By Paul F. P. Pogue
From Ask Angi

Lawn mowing is one of those tasks you probably do on autopilot. Get out the mower, make the circuit of the yard, maybe trim the edges, and call it a day, right? But a few basic techniques can make lawn mowing a vital part of maintenance that not only keeps your grass short but in the best condition as well.

Here are some tips to level up your lawn mowing game this spring:

You’ll get the best results by tuning up your mower at the beginning of spring. You can pay a pro to do this or handle it yourself, as it’s a reasonably simple task. Review your owner’s manual for specific things that must be done, but several basics apply to most mowers.

First, disconnect the spark plug to avoid accidentally starting your mower. Then, give the exterior a good clean with paper towels or a rag, along with grease-cutting soap in water.

Replace the old air filter. New filters only cost around $10 at home improvement stores, and your owner’s manual should tell you the correct size.

Remove any remaining gasoline from the mower, then unscrew the motor oil cap. Tilt the mower on its side so you can drain the oil into a bucket or pan. Then add new oil, checking the dipstick occasionally until the mower is full.

Have the blade professionally sharpened, or replace it if it’s too old. A dull blade rips the grass, creating an uneven look, damaging your lawn, and leaving it exposed to diseases and parasites. Finally, put in a new spark plug, and you’re ready to mow!

Tweet your home care questions with #AskingAngi and we’ll try to answer them in a future column.

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