Few of us have been spared the agony of an unexpected lawn mower engine failure. You pull out the mower expecting to finally get the lawn cut, everything starts right up and is running fine, and suddenly the engine stops working. Don't let this nuisance situation completely ruin your weekend plans. Here is a 7-point checklist of the most likely things you can check and fix yourself. With a little perseverance, you'll have your mower — and your weekend — right back on track.

1. Check the fuel status. It might seem like a no-brainer, but maybe you'll be pleasantly surprised to find such a simple fix.
2. Add fresh gas. If the fuel level is alright, consider the fuel's age. Many people don't add gas stabilizer to their lawn mower during the busy season, but untreated gas can go stale or sour and lose quality combustion volatiles within a few weeks. Contaminated, thick or sour gas is not ideal, so fill the tank with fresh gas, and you may be back on schedule.
3. Inspect the fuel cap. Air is vented into the gas tank through a tiny hole in the gas cap, which, if blocked, can result in a vapor lock causing the engine to shut down.
4. Check the oil level. Too much oil in the oil reservoir will foul the plug and prevent smooth engine performance. Drain to the correct level and properly dispose of any excess oil.
5. Replace the spark plug. A stuttering engine, strong fuel odors and engine failure could indic
6. ate a faulty or worn spark plug. Remove the plug and examine the tip for oil or corrosion. Sometimes a simple plug cleaning suffices, but if you notice the electrode is discolored, dirty or worn, replacing it is the best option. Changing the air filter and oil at the same time you change the plug is good practice.
7. Clean the carburetor. A clogged carburetor is often caused by dirty or stale fuel. The carburetor is usually located behind or adjacent to the air filter, and the easiest fix is to clean it with an inexpensive can of carburetor/choke/throttle body cleaner. A small scrubbing brush may be useful. Blow out any residual gunk and liquid with compressed air.
8. Remove the carburetor. If the engine is still reluctant to run, removing the carburetor itself is necessary to perform a more thorough inspection and clean. This work is a little more complicated as fuel lines and linkage cables first need to be disengaged.
   
   

If none of these issues help to get your mower working again, it might be best to call in the professionals. They'll go further into the inner workings of the mower; for example, checking gas lines, in-line fuel filters and the choke assembly, and will no doubt be able to track down and rectify the problem for you. 

If you’re passionate about growing a beautiful lawn, you know the effort required to maintain it. To get the best results and create the perfect setting in your backyard, you need to identify grass growth stages and take proper action when it’s time. Below explains what you should do to ensure your lawn stays beautiful all year.

What Are the Four Stages of Grass Growth?

The four stages of grass growth are sprouting, seeding, maturing and dormant. Each requires different maintenance to keep your lawn looking its best. For example, during the dormant phase, you should water less but fertilize more. You should also not over-fertilize during the maturing phase because it can slow down or even stop new growth from happening.

Establishing Your Lawn

The first step to having a beautiful lawn is to establish your lawn. This means removing any weeds, debris or rocks that might take up space. Once you have a clean slate, you can start thinking about grass type, soil type, and drainage.

Mowing and Maintenance

A beautiful lawn doesn't just happen. It takes time, effort and knowledge to achieve. Depending on your grass type, you should be mowing at different heights. For example, if you have Bermuda grass, you should mow it down to about 1 to 2 inches. If you have taller grasses like fescue, you can leave it a little longer at 3 to 4 inches. 

Watering and Aeration

One of the most important things you can do for your lawn is to water and aerate often. Watering helps your grass grow and stay healthy, while aeration helps to ensure that your soil is getting the oxygen it needs. You should water your lawn as often as necessary to keep the soil moist but not wet. If possible, try to do this in the morning when there's less chance of rain. You should also avoid watering on windy days because it can blow the water away from where it's needed. Aerating involves using an aerator or power rake to crush dead roots in the soil that suffocates any new growth.

Feeding Your Lawn

Like any other living thing, your lawn needs food to grow. The best way to ensure your lawn gets the nutrients it needs is to have it professionally tested and follow the recommendations for fertilization. Fertilizing your lawn is necessary to help it maintain its lush, green color. The best time to fertilize is in the spring and fall. Be sure to use a fertilizer designed for lawns. Apply the fertilizer evenly over the entire lawn. Water the grass after applying the fertilizer to help it absorb into the soil. This may seem like a lot of work, but it's worth it. Maintenance of your lawn will help keep it healthy so you can enjoy time outside with friends and family without worrying about an unruly yard.