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Yearly Maintenance

Once per year  it is important for focus on three main areas of your lawn mower:

1. Change Oil: Like Nike says, just do it. You may not think it needs it, but over the course of the cutting season, dirt and other impurities will collect in the oil and those things will contribute to increased friction and ruin an engine. Check with your mower’s owner’s manual for the proper procedure, including oil grade and amount.
2. Clean Air Filter: If the filter in your mower is an accordion-style paper type, simply remove the filter cover and use compressed air to blow out debris. If the filter is made from foam, wash it in a water and detergent solution, let it dry, and apply a few drops of oil to it. Only in rare cases will you need to replace the filter.
3. Change Spark Plug: That little space at the end of the plug where the metal end bends at a 90 degree angle is called the gap. Many manufacturers are now packaging new plugs with the gap pre-set, so it’s as simple as removing the old and installing the new. However, it’s still a good idea to double-check the gap with an inexpensive spark plug gap tool just in case. Many people like to change the plug every year so you’re starting every cutting season with a new spark plug.

Blade Sharpness

Every year, the blade should be removed and sharpened. A sharp blade cuts the grass, a dull blade will instead tear the grass, leading to an increased chance of your lawn becoming diseased. Before removing the blade, be sure to detach the spark plug wire to prevent the mower from accidentally starting. Tilt and secure the mower on its side, then use a wrench to remove the bolt holding the blade on.

In order to sharpen the blade, use a metal file, sharpening stone, or a motorized grinder. and pass the filing tool over the blade in the same direction each time.

Cutting Tips

Here are a few quick tips that will keep your lawn looking great:

• Don’t cut wet grass: Wet grass doesn’t cut easily, and you’ll find yourself pulling out your hair. It tears grass, just as it does with a dull blade. Aside from that, it has a tendency to clog the mower, leave clumps of wet grass all over the yard, and will stain your walkways if you roll your mower over them after cutting.
• Set the cutting height to at least 1½”: Taller grass (1½” to 2″) will hold moisture better and will also allow the root system to “grab hold” of the soil better, which means a healthier lawn.
• Don’t mow in the same direction every time you cut: For example, one week mow north to south. The next week, mow east to west. Heck, even go diagonally. This prevents ruts from forming in the soil from a constant tire path, and also lets the grass grow thicker.

And then there’s this incentive…

• According to the Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, you can burn over 350 calories every hour you spend behind a push mower! Now that’s a great workout with added benefits!

We can do it!

If all of this just sounds like too much, or if you want seasoned professionals keeping your property looking its best, then call us, (805) 642-3002. We have a reputation for our high standards and excellent service. Let us prove that Scarlett is as green as it gets!