Now that spring is here, you’re probably thinking about mowing the lawn, trimming the bushes and other landscaping projects. Before you begin, take some time to get your lawn care tools in shape.
Clean Your Tools
The first step is to give your lawn care equipment a good cleaning. Depending on their size, you might wipe tools by hand with a damp cloth or sponge or spray them with a hose. You can use a wire brush or putty knife to remove caked-on dirt and grime.
After you’ve cleaned your tools, put them in a place where they’ll be able to dry completely. That will keep them from developing rust or mold.
Sharpen Blades
Any tool that cuts, including a lawnmower and garden shears, needs to have a sharp blade. A dull blade can tear vegetation, which can cause damage and make plants more susceptible to disease.
Sharpen the blades on your lawn care tools once a year, or more often if needed. If you don’t know how to sharpen blades or don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, take your tools to a local lawn and garden center or hardware store and ask an employee to help you.
Oil Your Tools
Applying oil to the metal parts of your lawn care tools can prevent rusting and help moving parts move freely, which will make the tools easier to work with. You can dip a rag in oil and use it to wipe your tools, or you can spray them with oil.
The handles on your lawn care tools might also need some TLC. If any of them have wooden handles that feel rough, sand them, then wipe the handles with linseed oil to keep them from drying out and cracking.
Get Your Lawn Mower Ready for Spring
Your lawn mower will probably require more care than the other tools in your shed. If you didn’t give it a thorough cleaning before you put it away in the fall, use a hose and a putty knife to remove grass clippings and other debris from the mower deck. You’ll also have to sharpen the blade or have a professional do it for you.
Refer to your owner’s manual for additional maintenance recommendations. For example, you might have to replace the oil, spark plug or filters.
Store Your Tools Correctly
Never leave lawn care tools outside. Someone might steal them, or your child or pet might get injured. In addition, tools that are left outdoors can rust or get damaged by the sun’s UV rays.
Keep your lawn care tools in a cool, dry place, such as a shed. If possible, hang smaller tools on a wall.
Take the Time to Prepare Your Lawn Care Tools for Spring
You might be eager to spruce up your yard, but first you need to make sure that your tools are up to the task. Some simple cleaning and maintenance can prevent problems and save you time and money in the long run.
