Key Takeaways
The way you care for your tools in the fall can impact how well they perform in spring.Batteries and engines need special attention to survive the season without losing power or performance.Storing your lawn equipment in the right environment can extend the lifespan of everything from hand tools to mowers.
When the busy grass-growing season winds down, your lawn equipment deserves more than a quick (and sometimes careless) shove into the garage. Leaving these tools dirty, damp, or filled with fuel can shorten their lifespan and lead to costly repairs down the road.
We spoke with a few landscaping experts who shared the right way to winterize and store your lawn gear. From sharpening blades to draining liquids, these simple steps will keep your tools protected through the cold months.
Clean and Oil Metal Components
The first step for storing your lawn equipment in the winter is making sure each piece is free of dirt, grass, and any greasy residue. “Clean all tools to prevent rust or residue build-up, especially fertilization and spraying tools,” says Rob Palmer, founder of the lawn care company Lawn Squad. You also need to oil moving parts on aerators, overseeders, and weeding equipment before the first frost.
To do this, remove soil and debris with a stiff brush and a bucket of warm, soapy water, then dry the tools thoroughly with a clean cloth. After you’re sure everything is dry, apply a light coating of machine oil or WD-40 on all metal surfaces and hinges to prevent rust in storage.
Sharpen Dull Blades
After cleaning and oiling, Palmer says sharpening is a step you can do now for a more seamless spring. Hand pruners, hedge shears, hoes, shovels, and mower blades all benefit from a tune-up before storage.
To sharpen at home, secure the tool or blade in a vise, then push a flat file or whetstone in one direction at an angle along the edge. Carefully wipe away any metal pieces. A few passes are usually enough to give the blades a quick refresh before winter, but always wear gloves and eye protection!
Drain Liquids and Change the Oil
Certain fluids can pose a risk to your lawn equipment during winter storage. “Drain liquids from sprayers, aerators, and other equipment to prevent freezing or cracking,” says Palmer. “Run gas-powered engines until fuel is gone to protect the carburetor.” Some homeowners leave gas in a mower over winter, but if you take this shortcut, add a fuel stabilizer according to the package instructions to prevent engine damage.
This no-liquid advice applies to water, fertilizer, and fuel, but not oil. For lawn mowers, tillers, or other gas-powered tools with oil reservoirs, Palmer says to change the oil before winter since dirty oil can speed up corrosion. Never store lawn equipment with no oil: Bare metal parts can lead to corrosion.
Move Batteries Indoors
Cold weather is especially tough on batteries, even more so than on the tools themselves. “If you have any battery-powered garden tools, like weed whackers or hedge trimmers, make sure you store the batteries inside for the winter months,” says Ben Ashton, CEO of Rocky Mountain Turf. “Temperature fluctuations, especially extreme cold, will reduce your battery life considerably.”
This guidance applies to lithium-ion batteries as well as older rechargeable types, both of which can lose battery life when exposed to freezing temperatures. For best results, store batteries in a dry indoor space at room temperature and keep them off their chargers.
Store Tools in a Dry Place
“Store tools in a dry, covered location and off the ground to prevent moisture damage,” says Palmer. That might seem like a simple enough instruction, but you also need to consider the conditions inside your storage space. Is it too humid or closed off?
“Many gardeners just assume that as long as you store your mower in a small storage shed or a garage, it’s going to be completely fine,” says Angelika Zaber, a lawn care specialist for Online Turf. “Unfortunately, this is not always the case. The location you choose needs to be damp-free and well-ventilated.”
Storing in a garage prone to flooding or a shed with no airflow can cause your mower and other tools to rust prematurely, according to Zaber. As a last resort, you can put your tools on an elevated pad and place a waterproof cover on top if you don’t have an indoor option.
Hang Some Tools on the Garage Wall
Space-saving storage might give you more floor space in the garage, but it can also protect your equipment from damage. “Corded grass trimmers are best stored vertically in a shed or garage, preferably hanging from the wall to save you some space,” says Zaber. “This reduces the risk of it getting exposed to excessive moisture.”
This extra step protects the trimmers from moisture and prevents the guards from bending under the machine’s weight. Rakes, shovels, and long-handled tools can also be hung vertically to prevent warping and keep their edges sharp.
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