Essential End-of-Summer Checklist for Your Vermont Lawn & Equipment

As summer winds down in Vermont, the mornings get cooler, the evenings come quicker, and you start to see a few bright leaves sneaking into the trees. It’s a natural reminder that fall is on its way. This is also the perfect time to step back and give both your yard and your outdoor power equipment a little attention. Following an end-of-summer lawn and equipment checklist will keep your grass healthy heading into fall and protect your machines before winter sets in.

Why an End-of-Summer Checklist Matters

It’s tempting to just keep mowing and trimming until everything slows down, but skipping maintenance now almost always catches up with you later. Your lawn benefits from a little prep before cooler weather sets in, and your mower, trimmer, and other equipment need to be cleaned, serviced, and stored properly. A bit of effort now prevents mid-season breakdowns, avoids spring headaches, and helps everything run the way it should when you need it again.

Step 1: Prepare Your Lawn for Fall

A healthy fall lawn starts with how you treat it at the end of summer. If you take the time to prepare your lawn for fall, you’ll set yourself up for stronger growth and fewer weeds come spring.

• Keep mowing: Don’t pack the mower away too soon. Keep mowing until growth slows, lowering your cutting height slightly toward the end of the season.
• ​Aerate if needed: Compacted soil makes it hard for water and nutrients to reach the roots. Aerating now gives your lawn a big boost.
• Fertilize carefully: A fall feeding helps grass store energy and bounce back after winter.
• Overseed bare patches: Filling in thin spots now means fewer weeds to fight in the spring.

Step 2: Care for and Store Summer Equipment

Your mower, trimmer, and blower have worked hard all season. Before tucking them away, take time to store summer equipment properly so it’s protected during the off-season.

• Clean thoroughly: Grass, dirt, and debris left behind can cause rust and clog filters.
• Stabilize or empty fuel: Old fuel is the biggest cause of carburetor problems. Use stabilizer or drain tanks before storage.
• Change oil and filters: Fresh oil keeps internal parts protected during downtime.
• Sharpen and store blades: Put your blades away sharp so they’re ready to go come spring.

Step 3: Don’t Skip Small Engine Maintenance

Every mower, trimmer, and blower runs on a small engine, and those engines need regular care. A little small engine maintenance in the fall goes a long way toward preventing hard starts and costly repairs later.

• Check spark plugs: Replacing worn plugs makes for an easier start in the spring.
• Inspect air filters: A clean filter keeps dirt and dust out of your engine.
• Lubricate moving parts: A quick coat of lubricant helps prevent rust over winter.
• Schedule service if needed: A tune-up now means no waiting in line when everyone rushes for spring service.

Step 4: Don’t Forget Fall-Ready Tools

As summer tools get stored, it’s smart to think ahead to what’s coming next. Test your leaf blower, inspect your rakes and wheelbarrow, and if you have a snow blower, schedule a pre-season check so you’re ready for the first storm.

End-of-Summer Lawn and Equipment Checklist: The Takeaway

Wrapping up the season with the right prep isn’t just about keeping things neat—it’s about protecting your investment. Following an end-of-summer lawn and equipment checklist helps your grass stay healthy through the fall and makes sure your equipment is ready when you need it.
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At Exit 18 Equipment, we’re here to make that easier. Whether you need seed and fertilizer, parts for your mower, or a tune-up on your blower, we’ll help you finish the season strong and head into fall with confidence.