Lawn Mower Maintenance Options

The snow that covered your lawn for most of winter has melted, and you notice that the grass is looking a little tall. You have some time on your hands for the first time in a while and decide you’re feeling brave enough to lug your old lawn mower out of the garage to trim the grass yourself.

Granted, you haven’t thought about your lawn mower in months—far less operated it. The lawn mower is heavier than you remember and takes longer to start.

It sputters, stops, and starts again.

You notice the grass doesn’t seem to be getting any shorter as you go over the same spots again and again. In fact, you start to think it’s growing faster just to spite you.

The mower suddenly stops, and no amount of yanking on the starter rope convinces the engine to turn over. Exhausted by this point, you make sure the mower is off before you investigate.

Dull blades, scattered clumps of grass, and oil seeping out all signal what you already know: your lawn mower is in need of some serious maintenance.

You’re not alone.

It’s easy to forget about your lawn mower when you already have a million other things to do. During the winter in particular, a lawn mower tune-up can be the last thing on your mind.

If you find yourself too busy to maintain your current lawn mower, take a look at our list of lawn mower types categorized by time for maintenance. And if none of these options strikes your fancy, you can always hire a professional to mow your lawn for you.

Gas Mowers, a Low-Maintenance Choice: For the Busy

Have a few extra hours to spare on maintaining and mowing your lawn on a typical Saturday? Consider a gas mower. You can choose between riding, push, or reel varieties.

Each type requires different levels of maintenance:

• With riding and push mowers, you can expect to change the oil, spark plug, and air filter at regular intervals.
• You’ll want to sharpen the blades of any lawn mower type and inspect your tires for signs of dry rot and thinning tread.
• It is also wise to wash the bottom of your mower to remove dirt and debris.

Electric Mowers, a Lower-Maintenance Option: For the Even Busier

If you have no desire to change a spark plug or an air filter, an electric mower may be more your speed, whether it’s self-propelled, push, corded, or cordless.

Electric mowers require less maintenance than their gas counterparts.

They’re also quieter and more environmentally friendly. Just remember to charge the battery before you start mowing if you opt for a cordless model.

You can expect to replace the battery every five to eight years and start your mower with the press of a button. Your primary maintenance will involve sharpening the blades of your electric mower.

Professional Lawn Care Service, No Maintenance Required: For the Busiest

No time for any lawn mower maintenance at all? Hire a pro!

Find a reputable service provider in your area who can take care of lawn mowing and other yard maintenance tasks for you.

A professional lawn care crew has their own equipment and cleans up once they’ve completed the job. They are knowledgeable in various lawn issues, like pests, diseases, and keeping your lawn healthy year round. They can also deliver additional services such as weed control, fertilizer, and pruning.

You can plan for consistent care with a professional and never stress about falling behind on looking after your lawn.

If you have a lot going on, the additional monthly expense may be worth not having to worry about the state of your lawn mower and the time lost doing outside chores.

Regardless of how much time you have to commit to your lawn, there is a mower (or professional) to help you maintain it. Whichever route you choose to go, your dedication to your lawn care will pay off, and you can rest assured that your lawn will be looking great in no time.