How to Get your Lawn and Mower ready for winter

Now is the time to prepare your lawn and lawn mower for the upcoming winter months. A little maintenence now not only gets you ready for winter but makes springtime chores easier and puts you a step ahead toward a healthier lawn.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. 
   grass mower

   The first step you want to take is to lower your mower blades. Cutting the grass shorter allows for better air circulation through the winter which helps prevent mold and other problems for your lawn.

2. 
   gopher

   Check your lawn for mole tunnels which will be raised and squishy on the surface. Another way to tell if you have moles is if your dog, or some wild animals such as skunks dig holes in your lawn for no apparent reason. If you do have moles it is likely that your yard is infested with Japanese Beetle larvae (grubs) which can be controlled with numerous insecticides available from your local lawn and garden center. There are also natural remedies such as Milky Spore, that I use and it works quite well, available online and through mail order.
   This site has some good information on Japanese Beetles or you can check with your local States Department of Agriculture. http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05601.html

3. 
   garden tools

   Now is the time to fix any bare spots in your lawn. Work up the soil with a roto-tiller, hoe or shovel then re-sow the area with the same grass seed blend that is currently in your lawn. For best results use a high quality blend of at least four different grass seeds for your climate if you are unsure of the seed type.

4. 
   mechanic

   Maintenance done now on your mower not only prepares it for the winter months but also prepares it for the first use come spring.
   After the last use:
   A. Sharpen the blade, come spring the sharp blade will cut the tender new grass instead of tearing it, like a dull blade will, which will cause the grass to turn brown on the tips.
   B. Change the oil which will prevent deposits from settling in the bottom of the engine.
   C. Changing the spark plug now will head off any starting problems come spring.
   D. On riding mowers check all belts and pulleys for wear and damage, and grease all fittings.
   E. Gas left in the tank and carburetor will get thick and gummy so add a gas stabilizer and let the engine run for a while to fill the fuel system with the treated gas. I have found that it is best to just crank the engine and let it run until it runs completely out of gas.
   F. Last and most important is to store your mower in a dry place. Nothing is more damaging to a mower than to be left to the environment for the whole winter season.

5. 
   spring

   Following these few tips will ensure that your lawn and mower survive the winter months and prepares them for the new growth and new use that will come in the springtime.

Tips & Warnings

• Maintenence should also be done on other equipment such as rotor tillers and weed eaters.

Resources

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[Dino1353]

on 12/31/2008 Great article. We could probably link our articles (Gophers). 5*

[Punkuns]

on 12/30/2008 I need to hand copies of this out to my family! If they would follow these tips it would save my husband a ton of work come spring. Wonderful advice!

[jamaclassics]

on 12/28/2008 Most Excellent, PawPawFrank! I do this maintenance on my daughter's mower too, so if mine breaks, I can borrow hers! Ha ha! (we have the same mower) I give you eleven stars!