Storing Garden Tools This Winter

As we inch closer to the frigid days of winter, we’re yet again stuck back preparing for what might be a season filled with cold temperatures and a ton of snow.

We sometimes forget to take care of the smaller things, only to realize come spring, that we should have. Your garden tools are a perfect example of what should be looked at before it gets too cold to bear the temperature.

Simple maintenance now can lead to an easy transition to spring when the temperature (finally) starts to creep back up.

• Hand tools are to be cleaned. Instead of leaving them dirty and full of mud, rinse them off and give them time to try before storing them away for the winter. It’s a good idea to sharpen any of the dull tools during this time as well, with sharpening tools available at your local hardware store. (Rocks work as well!)
• Your lawn mower will last much longer if you drain the fuel before storing it away for the winter. This is because the alcohol in the fuel can eventually degrade plastic and rubber parts, as well as attract moisture, which can lead to rust. It’s a good idea to clean the mower from underneath as well. Either with a hose or a brush, you can do this by turning it on its side. Should you decide this, disconnect the battery so that it cannot start unexpectedly.
• Drain all garden hoses out as well. When they’re completely dry, mend any leaks with electrical tape or repair tape. Some other forms of rubber weld seals work as well. It’s sometimes a good idea to replace the ends of the hose and the washers as well, to prevent that spraying the can fire in any direction when the threads are worn out. After this, make sure you’re hanging them out to dry as well, avoiding any hanging method that can create a kink, which could lead to tears and leaks.

Of course, this is only a small portion of the attention needed to prepare for winter. Your landscape could also use a ton of assistance and if it’s too much to handle for one person, there’s a solution for that!

Ambrosio Landscape Solutions has dealt with a number of homes and properties in the New Canaan and Westport areas. Whether you need a custom fixture built, or you’re just looking for help with maintaining the property, we’re here to help!

Give us a call at  203-762-5167! For more tips and tricks, like us on Facebook!