Fertilizing your lawn, overseeding, and general upkeep of your yard are great first steps to getting your lawn ready for the season.
Now that our lawn fertilization and overseeding efforts have left your lawn looking green, it's time to mow your lawn. If you live in Michigan, you'll know that Michigan springtime is much wetter than other areas. Remember, mowing wet grass can cause your mower to become clogged. It's best to wait until the ground is dry.
Let’s go over a few other mowing tips.
How Do I Prep My Lawnmower for Michigan Spring?
As the seasons change you might be wondering, how do I prep my lawnmower for spring? One of the best lawn mowing tips is to properly maintain your mower. Unless your lawnmower is in tip-top condition, you won’t be able to mow like a pro. To prep your lawn for Michigan Spring, check out these six tips.
1 . Replace the Oil
To get your lawnmower ready for springtime, first you should change the oil. To do this, you’ll need to locate the drain plug and position a container beneath it. Take out the dipstick, and take out the plug (you can use a wrench to do this). Drain the oil into the container, and then put the plug back in. Now you can pour fresh oil in, through the oil reservoir.
2. Check the Blade
Check the blade of your lawnmower to make sure that it is sharp. If the blade is dull, it will only cut the tips of your lawn. If you cut the tips of your lawn, it will quickly turn brown. Remove the blade and use a file to sharpen it. If the blade has damage to the cutting edge, you’ll need to replace it.
3. Lubricate Your Mower
Lubricating your lawnmower helps to keep it durable and efficient. You should apply oil to the moving parts, including the wheel bearings. Before you lubricate your mower, you should take a look at your operator's manual. Your manual will provide lubrication info for your particular model. Properly maintaining your lawnmower will help your machine to last much longer.
4. Clean Your Air Filter
On the side of your engine, there should be an air filter. The filter will be enclosed in a plastic or metal case. Cardboard filters cannot be cleaned, so you’ll have to replace these. If your filter is made of a sponge, you can clean it with soap and water.
5. Purchase New Plugs
It's best to purchase new spark plugs at least once a year. There are several signs that it's time to replace your spark plug. You might notice that it's difficult to start your lawnmower, or that the engine isn't performing well. Another sign is that you have to replace your fuel more often than normal.
6. Inspect the Belts
You should inspect the belts of your lawnmower, check for any separations or cracks. If there’s too much wear and tear you should buy a new belt. Ensure that the belt is fastened tightly.
7. Inspect the Bearings
Take a look at the bearings to make sure that they are working correctly. You can spin the bearings around, checking for grinding or squeaking. If the bearings are particularly noisy, this indicates that they need replacing. Take a wire brush and scrape out any debris inside.
Partner with Independent Lawn Services to Take Your Lawn to the Next Level
To get a healthy lawn, you need a lawnmower that’s in great condition. With these lawn mower prep tips, you’ll soon have a beautiful lawn. To save you the trouble, you might prefer to call in the experts. For more info contact the Independent Lawn Service.
