Don't Skip Garden Tool Maintenance

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Being cooped up indoors can feel like imprisonment for anyone who loves spending time piddling around the yard. But when you get those precious warm breaks, you receive an opportunity. A decent day is the perfect excuse to get outdoors for some fresh air. It's a good day for a garden tool tune-up.

Benefits of Doing Yard Tool Maintenance in the Winter:

1. Saves Replacement Costs: Regular care prevents premature wear and tear. You will save yourself a little cash in the long run when you replace them less frequently.
2. Keeps the Blades Sharp: Sharp tools are more efficient. They make cleaner cuts, which is better for plant health. Plus, they're much easier to use. A perfect segue to #3...
3. Increased Safety: Well-maintained tools lower your risk of an injury. Cutting with a dull blade lessens the risk of accidents. An article by the University of Rochester Medical Center explains: "A dull blade is actually more dangerous to use than one that is sharp. Here's why: A dull blade requires more pressure to cut, increasing the chance that the knife will slip with great force behind it. A sharp knife "bites" the surface more readily."
4. You'll Be Springtime Ready: Properly cared-for tools will be ready when those first delicious days of spring greet you. You'll be off to a great start to the lawn and garden season.

Key Steps in Winter Tool Maintenance:

1. Remove soil, sap, or debris. Prepare a bucket of warm water and soap, and grab a stiff-bristled brush. Clean the tools thoroughly. Finally, pat them dry to prevent rust.
2. Sharpen the blades of cutting tools. Shears, pruners, and mowers could all benefit from some love. Follow the original angle of the edge and hone the edge with a file or sharpening stone.
3. Inspect tools for damage like cracks or loose parts. Those can be safety hazards. Replace or repair worn-out parts.
4. Apply a light coating of lubricant spray to metal parts. You'll help to prevent rust.
5. If any tools have wooden handles, those also need your attention. Sand down visible rough spots until smooth again. Then, apply a light coating of linseed oil to condition the wood.
6. Tuck tools away for the rest of the winter. Find a dry, clean place. Moisture is their enemy.

A garden tool tune-up is the perfect reason to take advantage of any day you feel like getting outside. Bundle up and enjoy the respite from the cold. Springtime will arrive sooner than you think.

This post may include content partially written by AI but was carefully reviewed and edited by a human before publication.

Photo bydylan nolteonUnsplash

Randy Tayloe is a lawn care and gardening expert and the operator of Tayloe's Lawn Care Services, LLC, in Aulander, NC. You can connect with him on Facebook or LinkedIn for additional gardening and lawn care tips.partially written