Make Sure You Have the Right Yard Tools for Fall

It's only a matter of days before condensation and then frost nips the tips of the landscape in the morning — when summer fades away and Friday night lights shine. When you really think of it, what's your favorite part of fall?

If you're more interested in looking at the beautiful fall leaves than cleaning them up (and let's be honest, who isn't?), now might be the time to get out the leaf blower and make sure it's up for another season — and purchase a new one if it isn't.

Art White of White's Farm Supply jokes that he tells customers to lower their mower deck in the fall so they blow all the leaves over to the neighbors' yards. But on a more serious note, he has a few equipment tips for fall to share with our listeners:

1) Check on the condition of your chain saw, in case you need it in the coming months to clean up debris left from a big storm. You might not need it this winter, but if you do, you'll be happy it starts on the first try.

2) If you are looking to replace a leaf blower, the finest are made by STIHL. As Art White says, lawn equipment is kind of like kitchen tools: Sometimes you buy something that's only durable enough to last for three or four uses but if you are willing to pay a little more, you could get something that will outlast you! Art places STIHL leaf blowers in that second category.

3) Consider purchasing a set that offers several attachments for one motor, such as the STIHL KombiSystem. Many families just use trimmers or leaf blowers once or twice a year, so they're vulnerable to the fuel going bad while the machine sits in storage. With the KombiSystem, you can swap trimmers for a chain saw, edger or other optional attachment. Buying additional attachments is cheaper than buying more equipment, the motor benefits from more regular use and you have a little more space in your garage.

4) Think ahead to snow removal. Go ahead and get your snowblower prepped for the season, so you're ready for that first foot of snow that inevitably will fall in October. Of course, if you'd rather leave the service work to the pros, you can give White's Farm Supply a call!

They have five locations where you can have your mower serviced, and if you don't have the equipment to deliver it to them, they have a fleet of vehicles that can pick it up for you.