Getting Your Lawn Mower Ready for the Season

Start your engines! Spring has officially sprung and that means it’s time to get your lawn mower geared up for the season. Did you know? Mowing is one of the most important things you can do as a homeowner (paired with watering, of course!). If you didn’t do any end-of-season maintenance last fall, it’s even more important to do it now! Not only will this help improve the health of your turf, proper maintenance can also extend the life and performance of your mower. Not to mention, in combination with your Weed Man lawn care program, proper mowing and watering will ensure a healthy, green, lush lawn all season long.

Follow these steps, courtesy of your friends at Weed Man Lawn Care, to make sure your mower is in tip-top shape for the start of lawn care season:

Sharpen Your Mower Blade

• Mower blades should be sharpened at least twice every season

• Sharpened mower blades ensure a crisp and healthy cut every time, preventing tearing of the grass blade
  

• If you notice large chips or cracks in the blade, don’t sharpen it; buy a new one

• You can sharpen the blades yourself or visit your local hardware store

Check Spark Plug

• You should check/change your spark plug once a year

• A dirty or loose spark plug can make your mower difficult to start, waste fuel and give a choppy cut

Change the Oil

• Your oil should be changed once a season

• Reference your homeowner manual to ensure you are using the appropriate oil type

• Ensure you remove the spark plug wire and drain dirty oil before refilling

  
  

Clean the Mower Deck

• Grass clippings and caked-on dirt can accumulate on the mower’s underbelly

• Flip the mower on its side and power wash the mower deck to remove any stuck-on debris

• Regularly clean your mower deck throughout the season to prevent the spread of disease

Grease Moving Parts

• Lubricate any moving parts such as wheel bearings.
  

Why is Mower Maintenance Important?

Lawn mower maintenance is a fundamental element of lawn care. Despite being commonly overlooked, the importance of mowing practices can greatly affect turf health. If you notice yellow or brown tips on your grass blades, this is a common sign that your mower blade isn’t sharp enough. Using a dull mower blade can create tears that don’t heal and leave our lawn susceptible to disease, insect damage, drought and heat stress.

 
Brought to you by Weed Man Lawn Care: we care for your lawn.