It's that time of year again when homeowners across the country are taking out their lawn mowers and other lawn equipment to tidy up their yards for the summer. However, before you can start cutting those grasses, there are some essential steps you need to take to maintain your equipment properly. We will discuss how to properly care for your lawnmower, edger, and other tools so that they last longer and function better.

1. Clean Your Mower's Deck and Undercarriage

Before you start using your lawn equipment, the first thing you should do is clean off any large debris that might still be stuck to the deck or undercarriage. If you plan on sending your mower through a car wash, this would be a good time to do it. Removing dirt and grime from underneath your deck will help prevent grass clippings from building up and reducing airflow. It also helps keep everything running smoothly by removing any objects that could potentially damage the internal components of your mower.

2. Change the Oil in Your Lawn Mower

Many gasoline-powered lawn mowers come with an oil drain plug located underneath them where used motor oil can be drained out after it has been used. Drain oil into a container before adding new, clean motor oil.

3. Clean Engine Components With Compressed Air

Once you're done changing the oil in your mower, it's time to clean off all of the dirt and grime that was left on various parts of your equipment after draining out the old oil. Use compressed air or an old paintbrush to get rid of debris from small crevices.

4. Sharpen Blades on the Lawn Mower or Edger

While not precisely required every time you sharpen your blades, this step is recommended. You should also make sure to check your blade's balance before sharpening them and replacing them if necessary.

5. Check Belt Tension and Condition

Before starting your mower, make sure the belts aren't too loose or tight. If they are either of these conditions, you will need to adjust them accordingly. You can do this by using a wrench to loosen the bolts that hold the pulleys in place and then turning each one until it is at a suitable tension.

6. Check the Oil on the Chainsaw

If you own a chainsaw, be sure to check its oil levels before usage. Most saws come with an oil cap near their bar and chain components where you can add oil. Make sure to fill the bar and chain with your newly added oil before cutting anything.

7. Inspect Hoses and Nozzles for Leaks

Before turning on your hose, inspect it and the nozzle for any signs of rust or cracks. If you spot any, it's probably best to replace them instead of taking the risk that they might damage other components in the future.

These are a few simple steps you can take to keep your lawn equipment in working condition throughout the spring and summer months. Follow this advice, and they'll work better for you when you use them next time.

For a home to have good aesthetic standards, the appearance of the exterior space is crucial. A lawn is part of this space, and for it to remain beautiful at all times, there are some considerations homeowners will have to make. One way to keep your lawns looking healthy and lovely is frequent maintenance. The trend that most people have is following the same maintenance pattern all year round. Taking care of your lawn should be exciting and needs to bring out your creative side as well. To avoid boredom, it is important that you start doing things a bit differently. Here are lawn mowing patterns to try out. They will live up to your aesthetic standards and allow you to experiment with your creative side.

Stripes

Stripes are common lawn mowing patterns that are easy to create. With the proper guidance, it is possible to develop a perfect shape. Suppose it is your first time moving away from the traditional lawn mowing look. Achieving perfect stripes can be difficult. Working with a lawn mowing company will help you achieve your desired pattern and give you a chance to learn as well.

The first step of creating stripes is mowing a straight stripe first using a lawn roller. Ensure that you have a line that you will use as a reference point throughout the mowing. It is always advisable that you create your stripes from the border of your lawn toward the middle. The mowing style determines the outcome; for this reason, use Y-turns when mowing.

Waves

While stripes are the go-to pattern for those trying lawn patterns for the first time, waves are in a class of their own as they get to show your creativity levels. To create a wave, you will have to start with a stripe but move the roller in a curving pattern as you progress. Ensure the movement is smooth for that perfect wavy look. The rule of thumb when it comes to this pattern is the first wave is your referencing guide for the rest of the waves.

Circles

With good control of your lawn roller, circles just like waves and stripes are easy to achieve. Lawn experts recommend circles where the lawn has trees or lawn ornaments. The recommended position for starting this pattern is the center of the lawn. First, begin by pushing your lawn roller in circular movements to create a circle shape. Proceed to make more circles outside the one you have already created. Ensure the distance between the circles' matches.

Diamonds

Diamond patterns are a bit sophisticated, but they are worth every try. If you choose the diamond way, you will have to unleash the most creative parts of yourself. However, it is advisable to bring on board a professional lawn mowing company to help achieve the perfect diamond pattern. Further, to achieve this pattern, you have to dedicate a lot of time to it. For those with a busy schedule, seeking help is the way to go.

Trying out these patterns is one of the ways to have fun with lawn maintenance. Also, the value of your property is directly affected by your lawn. If you want a home that stands out from the rest in the market, then consider these patterns.