Collect leaves with your VIKING mower

Why bother raking or blowing leaves off the lawn when it's just as easy to run the mower over them. Collect them in the box and deposit them ready chopped and mixed with grass into the compost heap. Two jobs in one!

Moss management

Autumn is an ideal time to give your lawn some TLC as grass often perks up at this time of year, becoming green and lush. It's also important to prepare it for winter, so that it can weather the harsher conditions.
Begin by dealing with any moss that has made its way into your lawn. Applying a moss killer is a good start and it's a great idea to choose one combined with a fertiliser to tackle two jobs in one. Once the moss has blackened then it's time to scarify, the VIKING LB 540 Scarifier will make quick work of it. Once the moss is removed it's time to aerate the lawn to improve drainage and boost oxygen supplies into the soil. This is easy to achieve by simply pushing the tines of a garden fork into the lawn and wiggling them gently to create air channels. This should be repeated at regular intervals across your lawn, paying special attention to any high traffic areas where the grass is frequently trodden on. When it comes to mowing it's important to use a mower designed to lift the grass as it cuts and then collect the clippings, as autumn lawns are often damp. VIKING mowers are renowned for their excellent cut and collection in damper conditions. Once cut and clear, try and keep it this way, as fallen leaves smother and weaken grass, so whenever you get the opportunity, it's advisable to get outside and clear away any leaves that are cluttering your lawn.

Hibernate your mower

All it takes is 20 minutes to make sure your lawn mower is all wrapped up for the onset of winter. Make sure you remove the cap and lead from the spark plug before you start your winter maintenance. Clear away all the dried grass on top and around the engine casing with a brush and some water. For any maintenance to the underside of your mower, refer to your owner's manual for how to maintain and clean it. Check the blade of your mower for any signs of damage or wear – if it looks like it needs attention, then speak to your STIHL & VIKING dealer and book in your mower for a winter maintenance check. For petrol machines, they should be run to empty so that there is no fuel left in the engine or tank over the winter months.