The time to complete your lawn and garden battery maintenance is here. Even though the trees may be bare and there’s a chill in the air, spring is just around the corner. It’s almost time to bring out the lawn and garden equipment that has been sitting in storage. Taking care of the batteries that power these tools can ensure years of use that will make your outdoor space the envy of the neighborhood.

The most important rule to remember when maintaining your lawn and garden equipment is to keep the batteries clean and dry, and prevent corrosion during high-usage seasons. Later, when storing equipment for the winter, batteries should be disconnected and stored in a location that prevents freezing. Other tips to keep in mind:

• Charge your batteries regularly and never let them discharge completely.
• Use the charger that was designed for your battery. If the charger doesn’t shut off automatically, be sure to remove the power source as soon as a full charge is reached.
• Keep the battery terminals clean. Corrosion can be cleaned by using a wire brush and a solution of baking soda and water.
• Check the water levels on a regular basis, and if necessary, add enough distilled water to cover the plates completely.
• Loose connections cause a battery to work harder or to fail completely, so make sure the wires are connected tightly to your battery’s terminals.
• Even when storing your batteries in the off-season, do not allow them to fully discharge. If an inactive battery is allowed to discharge completely during the winter, it will not start again in the spring.
• When it comes to riding mowers specifically, those batteries can usually hold a charge for up to four weeks if the mower is not in use. The average life of a riding mower battery is three to five years, so if your battery is older than five years or if it no longer holds its charge, it might be time for a replacement.

Taking these simple steps should give your lawn and garden batteries a long, reliable life. A little maintenance and attention will help keep your yard blooming and green for years to come.