Look at your yard.  If it’s like most people’s, the grass is still brown and matted down from the winter snows.  It seems right now that we will never have to mow again.

But without fail, by the middle of April, we will be mowing, and wondering how and why our lawns have grown so tall.  One reason for that might be that fertilizer treatment we had done last fall, or even this month.  Another is the plentiful dampness spring brings to our yards.

But before you just pull the rope and fire up your old faithful power mower, it would be a smart idea to take it over to Crescent Avenue Gardens for a little spring maintenance.

The small engine experts at Crescent Avenue will start by sharpening your blade. Not only is this better for your lawn, it helps reduce strain on your lawnmowers engine as well.

Next, they’ll change the oil.  Just like on your car, your lawn mower will last longer with fresh, clean oil.

If needed they will change the spark plug, and that will help reduce strain on your body by making your mower start faster, and run smoother, saving gas as well.

They’ll also remove any old gas left over from last fall.  Gasoline degrades over just a few months, and the stuff left in your mower can harm your engine.

Take good care of your mower, and it will take good care of you, but do it today. believe it or not, In about three weeks, you will be mowing your lawn.

“Please get the lawn mower serviced and be sure to have the blade sharpened,” write Denny McKeown and Thomas Smith in “Gardening in Ohio” (Cool Springs Press, $24.99). “By now, however, the dealer [you choose] may be overloaded with work, so [perhaps] you can do it yourself.”

Here are the DIY steps, write McKeown and Smith:

• Remove and discard the spark plug.

• Uncover the engine and clean off any accumulated gunk and grass clippings from the fan and engine parts.

• If the gas tank wasn’t emptied for winter storage, drain it now. Leave it empty while tipping over the mower to access the blade.

Do not pour gasoline down the drain, down the storm sewer or on the ground. Some auto service centers and auto parts stores accept automotive fluids. These include antifreeze, used oil, transmission fluid and power steering fluid. Be sure to call ahead.