Not all of us are blessed with a lot of backyard storage. Perhaps you can't afford to build a shed, or your HOA won't allow one, but in the end you're left with a lawnmower and nowhere to keep it.
This has led many to wonder if they can just leave their mower outside. I've found that you can, but I don't recommend it.
As a longstanding lawnmower tester and an expert in the best lawnmowers, this is everything you need to know about storing a lawnmower outside.
Can I store my lawnmower outside?
You can store a riding lawnmower outside, but I don't recommend it. Large riding mowers are pretty robust, so you can leave them outside without doing too much damage. It's not that much different from a car being in the rain. However, unlike a car, the seat on your riding mower is exposed. If you store a riding mower outside long-term, the seat will likely be ruined by the weather. Rain will make it soggy and moldy and it will bleach and crack under direct sunlight. However, your mower should still run.
Push mowers are a different scenario. Gas mowers would probably be fine for a couple of days, but if rainwater gets into the spark plug you'll have a tedious few hours drying out the spark plug before you can mow again. However, electric mowers - both corded and cordless - must not be left outside. Water damage can break these mowers beyond repair.
Where can I store my lawnmower if I don't have a shed or a garage?
With this in mind, you can store your riding mower outside, if you have the space. It's not rocket science; you just need to find a quiet corner of the yard where kids aren't likely to find interfere with it, and then cover it with a heavy-duty tarp. You don't need to spend much; a cheap heavy-duty tarp like this from Amazon will do the job. You can also find dedicated lawnmower covers like this on Amazon.
However, gardening expert Thom Rutter told me that there are a couple of big drawbacks to this method. 'A big, warm, stationary object like a riding mower is the perfect haven for bugs and rodents. By itself, this is a little gross, and you won't want to clear out an infestation every time you mow. However, if mice nest in the engine, it can gum up your mower and be time-consuming or even costly to fix.'
Another issue is security. If you live way out in the country, security isn't a problem. For most of us, however, there's the risk that your mower will be stolen.
Can I store my mower in my basement?
It's probably impossible for a riding mower, but a push mower can be stored in a basement. You can do this with electric and reel mowers without any issues. However, a gas mower can be dangerous, because the gasoline in the tank is a fire issue. It can also leak fumes into your home, which is very bad for your health.
Are there HOA rules about where I can store my mower?
HOAs can't dictate where you store a mower, but unfortunately, they can dictate whether or not you can build a shed, so check the regulations about the types of structure you can build in your yard. If you aren't allowed to build a full-size shed, it could be buying a small plastic shed instead.
The other consideration is that some HOAs also have rules about fuel storage, so if your mower runs on gasoline you need to learn the regulations. There can also be local or state laws about fuel storage, so it pays off to learn these, too.
For something cheap and impermanent, this little carport should tide you over until you build a more secure shed.
This is a classic mini storage shed. There's space for your mower in the bottom and room for lots of other tools and equipment above.
If you need something more robust than plastic, this metal lean-to is perfect for a tractor mower.
Lawnmower storage FAQs
Can you store a lawnmower on its side?
You can store electric lawnmowers on their side. However, you cannot store gas lawnmowers on their side. This is because because engine oil and gasoline can leak into the filter and other parts of the engine, causing hydrolocking which will stop your mower from working.
Where should I store my lawnmower battery?
Store lawnmower batteries indoors; a garage is the best place, but you can store it near any other outlet in the home.
For more information on mowing, take a look at my deep dive into the debate between zero-turn vs tractor mowers, or our expert advice on how to lay turf, and the best fertilizer for grass in spring.
