{"id":49423,"date":"2026-10-26T12:25:10","date_gmt":"2026-10-26T12:25:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=49423"},"modified":"2026-10-26T12:25:13","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T12:25:13","slug":"how-to-winterize-lawn-garden-tools","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-winterize-lawn-garden-tools\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Winterize Your Lawn and Garden Tools (So They&#8217;re Ready in Spring)"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u25cf <strong>Give metal tools a proper send-off before storage:<\/strong> Clean, dry, sharpen, and oil metal tools before storage. Treat wooden handles with linseed oil to prevent cracking.<br>\u25cf <strong>Don&#8217;t skip engine prep on gas-powered equipment:<\/strong> Drain or stabilize fuel and check the oil and filters. Store batteries separately in a cool, dry spot at the recommended charge level.<br>\u25cf <strong>Protect spreaders, sprayers, and hoses from winter damage:<\/strong> Rinse chemical residue from spreaders and sprayers, and drain, coil, and store hoses to prevent freeze damage.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don\u2019t need to be a gearhead to prevent rusted tools or dead batteries next spring. Here&#8217;s how to winterize your lawn and garden tools in one afternoon.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clean off dirt and sap, sharpen and oil any blades, drain or stabilize fuel in gas-powered equipment, charge batteries, and store everything dry and off the ground.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Come spring, your well-maintained tools will make yard work much easier. And if you&#8217;d rather skip the chores altogether, a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/\">lawn care pro<\/a> can handle the mowing, trimming, and edging for you.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-d2f223a4-3bc5-43f6-a186-73f6769424c9\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-winterize-lawn-garden-tools\/#0-hand-tools-shovels-rakes-hoes-trowels\" style=\"\">Hand tools: shovels, rakes, hoes, trowels<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-winterize-lawn-garden-tools\/#1-pruners-loppers-and-shears\" style=\"\">Pruners, loppers, and shears<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-winterize-lawn-garden-tools\/#2-gas-powered-tools\" style=\"\">Gas-powered tools<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-winterize-lawn-garden-tools\/#3-battery-powered-tools\" style=\"\">Battery-powered tools<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-winterize-lawn-garden-tools\/#4-spreaders-and-sprayers\" style=\"\">Spreaders and sprayers<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-winterize-lawn-garden-tools\/#5-hoses\" style=\"\">Hoses<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-winterize-lawn-garden-tools\/#6-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 id=\"0-hand-tools-shovels-rakes-hoes-trowels\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"hand-tools-shovels-rakes-hoes-trowels\">Hand tools: shovels, rakes, hoes, trowels<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rinse or brush off caked-on soil, then dry the tool completely \u2014 don&#8217;t let it sit wet.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Storing tools while they&#8217;re still dirty or wet degrades the metal and makes them harder to clean and sharpen in spring. Ten minutes now spent cleaning and oiling your tools saves time and money later,&#8221; says Julia Bender, Master Gardener Volunteer with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s how to prep your hand tools for next spring, step by step:&nbsp;<\/p>    <ol class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Rinse off debris in a bucket of water<\/strong>, scrubbing with a stiff brush, and then wipe dry. For dried sap, rust, or stubborn grime, work in turpentine, alcohol, or mineral spirits with a steel brush, sandpaper, or steel wool \u2014 then wipe dry again.<\/li>    <li><strong>Inspect for damage<\/strong>, such as bent tines, loose tool heads, cracked handles, or other parts that need repair or replacement.<\/li>    <li><strong>Sharpen dull blades<\/strong>, then wipe on a rust-preventing lubricant like WD-40.<\/li>    <li><strong>Sand rough spots<\/strong> on wooden handles, then coat with boiled linseed oil or mineral oil using a soft cloth. Wipe off excess and let dry 24 &#8211; 48 hours.<\/li> <\/ol>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> The <a href=\"https:\/\/forsyth.ces.ncsu.edu\/news\/winter-is-a-great-time-for-garden-tool-care\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">North Carolina Cooperative Extension<\/a> recommends filling a 5-gallon bucket with sand and mixing in a light oil, then dipping clean tools into the mixture. The sand helps remove remaining debris while the oil coats the metal to help prevent rust.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"1-pruners-loppers-and-shears\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"pruners-loppers-and-shears\">Pruners, loppers, and shears<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Pruners-Loppers-Shears-1.jpg\" alt=\"Three garden hand tools \u2014 pruners, loppers, and shears \u2014 standing upright on a wooden surface.\" class=\"wp-image-49425\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Pruners-Loppers-Shears-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Pruners-Loppers-Shears-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Pruners-Loppers-Shears-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Pruners-Loppers-Shears-1-610x343.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Clean, sanitize, and sharpen the blades on your garden tools. Photo Credit: Image generated using Canva Pro<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like hand tools, two-bladed cutters need cleaning and drying before storage \u2014 but with less soil, more sap, a hinge to maintain, and blades that touch living plant tissue directly.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> Some pruners can be disassembled for cleaning and sharpening.<\/p>    <ol class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Dunk in water and scrub with a stiff brush<\/strong>, then wipe dry. Tackle dried sap or rust with turpentine, alcohol, or mineral spirits and a steel brush, sandpaper, or steel wool \u2014 working carefully to avoid scraping the blades.<\/li>    <li><strong>Sanitize blades with rubbing alcohol<\/strong> (70% isopropyl) or a 10% bleach solution, since pruners can spread plant disease if left uncleaned.<\/li>    <li><strong>Sharpen blades at their existing bevel angle<\/strong>, then lubricate the blades and hinge with WD-40 to prevent rust and keep the pivot smooth.<\/li>    <li><strong>Check the pivot bolt<\/strong> \u2014 tighten it if loose, or loosen it slightly if the pivot feels stiff.<\/li>    <li><strong>Sand rough spots on wooden handles<\/strong>, then finish with boiled linseed oil or mineral oil. Wipe off excess and let dry 24 &#8211; 48 hours.<\/li> <\/ol>    <h2 id=\"2-gas-powered-tools\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"gas-powered-tools\">Gas-powered tools<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Electric-Vs-Gas-2.jpg\" alt=\"Side-by-side image of an electric zero-turn mower and a gas-powered mower engine.\" class=\"wp-image-49430\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Electric-Vs-Gas-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Electric-Vs-Gas-2-300x210.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Electric-Vs-Gas-2-768x538.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Electric-Vs-Gas-2-610x427.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Drain the gas or add stabilizer in your gas-powered equipment before storing them for the winter. Photo Credit: Michelle Selzer \/ LawnStarter<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-gas-lawn-mowers\/\">Gas-powered mowers<\/a>, trimmers, and blowers all face the same threat over winter: leftover fuel. Ethanol in gas attracts moisture over time, which can corrode metal or gum up the carburetor if left untreated.<\/p>    <ol class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Remove the spark plug<\/strong> so the engine can&#8217;t accidentally start, and inspect it for wear \u2014 you&#8217;ll reinstall the old or a replacement plug once you&#8217;re done.<\/li>    <li><strong>Drain or stabilize the fuel<\/strong> \u2014 run the engine dry if only a little is left, or add a stabilizer and run it briefly if the tank&#8217;s fuller. On smaller tools like trimmers, you can also just drain the untreated fuel into a gas can.<\/li>    <li><strong>Clean off grass and debris<\/strong> \u2014 especially caked-on clippings under a mower&#8217;s deck, where trapped moisture causes rust.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><strong>Replace the air and fuel filters<\/strong> (most need it once a year).&nbsp;<\/li>    <li><strong>Change the oil<\/strong> if your engine requires it (most four-stroke engines do; most two-stroke engines don&#8217;t). Depending on the mower, drain the old oil into a pan through the drain plug or oil-fill tube, then refill with the type and amount of oil specified in the owner&#8217;s manual<\/li>    <li><strong>Remove, inspect, and sharpen the mower blade<\/strong> \u2014 or check and replace string trimmer line. Add a few drops of oil to the spark plug port before reinstalling it, per the <a href=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/paulding\/2023\/12\/how-to-care-for-and-winterize-your-garden-tools\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of Georgia Extension<\/a>.<\/li>    <li><strong>Store the equipment<\/strong> somewhere dry, ideally off bare concrete or ground.<\/li> <\/ol>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check your <strong>owner&#8217;s manual<\/strong> for model-specific storage instructions, engine type, oil-change procedure, and recommended spark plug replacement schedule.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-clean-lawn-mower-deck\/\">How to Clean a Lawn Mower Deck<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-sharpen-lawn-mower-blades\/\">How to Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-put-string-in-weed-eater\/\">How to Put String in a String Trimmer<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-change-oil-lawn-mower\/\">How to Change the Oil in a Lawn Mower<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 id=\"3-battery-powered-tools\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"battery-powered-tools\">Battery-powered tools<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/benefit-of-battery-powered-tools\/\">Battery-powered equipment<\/a> is the easiest of the bunch to winterize. There&#8217;s no fuel system to worry about, so the main task is storing the battery correctly.<\/p>    <ol class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Remove the battery<\/strong> from the tool rather than leaving it in over winter, and wipe down the tool itself.<\/li>    <li><strong>Store the battery in a cool, dry space<\/strong> \u2014 check your owner&#8217;s manual for the ideal charge level, since some lithium-ion batteries store best around 50% while lead-acid batteries should be kept fully charged.<\/li>    <li><strong>Check the blade or trimmer line,<\/strong> sharpening or replacing as needed, then store the tool and battery separately, out of direct sunlight.<\/li> <\/ol>    <h2 id=\"4-spreaders-and-sprayers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"spreaders-and-sprayers\">Spreaders and sprayers<\/span><\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_1643701048.jpg\" alt=\"Green push spreader distributing seed and fertilizer in wide circular patterns across a lawn.\" class=\"wp-image-49428\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_1643701048.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_1643701048-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_1643701048-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/AdobeStock_1643701048-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Do not leave any fertilizer granules in your spreader over the winter. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/ph\/images\/a-seed-and-fertilizer-spreader-sitting-out-on-a-lawn\/1643701048\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Robin<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sprayers and spreaders both come into contact with <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-care-fertilizer-basics-what-to-look-for-in-your-fertilizer\/\">fertilizers<\/a> and pesticides. The key to winterizing these garden tools is to remove any chemical residue that might damage the equipment and cause uneven applications.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Spreaders:<\/strong> Fertilizer granules left in the spreader may absorb moisture and lead to rust. Rinse out any remaining product and allow the spreader to dry completely before storing. Oil the spreader&#8217;s metal parts to help prevent corrosion over winter.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sprayers:<\/strong> Empty any remaining product per the label, then fill the tank about a quarter full with clean water and shake to rinse. Spray out the rinse water to clean the hose, wand, and nozzle, repeating as needed.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"5-hoses\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"hoses\">Hoses<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There&#8217;s nothing more annoying than pulling a kinked, twisted mess from the corner of the shed. A little care before winter storage keeps your hose easy to work with come spring.<\/p>    <ol class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Disconnect the hose<\/strong> from the faucet and remove any nozzles or sprinklers.<\/li>    <li><strong>Drain it completely<\/strong> by holding one end up and working along its length \u2014 trapped water can freeze and damage the hose. Inspect for cracks, leaks, or worn fittings, and replace any damaged parts.<\/li>    <li><strong>Coil loosely without sharp bends<\/strong>, then store flat or on a hose reel in a dry spot \u2014 avoid hanging it from a single hook, which can kink the material.<\/li> <\/ol>    <h2 id=\"6-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1791223358776\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Where and how should I store my tools?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Keep tools off the ground and out of direct contact with concrete, which holds moisture. A pegboard, wall rack, or set of hooks keeps hand tools organized and dry. Store the tools in a dry garage, shed, or basement away from extreme temperatures.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1791223367094\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How often should I sharpen my mower blade?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Sharpen the lawn mower blade after every 20 to 25 hours of mowing use. For most residential homeowners, that can add up to 2 to 3 sharpenings per year.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1791223377975\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is it safe to store a gas-powered mower in an attached garage?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, as long as the tank is drained or treated with fuel stabilizer first and the mower has fully cooled after its last use. An untreated, full tank can slowly release fuel vapors into an enclosed space over winter, and a hot engine near flammable materials is a fire risk.\u00a0<br><br>Keep the mower away from ignition sources common in attached garages, like a furnace pilot light or water heater.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1791223392807\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How long does fuel stabilizer actually keep gas usable?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Roughly 12 months under good storage conditions, though some manufacturers claim up to 24 months.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1791223403344\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Should I disinfect pruners between plants, not just before winter storage?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, especially after cutting anything diseased. Wipe or dip the blades in rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl) and then allow the tool to air dry. Rubbing alcohol won&#8217;t disinfect against every pathogen \u2014 for tools used on plants with fire blight, the <a href=\"https:\/\/yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu\/faq\/how-do-i-sanitize-my-pruning-shears\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Iowa State University Extension<\/a> recommends a 10% bleach solution (9 parts water, 1 part bleach) for 10 minutes, then a water rinse instead.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"7-let-a-pro-handle-all-the-maintenance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"let-a-pro-handle-all-the-maintenance\">Let a pro handle all the maintenance<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Winterizing tools is a solid weekend project, but if you&#8217;d rather not own or maintain any yard care equipment, that&#8217;s an option too. LawnLove connects you with <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/near-me\">local lawn care pros<\/a> who bring their own well-maintained equipment, so it saves you maintenance time.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-432beb82-f8f6-4b62-893b-8e30b4f755a8\" data-mobilecollapse=\"true\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; border-top-left-radius: 8px; border-top-right-radius: 8px; border-bottom-left-radius: 8px; border-bottom-right-radius: 8px; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-432beb82-f8f6-4b62-893b-8e30b4f755a8\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-432beb82-f8f6-4b62-893b-8e30b4f755a8\" style=\"color: #000000; \"><strong>Sources:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-432beb82-f8f6-4b62-893b-8e30b4f755a8\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu\/faq\/how-do-i-sanitize-my-pruning-shears\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Iowa State University Extension<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/paulding\/2023\/12\/how-to-care-for-and-winterize-your-garden-tools\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">University of Georgia Extension<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/forsyth.ces.ncsu.edu\/news\/winter-is-a-great-time-for-garden-tool-care\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">North Carolina Cooperative Extension<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image: Cleaning and sharpening mower blades before storage, winterizing gardening tools. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/hands-of-an-unrecognizable-gardener-holding-a-file-to-sharpen-mower-blades-backyard-lawn-maintenance-concept\/586496893\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Itxu<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how to winterize lawn and garden tools, from mowers and pruners to batteries, sprayers, and hoses, so they\u2019re ready to use in spring.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":49493,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[331],"tags":[350],"class_list":["post-49423","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lawn-care-equipment","tag-lawn-care-equipment"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/winterizing-tools-before-storing.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Jane Purnell","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/jane-purnell\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49423","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=49423"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49423\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":50518,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49423\/revisions\/50518"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/49493"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49423"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=49423"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=49423"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}