If you’re new to lawn care, there are many things to learn to keep your lawn looking nice. Read on to get your lawn care game on point with these seven easy steps.

Step 1: Start at the Beginning

The first step to having a luscious, green lawn is to have the right tools and fertilize your lawn. Make sure you have a leaf blower, an edger, a wheelbarrow, a rake and a shovel. One essential tool you'll need is an electric mower to save time when caring for your yard.

Step 2: Aeration

Aeration is one of the most important things you can do for your lawn. It allows oxygen, water and nutrients to reach the roots of your grass, which makes for a healthier, greener lawn. You should aerate your lawn at least once a year or more if you live in an area with high traffic or clay soil. The best time to aerate is in the spring or fall.

Step 3: Fertilization

Fertilizing your lawn is essential to help it stay green and healthy all season long. The best time to fertilize is in the spring, after the last frost. You can use a broadcast or drop spreader to apply fertilizer evenly over your lawn. Be sure to read the directions on the fertilizer package to know how much to apply.

Step 4: Winterization

As temperatures start to drop, it's necessary to winterize your lawn mower. Drain the gas tank, oil the engine and sharpen the blades. This will help prolong the mower's life and ensure it's ready to go when spring rolls around.

Step 5: Spring Prep

As the weather warms up, it's time to start thinking about getting your lawn ready for spring. An essential step to having a luscious, green lawn is knowing when to fertilize. The best time to fertilize is in early spring and late fall. Fertilizing in spring will give your grass the nutrients it needs to survive the harsh summer sun and cold winter. Don’t forget to also water deeply at least once per week.

Step 6: Mowing Maintenance

If you're going to keep your lawn looking nice, you'll need to do some regular maintenance. That means mowing it often. The best way to ensure that your grass is always looking its best is to set a schedule and stick to it. You should also ensure you're using the right mower for the job. A good rule of thumb is to choose a mower that's appropriate for the size of your lawn.

Step 7: Weeding and Watering

Weeding is vital to keeping your lawn looking neat and tidy. Weed every week or as needed. Watering is also key to a healthy lawn. Water deeply and evenly using a sprinkler or hose. Check the forecast before you water to not waste time and water on a rain shower that's on its way. 

Proper maintenance of your lawn mower prolongs the life of the equipment and keeps it working at its best. Take care of the mower, your yard and your peace of mind during busy times of the year in the garden by cleaning the machine after every mowing session. Use this 10-point ultimate maintenance checklist at the end of the mowing season.

1. Change the oil. Dirty or old oil loses its ability to lubricate your mower engine and can lead to costly repairs and shorter engine life. 
2. Change the air filter. A clogged or dirty air filter means your engine will not have the power you need to mow efficiently. New paper or foam filters are inexpensive and easily swapped out of the air filter compartment.
   
3. Replace the spark plug. Do this annually, and anytime you experience rough idling, misfiring or trouble starting your mower. Always use the correct plug for your mower, and periodically check the spark plug for excessive wear or obvious signs of contamination. 
4. Sharpen the mower blades. A couple of times a year, sharpen the blades so they make a clean, even grass cut and preserve lawn health and vigor while reducing stress on your mower. Blade sharpening with hand tools or a grinder at the end of the year means your equipment will always perform at its best and be ready to go first thing in the spring. 
5. Inspect the cords. Replace any that show signs of wear or fraying. Check your gas-powered mower pull cord and safety cables, and all power cords, cables, vents and battery connections for electric- or battery-powered mowers. 
6. Examine all the nuts and bolts. You find these on the mower chassis, wheels, handles and safety features, such as a kill switch, release or bail bar, and discharge guards. Lubricate, tighten or replace as necessary.
7. Drain the gas tank. Do this before storage, or use a gas stabilizer product to prevent gas deterioration over time. Stale gas has fewer volatiles and will not burn efficiently, if at all.
8. Clean and dry your mower thoroughly. Undertake this task before storing the machine for winter. Inspect the grass bag for wear and tear after cleaning. 
9. Store your mower. Keep it in a dry location protected from the elements during the off-season.
10. Visually inspect the mower. In the spring, or after any appreciable length of time in storage, conduct a thorough visual inspection before starting up.

Follow this 10-point checklist and all safety and maintenance protocols recommended by your mower manufacturer. As a result, your lawn mower should run trouble-free, cut grass effortlessly and keep your lawn trim and healthy for years to come.