The Essential Guide for Lawn Mower Maintenance

Lawn mower upkeep doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a regular maintenance schedule in place, you’ll catch small issues before they become major repairs — and you’ll keep your lawn looking professionally maintained.

Here’s a breakdown of what to check and when:

Before and After Each Use:

• Inspect blades for damage or dullness: Look for chips, nicks or uneven wear.
• Clear the mower deck of stuck-on grass and dirt: Built-up clippings can block airflow and dull blades faster.
• Check fuel and oil levels: Running low can strain or damage your engine.
• Wipe down surfaces: This prevents corrosion, especially if your mower is stored outdoors or in a humid space.

These regular checks take just a few minutes and can greatly extend the life of your equipment.

Monthly:

• Check the air filter: A clogged air filter reduces airflow, making the mower work harder and use more fuel.
• Inspect the spark plug: Dirty or corroded plugs can make starting your mower difficult and reduce engine efficiency.
• Clean under the mower deck: Use a scraper or stiff brush to remove caked-on debris that can affect airflow and performance.
• Examine tires: Uneven wear or low pressure can cause scalping or missed patches while mowing.

Monthly maintenance helps identify performance problems early, giving you time to fix them before they interrupt your mowing schedule.

Seasonally:

• Change the oil: Fresh oil improves lubrication and helps your engine run cooler and cleaner.
• Add a fuel stabilizer: This prevents old gas from breaking down and gumming up your fuel system over the winter.
• Inspect mower belts and cables: Look for fraying, cracking or signs of wear that could lead to breakage mid-mow.
• Check battery health: For electric or battery-powered mowers, make sure the battery holds a charge and has no corrosion.

Pro Tip: Make sure to disconnect the spark plug or remove the battery before doing any maintenance to avoid accidental starts or injuries.

These seasonal steps are especially important before putting your mower away for winter or pulling it out for the first mow of spring.

Annually:

• Sharpen or replace blades: A sharp blade makes a clean cut that helps your lawn heal faster and look better.
• Deep clean the entire mower: This includes removing covers, checking tightness of bolts and cleaning vents and cooling fins.
• Review the owner’s manual: Every mower model is different — follow manufacturer guidelines for best results.

Pro Tip: Always disconnect the spark plug or remove the battery before doing any maintenance to avoid accidental starts or injuries. 

The type of lawn mower you own plays a big role in what kind of maintenance it requires. Whether you have a gas or electric mower, here’s a quick overview of how to care for each type:

Gas Mowers:

• Oil changes are essential. Most manufacturers recommend changing the oil every 25-50 hours of use or at least once per mowing season to keep the engine running smoothly.
• Using a fuel stabilizer is a must. It helps prevent the fuel from breaking down and clogging the engine during winter storage.
• You should check and replace the spark plugs annually. This ensures reliable starts and consistent engine performance throughout the mowing season.
• Replace the air and fuel filters as needed. Clean filters maintain airflow and fuel efficiency, especially if you often mow in dusty or debris-heavy conditions.

Electric and Battery-Powered Mowers:

• Inspect cords and connections regularly. Damaged cords on plug-in models are a serious safety hazard and should be replaced immediately to avoid electrical shock or fire.
• Keep the battery clean and fully charged. Store batteries indoors when not in use, and avoid overcharging by removing them from the charger once full.
• Avoid exposure to rain and wet grass. Moisture can damage internal electronics or significantly reduce battery life, so always store your mower in a dry place.

Push vs. Riding Mowers:

• Push mowers are lighter and easier to clean but may require more frequent blade checks due to their smaller size.
• Riding mowers require more extensive care, including checks on belts, deck alignment, transmission fluid (if applicable) and tire tread. 

Lawn mower maintenance is just one part of the bigger picture when it comes to growing a healthy, vibrant lawn. At TruGreen, we offer expert lawn care services that work alongside the upkeep you do at home — like mowing and watering. For our treatments to work as intended, your lawn still needs consistent care between visits. That includes mowing at the right height, watering deeply and infrequently and maintaining your equipment.

With the right partnership — your mower maintenance and our tailored lawn care plans — you’ll get the kind of lush, green lawn that turns heads and holds up to everything from backyard barbecues to summer games with the kids.

Want a lawn you can be proud of?

Don’t let poor mower maintenance undo all the great work you’re putting into your lawn. Stay consistent with your upkeep, follow the tips in this guide and let TruGreen take care of the rest.

Explore our lawn care services to see how we can help your yard look its best all year long!