How to Extend the Life of Your Lawn Maintenance Tools

Needless to say, basically any homeowner out there would love nothing more than to have minimal upkeep with their garden and lawn. It’s entirely understandable to, maintenance is a lot of work, it’s expensive, can be uncomfortable, and if you don’t take care of your lawn then there’s going to be a high chance of pests (and annoyed neighbours). While you could use an old-fashion scythe (but why would you?), but ideally you should just use modern tools. But speaking of modern tools, you’re going to have to take care of them. But how exactly can you do that?

Honestly, it’s far cheaper to take care of them rather than buy new ones (even second hand ones are pretty expensive). So, with that all said, here’s everything you need to know when it comes to keeping your lawn maintenance tools in tip-top shape!

Regular Cleaning

Now, this is obvious the least glamorous part of gardening, but it’s worth it. So, every time you use your tools, they pick up all sorts of muck—grass clippings, dirt, and even a bit of that sticky stuff that only Mother Nature knows how to make. So, what you’re going to want to do is after each use, give your tools a good clean. Usually, all it takes is a brush and a damp cloth. Yes, even these two simple items really can do wonders for keeping your lawn mower, weed eater, and other tools free from grime. But of course, for those harder-to-reach places, a bit of compressed air can work wonders. And don’t forget to dry everything off—moisture is your tool’s worst enemy, leading to rust and all sorts of nasty problems down the line.

Regular Servicing

Just like your car, your lawn maintenance tools need a bit of professional attention now and then. You could DIY these yourself if you know where to buy lawnmower spare parts, but in all honesty, it’s going to be in your best interest to get a professional if you can. So, things like changing the spark plug in your lawn mower, checking the air filter, or tightening any loose bolts can all help extend the life of your tools. But overall, a quick check-up can save you from having to fork out for a new mower or trimmer sooner than you’d like.

Sharpen Those Blades

This one might be really uncomfortable and maybe even scary, but this still deserves some attention. So, as you know, lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, grass cutters—they all have one thing in common: blades. Usually, weed eaters/ whipper snippers use a cord, but these other tools have blades, and those blades need to be sharp if you want them to do their job properly. Dull blades not only make your job harder, but they also strain the motor and wear out your tools faster. So you’ll need to sharpen them or look into a service that does that for you.

Store Them Properly

Alright, this one might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people leave their tools lying around in the garden, exposed to the elements. Rain, sun, and even frost can wreak havoc on your tools, leading to rust, corrosion, and fading. So, you’re going to have to be strict about the storage. Ideally, you’re going to have to store your tools in a dry, sheltered place like a shed or garage. If you’re tight on space, even a sturdy storage box will do the trick. Just keep them out of the weather, and you’ll avoid a lot of unnecessary damage.