Tips For Storing And Preparing Lawn Tools For Peak Season
One of the most overlooked aspects of lawn care is the fact that lawn tools need to be cared for and prepped before peak seasons begin. Many homeowners do overlook this step, with the lack of care for lawn tools being a major point of frustration and lack of efficiency during the season when these tools are needed most. Below is a comprehensive guide on both lawn tool storage and tool preparation tips, and why this level of care and preparedness is so vital for the success of caring for your lawn. Lawn care is always easiest when the best tools are used, and this includes ensuring they are kept in the best condition possible.
Best Practices For Lawn Tool Storage During The Off-Season
Proper storage of your lawn tools boosts your efficiency when using them. This is due to the fact that these tools will have their usable life extended, and they will not be impeded by broken parts or other issues that come with improper storage. An organized lawn tool storage space allows you to access your tools when needed easily, and ensures your costs are low due to a lack of need for repairing tools that are damaged and unorganized. With the right prep, you can tackle lawn care tasks as soon as the season begins, saving time and money.
Below are some of the best practices we recommend when it comes to storing your lawn tools when not in use:
- Clean before storing: When storing lawn equipment, it is important always to clean off any debris, grass, sap, dirt, or grease that has accumulated through using said tools. Using a wire brush to clean off rust, blowing down items with heavy grass buildup, and washing off sap are all ways to help stop the erosion of your lawn tools.
- Oil moving tool parts: Oiling tool parts, especially before storing for long periods, helps keep hinges, springs, and blades from rusting and breaking down over time.
- Store indoors in a dry place: Keeping your tools indoors and in a dry place is very important. Water makes tools rust, so storing them in a garage or shed is key to keeping them from being damaged by the elements.
- Drain fuel from gas-powered tools: When gas stays in an engine, it can gum up and cause damage in long-term storage. Removing gas is key to preventing this from happening.
- Disconnect batteries from cordless tools: Ensure lithium batteries are disconnected and stored in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving tools on charge or fully dead, as this harms the battery over time.
- Sharpen blades and edges: Sharpening blades for tools like lawnmowers keeps them in peak condition and makes them quicker to use when needed.
How To Prepare Your Lawn Tools For Spring Use
There are a few different steps you should focus on when preparing lawn tools to be used after being in storage for a long time. For starters, inspecting for damage or wear is key to making sure your tools are good to use. Sharpening blades on lawnmowers and checking for performance on power tools is also very important to ensure both types of tools are running as they should. We recommend oiling and lubricating key tool parts as well, as this ensures wear and squeaking do not occur. All of this prep focuses on ensuring tools are in peak condition and can be used right away.
We recommend replacing or cleaning air filters and spark plugs in gas equipment, as this helps with efficient engine startup. We also suggest refueling with gasoline, as this keeps engines running smoothly and as efficiently as possible. One other key step in prepping tools for use is to sanitize cutting tools to prevent disease transmission between plants, and to use a rubbing alcohol solution so order this transmission is limited.
Essential Tools For A Successful Lawn Care Season
We believe having the right tools for any lawn care project makes the biggest difference between success and failure. Below are some of the most essential tools you should have for a successful lawn care season:
- Lawn mower (push and riding mower)
- String trimmer or edger
- Hose and sprinkler or irrigation system
- String trimmer or edger
- Leaf blowers and rakes
- Spreader for seeds and fertilizer
- Garden gloves and safety goggles
- Hand tools (pruners, weeders)
- Wheelbarrow
- Garden cart
- Trash bags and waste receptacles
This list will vary by lawn, but the key is to ensure you can keep your lawn and brush clean, trimmed, and managed in a way that promotes health and long-term growth. With this in mind, knowing how to store all of these tools and prep them for use is crucial for a successful lawn care season. Use these tips to ensure a you are ready for peak lawn care season and that your tools are ready to go.