When the temperatures drop and the snow starts to fall, it’s easy to focus on winterizing your home, but don’t forget about winterizing your lawn equipment! Properly storing and maintaining your lawn mower, trimmer and other yard tools before winter can make a huge difference when spring rolls around. A little care now means your equipment will start easier, last longer and perform better the following year.

Here are a few tips to prepare your tools for hibernation and ensure they’re ready for another season of hard work.

Clean Before You Store

Start by giving all your tools a good cleaning. Grass clippings, dirt and moisture left on metal surfaces can lead to rust and corrosion during the off-season. Use a wire brush like this one from Ace to loosen stubborn grass, dirt or grime left on metal surfaces. Wipe down trimmers, blowers and hand tools before storing them for the winter.

Handle Fuel Properly

Gas left in your mower or trimmer over the winter can cause buildup and damage the carburetor. You can either let the engine run until the tank is dry, or add a fuel stabilizer like the STA-BIL Storage Ethanol/Gasoline Fuel Stabilizer and run the engine for a few minutes to circulate it.

Sharpen and Protect Blades

Before putting your mower away, sharpen the blades so it’s ready to go when the grass greens up again. If blades are damaged or dull beyond repair, now is a great time to replace them. Coat the blades lightly with oil or use a silicone spray like this one from WD40 to prevent rust during storage. It dries quickly and provides up to five times greater protection.

Store Tools in a Dry, Protected Space

Choose a clean, dry area such as a shed, garage or basement to store your equipment. Keep tools off the ground if possible to prevent moisture damage.  A tool rack that mounts to the wall can help like the Milwaukee Packout Long Handle Tool Rack that provides tool clamps and slip resistant grips. For smaller tools like pruners, shears, or shovels, hang them up or store them neatly in bins to prevent dulling and rust.

With a little preparation, your lawn equipment will stay in excellent condition all winter long. Clean, drained and properly stored tools not only save you money on repairs but also make spring lawn care a breeze. Visit Ace Hardware of Fort Collins on Harmony for everything you need. Our helpful staff can guide you through the best winterizing products for your specific equipment so you can rest easy knowing your tools will be ready when the grass starts growing again.