When it comes to your lawn, you don't have to go over the top with your landscaping, but you do need to pay attention to the basics. Spring is an important time for your lawn and if you neglect it now, Angie's List warns you'll pay the price for the rest of the year.
"If you are like me you are looking forward to Spring, but there are things you can do now to get ready," said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List.
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Angie's List Tips: 3 Steps to Spring Lawn Care
Angie's List Tips: Lawn Mower Maintenance
- Need maintenance? Warning signs that your mower needs maintenance can include difficulty in starting, a smoking engine, a dull blade, and reduced horsepower.
- Schedule a service: The best time to have your mower serviced is in the fall – companies are less busy, so you may be able to save some money. If you failed to service your mower last year, now is the time to call. Lawnmower service companies are at their busiest in the late spring, so try to schedule service early so your mower is ready to go when you need it.
- Ask what's included: A service appointment should check the oil, blade, spark plugs, filter, battery and belts. Some facilities will require you to drop your mower off at their shop, while others will make house calls. Always ask for an estimate and guarantee on the work. A spring checkup can cost $50-$150 depending on whether you have a push or riding lawn mower.
- Don't mow with a dull blade: Be sure to sharpen the blade at least once a year. Cutting grass with a sharpened blade is important for lawn health – it promotes better grass health. If you notice the blade has some major gashes, it may be time to buy a new blade – which costs around $10. Keep grass at least 2 to 3 inches tall. This height helps keep the moisture in the grass and the weeds out.
- Keep in clean: After each mowing, wait until the engine cools and use a hose to spray the clippings and grass debris that may be clinging to the underside of the deck of your mower. This will keep grass clippings from building up and help prevent clogging.