The Lawn Almanac

Tools & Equipment

8 guides

A plain-English guide to winterizing your lawn mower and other outdoor power tools before cold weather arrives, so they start reliably come spring.

Not sure which mower to buy? Match your yard size and terrain to the right type — push, self-propelled, riding tractor, zero-turn, or robotic.

Learn how to change mower oil, clean the air filter, and replace the spark plug. A plain-language tune-up guide for beginner lawn care.

A practical guide to lawn sprinkler setup: choosing the right type, placing it correctly, dialing in coverage, and knowing how long to run it.

Learn how to use a string trimmer safely and effectively, from holding the tool correctly to replacing line and edging crisp borders.

Use a broadcast spreader the right way: set the rate from the bag, apply header strips, overlap at half rate, and calibrate to prevent striping.

Learn how to sharpen and balance a mower blade safely at home. Covers removal, filing technique, angle, and balancing for a cleaner cut every time.

Battery mowers handle most yards with less hassle. Gas still wins for large lots and tough conditions. Here's how to pick the right one.