Lawn Care Tools: 15 Essentials for New Homeowners
Let's cut (or prune) to the chase
Your outdoor space is an extension of your home and plays a leading role in curb appeal. With the right care and tools, you can have a beautiful lawn that’ll be the envy of your block. Here's the ultimate list of lawn care tools and equipment to keep your yard and landscaping lush, clean, and looking professional.
1. Lawn Mower
Most grass requires mowing once or twice a week during peak growth season. Push mowers work best for lawns that are a 1/2 acre or smaller, since they're easy to maneuver and store on your property. Riding lawn mowers are convenient for lawns larger than a 1/2 acre, but you’ll need a spot to store it.
Lawn mowers cost anywhere from $80 to $3,200 on average, but prices can go all the way up to $17,000 for high-end riding mowers. Push mowers can be gas, electric, or manual-powered, such as reel mowers. Riding mowers can be gas or electric, with electric being more environmentally friendly but also more expensive.
Bag your grass clippings to prevent lawn thatch or add them to your compost. You can also mulch your clippings (a feature of some mowers) and leave them where they fall to provide extra nutrients for your lawn.
2. String Trimmer
String trimmers, also called weed wackers, whip a nylon string at a high speed to cut grass in areas where your lawnmower can't reach. Use your string trimmer near garden beds, fences, or around a tree or swing set.
Choose a battery-operated string trimmer for a convenient option that doesn't require a cord or gas. Opt for a combination string trimmer that can edge to avoid adding another tool to your shed.
3. Edger
Edge your lawn along your driveway, sidewalks, and garden beds for crisp lines and a refined look. Edgers have a metal blade that trims the edges of your lawn, making it easy to handle without a lot of skill or effort.
Edgers aren't necessary but can give your lawn a more professional finish, especially if you have a long driveway or sidewalk. You can edge with a string trimmer, but it takes more precision and practice.
4. Leaf Blower
A power blower quickly clears debris, leaves, and grass clippings off your patio, deck, garden beds, driveway, and sidewalk. Whether it’s electric, battery, or gas-operated, a power blower speeds up your chore time and can boost the cleanliness of your property.
Some blowers offer a reverse option, serving as vacuums to suck up leaves and debris, collecting them in a bag.
If a leaf blower is out of your lawn care tool budget or you just have a small area to clear, a rake and broom will do the trick.
5. Lawn Spreader
A spreader is a push tool that helps distribute grass seed, lawn fertilizer, herbicide, or pesticides across your lawn. You'll likely use it once or twice a year, so it’s not a necessity, but can improve the health and appearance of your lawn.
There are many types of spreaders: broadcast spreaders, drop spreaders, hand-held spreaders, tow-behind spreaders, and crank-operated spreaders. Choose your model based on the size of your lawn and the maintenance you’ll do yourself. If you live in a snowy climate, you can also use your spreader to melt ice.
6. Leaf Rake
A leaf rake is a lightweight rake with wide fans that collect leaves while not damaging the grass. Removing leaves from your yard prevents your grass from being smothered, which can inhibit growth or lead to snow mold diseases. You can also use your leaf rake to dethatch your lawn, although a dethatching rake is the best tool for that job.
7. Soil Rake
A soil rake is great for flattening out the dirt in your garden or spreading mulch across your landscaping. Soil rakes are firmer and sturdier than leaf rakes, and come in handy for a variety of lawn care tasks.
8. Sprinkler
An adequately watered lawn stays beautiful and lush all season long. Choose a type of sprinkler that suits your lawn size and grass variety. You can choose hose-end sprinklers that are oscillating or pulsating. Or install an in-ground sprinkler to ensure the most efficient watering schedule.
9. Hose
You’ll need a hose for a sprinkler or nozzle attachment. Whether you’re watering the lawn or your landscape shrubbery, a hose is an essential lawn care tool for thriving plants and greenery.
10. Long-Handled Spade Shovel
Whether you’re moving a landscape shrub, digging a hole for a tree, or removing a large weed, a long-handled spade shovel makes the task relatively easy.
11. Hand Shovel
A small shovel comes in pretty handy (we had to!). A simple hand shovel is a must-have lawn tool for digging up small weeds, creating holes for your tomato seeds, or planting flowers.
12. Double Hoe
Loosen soil or dig out large weeds with a double-hand hoe. If you have a garden or landscaping beds, a double hoe will be a welcomed friend.
13. Hand Pruner
A small set of pruning shears allows you to trim and shape your bushes, shrubs, and flowers. Consider the size of your branches and bushes to select pruners that work across the greenery in your yard.
14. Loppers
If you have trees or vines that overhang your yard, patio, porch, fence, or driveway, loppers can keep growth under control. They’re basically the big brother of pruning shears. Well-maintained trees ensure your home and deck are protected, while also keeping your property looking trim and tidy.
15. Garden Gloves
Protect your hands from dirt, fertilizer, and general wear and tear with a heavy-duty pair of garden gloves.
If lawn care isn’t your strong suit or you’d rather not give up your Saturday mornings, consider a local lawn service. They’ll keep your property green and healthy, giving you the lushest spot to relax.