Summer Lawn Tool Prep: Get Ready for Peak Yard Season

By the team at Lawnmower Hospital, Edmonton’s Lawn Equipment Experts

Summer’s here, and if your weekends involve lawn care, it’s time to get your tools in shape. Whether you’re mowing the front yard, trimming along the fence line, or blowing grass clippings off the driveway, your gear needs to be running at its best.

Neglecting a quick tune-up now can lead to poor performance, frustrating afternoons, and even pricey repairs down the road. But the good news? Most of this summer lawn equipment prep is straightforward—and well worth the time.

Why a Summer Tune-Up Matters

Think of your lawn tools like any other machine—they need regular upkeep to keep running strong. After sitting all winter, your mower, trimmer, and blower could probably use a little attention. We see it all the time in our shop: stale fuel, gummed-up carburetors, dull blades, and engines overheating because of clogged cooling fins.

A quick tune-up now keeps your tools reliable all summer and extends their life. Plus, you’ll get better results on your lawn—and fewer headaches on Saturday morning.

Start With the Manual (Yes, Really)

We know—digging out the owner’s manual isn’t the most exciting part of yard work. But it’s the best way to make sure you’re using the right oil, spark plugs, and procedures for your exact model. Every machine’s a little different, and following the manual saves time (and avoids damage) in the long run.

Fresh Oil & Grease Go a Long Way

Old oil breaks down over time and doesn’t protect your engine the way it should. If you haven’t changed it yet this season, now’s the time. Most mowers use 10W-30, but double-check your manual to be sure.

Don’t forget the grease points, either—especially on wheel bearings and pivots. A little lube keeps things running smooth and helps avoid that metal-on-metal grind that leads to breakdowns. It’s simple yard tool maintenance that makes a big difference.

And remember: take your used oil to a local recycling center—please don’t pour it down the drain.

Use Fresh Fuel—And Treat It Right

If there’s still gas in your mower or trimmer left over from last season, it’s time to drain it. Old fuel is one of the top culprits for clogged carburetors, sticky valves, and engines that refuse to start. Refill with fresh, high-quality fuel—and don’t forget the additive.

For the best results, always use clean, high-quality fuel. If you’re using ethanol-blended gas like E10 or E15, consider adding a fuel stabilizer to reduce moisture absorption and prevent gumming. Or, for a simpler option, many homeowners are switching to Aspen Fuel, which burns cleaner, contains no ethanol, and can be safely stored in your machine for up to two years without degrading.

Whether you’re getting through weekly trims or prepping for long-term storage, the right fuel helps protect your engine, extend its life, and ensure your gear is ready when you are.

Clean the Engine Area

Summer heat can be tough on small engines. If grass, dust, or debris builds up around the motor, it can block airflow and lead to overheating. Take a few minutes to open the engine cover and clean around the cooling fins and air intakes.

A soft brush or even a shop vac works great. This simple step helps prevent overheating and keeps things running efficiently.

Sharpen Those Blades

Dull blades rip the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, leaving it brown at the tips and prone to disease. A sharp blade, on the other hand, gives you that crisp, healthy look.

We recommend sharpening your mower blade at least once per season, more often if you mow a big yard. Not sure how? Bring it in—we’re happy to help. And it’s always smart to have a backup blade ready to go.

Air Filters & Spark Plugs: Small Parts, Big Impact

Clean air filters let your engine breathe. Dirty ones choke it up, hurt performance, and waste fuel. Check yours and replace it if it looks clogged or dusty.

Same goes for spark plugs—if they’re corroded or worn, it’s time for a fresh one. These parts are cheap and easy to swap, but they make a big difference when it comes to smooth starts and strong performance.

This kind of basic tune-up for your lawnmower or trimmer is one of the best things you can do to keep your yard gear humming all season.

Use our OEM Part Finder tool to quickly track down the exact match for your lawn care tools—no guesswork, no hassle.

Store Gear Right Between Uses

When you’re not using your tools, keep them clean and dry—ideally in a garage or shed. Don’t leave them out in the rain or sun. And never store gas-powered tools near anything with a pilot light, like a hot water heater.

Good storage helps avoid rust, fuel evaporation, and safety risks. It also means your gear’s ready to go when you are.

Bottom Line: A Little Upkeep Pays Off

Taking a few minutes now to tune up your yard tools saves hours of frustration later. Regular summer lawn equipment prep helps you avoid breakdowns, cut better, and keep your lawn looking sharp without the hassle.

And if you’d rather leave it to the pros, Lawnmower Hospital has you covered. Our factory-trained techs—backed by over 45 years of experience—can handle everything from mower blade sharpening and trimmer tune-ups to full equipment overhauls. Whether you bought your machine from us or not, we service almost every make and model, and we’ll return it to you ready to work.

We also carry over $1.5 million in in-stock parts and source quickly from top Canadian suppliers, so downtime stays minimal. From walk-behind mowers to zero-turn tractors, we’ve got the tools, talent, and turnaround time to keep your gear running strong.

Explore our full Parts and Service options here:  https://lawnmowerhosp.com/parts-and-service

Let’s keep your yard gear running right—and your lawn looking its best—all summer long.