maintain your electric tools.
- Plug-in equipment: Check the power cords for any damage. Use a shop vacuum to blow dust and debris. Finally, wipe down thoroughly to remove any left grime.
- Battery-powered equipment: Remove the batteries and charge them fully before storage; keep them in a dry, cool place. Avoid leaving the battery charging all winter; that can reduce its power and life cycle.
Storing Your Landscaping Tools
Proper storage is the last step of the landscape equipment winterizing process.
Look for an ideal place to store your tools, such as a shed or garage. A closed, dry, and clean space will protect your equipment from extreme cold, the elements, and moisture.
We advise adding a cover or shelter for an extra layer of protection.
Set Your Lawn Equipment for a Successful Spring Next Year
Now you know the importance of winterizing your landscape equipment. It means more than simply putting your tools away until the season ends.
Winterizing your lawn equipment ensures your tools are ready to go next spring. In other words, it will save you trouble and give you peace of mind.
When the mowing season arrives, you’ll be prepared to care for and nurture your beautiful lawn.
Also Read: Top Landscaping Services to Enhance Your Property in Mount Pleasant
