How To Store A Lawn Mower Without A Shed

When you hear the word "storage," a shed or garage is likely what comes to mind first. But what if you don't have that luxury? While it might be tempting to leave your lawn mower on the side of the house or in a corner of your backyard, that decision could end up costing you in the long run. The better solution is to set up a more quality storage system for your mower, like covering it with a tarp and keeping it off the ground, or even creating storage solution under a workbench to hide it from the elements. 

Lawn mowers are not designed to withstand constant exposure. Rain, sun, and snow can cause significant damage to the engine, metal parts, and even the plastic housing. Moisture is likely to rust the metal blades and frame, while UV rays from the sun can wear down tires and plastic parts, leading them to eventually become brittle and crack.

Beyond the weather, leaving a mower out in the open leaves it vulnerable to many other threats. Rodents and other small pests, for example, are known to chew through electrical wires and build nests in the engine's crevices. Not only are they likely to get hurt when you turn on your mower again, these issues can cause serious and pricey malfunctions to the machine. Proper storage is not just about keeping your yard looking tidy, it is about protecting a significant investment from preventable lawn mower damage and making sure it will keep running smoothly for you for years to come.

One of the most effective and affordable ways to store a lawn mower without a shed is by using a heavy-duty tarp. Begin by elevating your mower off the ground; place it on some bricks (or something similar) to prevent moisture from seeping up from the ground and causing rust to its undercarriage. This simple step creates a necessary air gap that helps keep the mower dry from below. Then, once it is elevated securely, you can place a heavy-duty tarp over the entire machine. You can opt to just secure a tarp around the base, but we recommend grabbing a larger tarp so you can cover everything.

After the mower is fully covered, take the time to secure the tarp properly. Use bungee cords to tightly fasten the tarp around the base of the mower, which will stop it from being blown away on windy days and keep pests out. And finally, place heavy stones or more bricks on the corners and edges of the tarp. This will weigh it down and ensure a snug fit, keeping your mower protected from wind, rain, and other potential threats. This easy method offers a fantastic defense against the issues that can haunt lawn mowers, and those who own them. Plus, it ensures the mower will stay safe and dry between mowing sessions and even over winter, since tarps are also great for helping to winterize patios and other areas.