It is that time of year. We have been fortunate this year, summer has hung on but the cold weather is coming. You will soon be cutting the grass for the last time and putting away that lawn mower, power washer and trimmer. If you are like me, sometimes we get busy and just leave those items in the garage to clean up at a better time. All of a sudden it seems we are in the middle of the winter. News Canada.com had an article that I thought was well worth repeating about the proper storage of summer garden tools.

1) Put your tools away clean and ready for next year. Moisture left by cut grass is very corrosive. Clean up the lawn mower and trimmer especially before you store them. They will last a lot longer

2) Drain the fuel. I learned this the hard way. Gasoline left in fuel tanks can break down and leave deposits and buildup that will plug the fuel system. That can be expensive.

3) Oil it up. Use an oiled cloth to wipe down metal areas and add a few drops of machine oil to moving parts. Spring start-up will go much smother if you don't skip this step.

4) Store out of the weather. If you do not have a garage or a shed, purchase a tarp for protection and be sure to anchor it.

5) Recharge the battery. Remember it is a long time between Fall and the first lawn cut of the Spring. Fully recharge the machine's battery during the winter months.

6) Soak the trimmer line in fresh water to maintain its flexibility and ability to handle more strain.

There you have it. A small list of to do's that will make your life much easier in the Spring.


Tags:Latest News Tip on Chatham-Kent
Categories:Home Owners Tips for Fall