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Winter Maintenance in Washington, D.C.

Jun 20, 2023

Everything You Need to Know

With the winter months now here, there are several things you can do to make sure that your equipment is ready to go once those spring arrives.  It’s never been easier for a DIY’er to tackle some of these tasks themselves; often times the answer is a couple clicks away on Google or YouTube.  If any of these steps are beyond what you want to tackle any small engine mechanic will be able to help.  But get in line early for the service; as the weather starts to warm you won’t be the only one with that idea! 


  • Start with the fuel system.  Sure, you should have done this at the end of last season – but life happens.  Almost all of the expensive problems with mowers stem from not properly stabilizing or draining the fuel.  Add fuel stabilizer to the tank, start the mower and run long enough to pull the stabilized fuel through the system.  

  • If applicable, change the engine oil.  Most gas-powered mowers do require regular oil changes especially since unlike your car they don’t have an oil filter to extend oil life.

  • If you use a battery powered mower be sure to store the batteries as suggested in the manual.  Some batteries are ruined if they are allowed to completely lose their charge, others not at all.  

  • Sharpen your mower blade(s).  This task is generally outside of the skill of the average homeowner.  Sure, in principle it isn’t that hard, but ensuring that the blades are balanced is key.  Generally, blades should be sharpened twice a year.  Sharp blades have a huge impact on lawn health and on mower life and efficiency.  Many people find buying a second blade makes that process much easier – that way you’re not waiting on the blade being sharpened to mow the lawn.  (Always disconnect the spark plug before doing any work underneath the lawn mower)

  • Replace the string on your trimmer/weed wacker. Few things are more frustrating then running out of trim on your weed eater part way through the job. 

  • Check any spark plugs for carbon build up and replace if necessary 

  • Clean and/or replace air and fuel filters

  • Clean the underside of the mower deck of accumulated clippings.  Paint bare or rusty areas if applicable.

  • Check your mower and other equipment for any other possible maintenance that may be on the horizon. Wobbly wheel on a mower, pull start that won’t wind back fully or replacing worn out starter cords.

Most of these repairs can be completed in under an hour and for less than $30 if you’re comfortable turning your own wrenches.  

Brought to you by Weed Man Lawn Care Washington, D.C.: we care for your lawn.


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