Eco-friendly landscapes bring to mind organic practices and water conservation, but they also require something less commonly thought about: proper maintenance of lawn-care equipment.

Gas engines on lawn mowers create air emissions, and if a homeowner isn't prepared to trade in a gas mower for an electric or reel model, the best way to "green" a mower is to keep its fuel efficiency at peak level with an annual tune-up. Such service typically includes blade sharpening, changing filters and plugs, replacing the oil and inspecting various parts of the engine.

"Sharpened blades cut with more efficiency than dull ones," says McKinney John Deere store manager Michael McGill. "Moisture buildup in fuel systems also creates efficiency problems."

Erin Covert

JOHN DEERE

The company offers a Ready-to-Mow service in which the maintenance technicians come to the homeowner. Using tools and materials from their mobile workshop, they provide a 14-point mower inspection and maintenance package. Cost depends on the size of mower and the level of repair needed. A typical tune-up for a gas-powered, walk-behind mower is around $200, including parts and labor. See www.readytomow.com to schedule online, or call one of John Deere's Dallas-area locations.

TOWN EAST LAWNMOWER

Owner Joseph Johnson tunes up mowers at his workshop and guarantees the work for an entire summer mowing season. Pickup and delivery of riding mowers is offered for a fee. A standard walk-behind mower tune-up costs $59.95 plus parts; with parts included, the average cost is around $90. Cash only. 2157 Gus Thomasson Road, Mesquite; 972-698-7444

PLANO POWER EQUIPMENT

Owner Glen Whitt says that keeping a mower's air filter clean is the best way to reduce emissions. Air-filter replacement is among the services he offers as part of a general mower service package. A tune-up costs $42.95 plus parts and tax, with a typical walk-behind mower service costing $50 to $80. Pickup and delivery of equipment is available within a 20-mile radius for $30. 1414 N. Central Expressway, Plano; 972-423-5220

ED'S LAWN EQUIPMENT

Two tune-up options are available, depending on if the customer is having difficulty starting the mower. Owner Joel Thorman says a full tune-up includes a carburetor overhaul, which often is the problem with mowers that won't start easily. Otherwise, a preventive maintenance package is sufficient. The full tune-up is $89.95 plus parts, and the maintenance package is $52.95 plus parts. 15307 Midway Road, Addison; 972-386-3999, www.edslawn.com