Lawn Maintenance sometimes plays second fiddle to a home’s maintenance and repair. However, a healthy lawn can make a significant impact on your home’s aesthetics as well as on your neighborhood’s overall look and feel.
Maintaining your lawn doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you are a new homeowner or an experienced one, take the time to arm yourself with the necessary tools for lawn maintenance. It won’t just make you more efficient, but also easier to accomplish.
You’ll find many tools on the market, but to get started, consider having the following in your shed.
1. Lawn Mower
Source: ShutterstockThe most obvious tool you’ll need to maintain your lawn is a lawnmower. Fortunately, there are various ones to choose from. Since it is a higher expense item, take the time to consider what type you really need for your particular lawn.
Consider the size of your lawn, its landscape, and how often you’ll need to move it. These factors could help you find a mower that matches your needs.
Power types include gas-powered, electric, battery, and reel. Do you have a small yard where a push lawn mower will do, or is it large enough to consider purchasing a riding lawn mower? Whichever you choose, buy the highest quality you can afford for long-lasting usability.
Also, be sure to set aside time to maintain your mower. This way, it’s always ready when you need it. Keeping your lawnmower in top shape includes sharpening its blades and changing the oil. Depending on how old your lawnmower is or how often you use it, you may also need to replace its spark plugs.
2. String Trimmer
Source: ShutterstockEveryone has those hard to reach spots in their yard, including around the base of any trees. This is where a string trimmer comes in handy. There are also several areas you can use your trimmer as an edger, such as along the driveway, sidewalk, and flower garden.
While electric versions are available, cordless battery-powered or gas-powered is best for the most flexibility and movability.
When possible, have a couple of battery packs, so you always have one charged up to start with or finish up a job already started.
3. A Pair of Rakes
Source: ShutterstockNo other hand tool comes in handier than a rake. For your lawn maintenance, invest in a pair, including a lawn rake and a leaf rake.
A lawn rake is of a sturdier make and can pull weeds, moss, and even dead grass, all deterrents to a healthy lawn, out without destroying your grass.
Leaf rakes come with longer tines, which are more flexible than soil or garden rakes. This flexibility allows you to gather up leaves and debris faster and easier.
If you don’t have a wheelbarrow to move debris from your yard, rake the leaves or other debris onto a tarp or old sheet or blanket. Then, pull the tarp to wherever you wish to deposit them.
You can also use the rake for other purposes, such as spreading mulch.
While these are relatively inexpensive, be sure to choose ones with high quality handles to avoid breakage.
4. Spreader or Fertilizer Cart
To maintain your lawn, you may need to add grass seed or fertilizer occasionally. The best way to do this is with a spreader or simple fertilizer cart. These small, wheeled carts distribute the fertilizer and grass seed more evenly than you can by hand. It helps avoid overgrowth in some areas and bare patches in others.
For fertilizer disbursement, be sure to apply it sparingly. There are also other types of spreaders you can use specifically to distribute nutrients to your lawn. You’ll also find ones that help eradicate weeds and moss.
If you’re up for a more multi-use tool, consider adding one that can serve as a spreader, aerator, and edger.
5. Hose and Watering System
Source: ShutterstockIt’s no secret that water is required for grass to grow and maintain its beauty. For this, you’ll need to purchase top quality hoses and sprinklers.
If you’re doing the watering on your own, you’ll need to consider the best spray nozzle attachments for your hose. Also, make sure you purchase a hose long enough to reach all areas of your lawn. You’ll want one that recoils easily for convenient storage as well.
For medium to large size lawns, consider adding sprinklers. These can be attached to your hose for a rotating spray. You may even want to install a full sprinkler system if your lawn is larger.
Research on the best time to water your lawn and how often you need to. In most instances, you’ll need to water your lawn once or twice per week if rain isn’t in the forecast.
6. Yard Spade or Shovel
Source: ShutterstockDesignate a spade or shovel specifically for lawn maintenance use. This versatile tool may be used for various tasks, such as when planting or moving trees, shrubs, hedges, or other plants. It can help you dig up weeds, edge along the sidewalk, and replace sod. Be sure to invest in one with a strong handle.
As you go along, you’ll undoubtedly find additional tools to add to your lawn maintenance arsenal. These may be for particular issues you have or to ease the process of a specific task. However, you will never go wrong starting with these six lawn maintenance tools.
