A lawnmower that is full of old or bad gasoline is unlikely to perform properly. If gasoline is left in the lawnmower for too long, it can start to turn into a gooey varnish that will clog engine parts. To prevent gas from turning into varnish or otherwise going bad, it may be a good idea to use a fuel additive.

How Long Does Gasoline Last?

Generally speaking, gasoline will last for about 90 days after it leaves a gas station pump. Therefore, you generally don't have to worry about gas going bad during the spring and summer months when you'll likely be mowing your lawn every week or two. Even if you do have fuel that is a few weeks old currently sitting in your lawnmower, it may be possible to rejuvenate it by mixing it with newer fuel. 

Fuel Additives May Be Ideal When Winterizing Your Mower

There is a chance that you'll have some gas left in your mower's tank after you cut the grass for the final time in the fall. If you don't want to drain the tank before putting your lawn mower away for the winter, it may be worthwhile to add a fuel additive. Generally speaking, such a product may prevent gas from going bad for up to a year. This means that the fuel should still be good to use regardless of how long the winter season is in your area.

The Key Reason for Keeping the Fuel Tank Full

Draining the gas tank before when you won't be using it for long periods of time may seem like the easiest way to prevent damage to a lawnmower's engine. However, there is no guarantee that there won't be a small amount of fuel left in the tank even after it has been drained. Over time, condensation can collect in the tank and mix with the gas, which can cause it to go bad or otherwise harm your machine. By keeping the fuel tank filled at least halfway, you can prevent condensation from occurring. 

The Potential Drawbacks of Using Fuel Additives

While fuel additives can help preserve the gas in your lawnmower, they cannot prevent gas that is already bad from harming its engine. Furthermore, as fuel additives are made from many of the same substances that are in unleaded or diesel gasoline, they can cause environmental issues if not stored properly. Finally, if your mower's gas tank isn't sufficiently full, a fuel stabilizer will do little or nothing to prevent condensation from occurring. 

Following a regular lawn mower maintenance schedule helps to ensure that it will last for most or all of its useful life. In addition, a mower that is regularly maintained may cost less to own throughout that period. Ideally, you should consult the owner manual or contact the company that made your machine before adding anything to the gas tank or engine.

To achieve a beautiful lawn, you need to employ basic lawn care practices. Mowing, watering, and fertilizing are some of the essential exercises. It is essential to ensure that nutrients reach the soil beneath the lawn. To maintain a healthy lawn, aeration is the best practice. Through aeration, air and water will penetrate through the grass to the soil. 

Aeration involves perforation of the soil allowing air, water, and nutrients to reach the grassroots. The roots will grow deep and produce a vigorous lawn. Soil aeration alleviates soil compaction. Compacted soil prevents the circulation of water, air, and minerals.

Signs You Need to Aerate

Patches of bare soil are an indication of poorly aerated soils. Additionally, areas where grass grows poorly means the soil is compacted and needs aeration. Your lawn grass may grow poorly as a result of a disease, insect, or nematodes. However, compacted soil often stresses the lawn grass. As a result, the grass will appear brown or thinned since water and fertilizer cannot reach the roots.

Compacted soils also affect soil microorganisms. When the soil is poorly aerated, oxygen levels in the soil cannot support earthworms and other organisms that decompose litter. When you notice an increase in the layers of bedding, the ground may be compacted and needs aeration.

Benefits of Aerating Your Lawn

Aeration opens the soil up for air, water, and nutrient uptake. The openings allow air to penetrate better and water to move between the soil particles. The plant roots also get a chance to stretch and grow. Your lawn will, in return, become dense and vigorous.

Over time, adequately aerated lawns become less susceptible to diseases. Thatch buildup also reduces. The process can also solve some thatch problems in your yard. Aeration also reduces water runoff since most water is absorbed through the soil. Your turf also becomes more tolerant of heat and drought.

How Frequently to Aerate the Soil

Soil aeration needs to be done early enough during fall. Once done early, the turf will have enough time to prepare for winter dormancy. Aeration should be done at least once per year. For lawns with heavy foot traffic or soils with high clay content, aeration should be done biannually. 

How to Avoid Damaging the Lawn When Aerating Soil

Core aerators are used to aerate soils. To avoid damaging the soils, aerate the lawn when the soil is moist. Avoid aerating the soils when they are either dry or moist. Create 20 to 40 holes per square foot. The holes should be 3 inches long and 3/4 inches wide. Several passes are required to create the proper number of holes. Avoid using spike-type devices since they will compact the soil more. Wait for a year to aerate newly planted grass.

Aeration is beneficial in achieving a beautiful lawn. Most people, however, do not realize its importance. If you have a lawn, make aeration an integral part of your lawn care. Let your lawn breathe again.