The winter season is officially upon us. If you haven’t already put your lawn mower and gardening tools away, be sure to clean and store them in a cool, dry place to keep them protected and rust-free come springtime.
Even if you did put your equipment away already, you’ll also want to be sure you stored them properly, as a little bit of moisture—or an unwelcome visit from outdoor rodents—can lead to costly repairs when it’s time to bring them back out for use.
In this article, we’ll break down how to winterize and organize your yard tools, so they’re ready to get back to work after the snow thaws.
Winterizing Lawn Equipment 101
From your lawn mower to your leaf blowers, trimmers, and even gardening shears, it’s important to prepare your equipment for winter, especially in Minnesota, where it’s not uncommon to experience negative temperatures, heavy snowfall accumulation, and high winds.
There are many reasons why it’s important to winterize your lawn equipment, but here are our top three:
- Helps extend the lifespan of your yard tools
- May prevent issues developing in the spring
- Will help you avoid costly repairs/replacements
Just remember to always consult your owner’s manual before getting ready to winterize your equipment, especially with tools like lawn mowers, chainsaws, or trimmers, as you may need to replace spark plugs, sharpen blades, or change oil a certain way to stay under warranty or avoid injury.
Tips on How to Winterize Lawn Mower
When storing a lawn mower, check for any debris or grass accumulation near its undercarriage. These areas need to be cleaned before going into storage. Once thoroughly cleaned, you’ll need to check and repair any damaged parts, tighten loose screws or bolts, and lubricate, where needed.
Depending on the owner’s manual, you may need to drain and replace its engine oil using a certain brand. Also, if you own a lawn tractor, be sure to remove and charge its battery in a cool, dry area.
Next, make sure your mower is thoroughly dried before storing and placed indoors, if possible. You’ll also want to cover it with a tarp to avoid dust from entering its engine or mice from making their way to its wiring.
Organizing Yard Tools
It’s fair to say most homeowners will take the extra precautions necessary to protect bigger equipment like a lawn mower during winter. But what about your smaller gardening tools that range from shovels, shears, rakes, etc.?
Though essential items that help us care and maintain a healthy landscape, it’s not unusual for these tools to become neglected during the winter, leading to faster wear and tear and rust.
When it’s time to put away the tools for winter, be sure you’re really “putting them away.” That means never leaving them outside or on the ground, where they are vulnerable to the harsher climate conditions.
Next, you’ll need to wash your tools before you hang them up for the season. Here are three important tips:
- Wash any dirt or buildup from your tools thoroughly.
- Make sure everything is completely dry
- Apply a protective coating to the surface of your tools to prevent rusting [again, make sure your coating is dry before storing tools away]
A smart investment might be to install hanging racks in your garage to hold these types of equipment. This not only protects them from moisture from the ground, but it can also help you stay organized all year round.
Organizing your tools, keeping them clean, and protected from outdoor elements is the best way to ensure they last longer and perform at optimal condition.
As always, consult with your owner’s manual and take all the extra precautions necessary to help protect your yard tools!
