When considering basic tools for lawn care, we should consider that it was just over a century ago grass was once cut with a hand scythe - if folks cut it at all. Lawn care was not an important chore back then. However, today you will find dozens of tools. The come in varieties that are hand held, use electricity or are gas powered. Each is considered vital if you want to keep your lawn green and in shape.
A lawnmower will fall in the category of your most basic lawn care tool to purchase. It’s strange that a living thing like grass should be cut on to remain healthy. I had a friend that was a professional gardener say ‘Grass likes to be cut’. So to that end a good lawnmower be needed to keep the grass happy. Since this will be among one of your more expensive items in our the tool kit, you will want to maintained it so that it will last a long time.
If you keep a regular schedule of having the blade sharpened, your spark plug cleaned and if it has one, you will need to get the air filter changed periodically. Just like your car, change the oil every season.
The best way to keep the lawn looking nice and neat is basically a matter that comes down to more than just mowing it. You will want to purchase an edger along with a trimmer. You will see two types in the store. One is and old-fashioned style two blade item that has a long handle. You will run the blade alongside your steps and other edges in order to keep the lawn trimmed.
The other type of trimmer uses a whirling device with a plastic string that spins out a few inches. This plastic then cuts off grass or other items you aim it at, so be careful of your trophy rose bushes. Gas powered are more expensive than electric. They tend to be lightweight and if found on sale, inexpensive You will need to replace the coil of plastic string every few months, but that is a minor expense.
A spreader or two should be on your list of basic lawn care tools. These are valuable for laying out compounds evenly. Items such as fertilizer, weed killer and other dry plant foods and seeds. This will assist you with keeping a weed free lawn that is both healthy and looks good. One is along the lines of a small lawnmower sans blade. It is really just a tub on wheels that has small holes in the bottom along with a roller device that aides in spreading the desired materials. It is easy to use and low maintenance.
A different style of spreader is a small hand-held piece. It is normally plastic and you dispense your compounds using a rotary handle. These are great for broadcasting grass seed and for repairing small bald lawn areas. You can use it to distribute other dry ingredients such as fertilizer beads and the like.
A rake is one of your most basic lawn care tools. It is handy for more than just piling up leaves in the late fall. Though it’s important to use for that. Leaves left on the ground can cause grass to overheat or get too little water. In areas that get winter snow, at the end of the season the grass will be compressed into thatch.
Blades will overlay one another, preventing air from reaching the soil efficiently. De-thatching can be done with a power tool, but a simple hand rake is also effective.
A long fork or narrow blade, long-handled shovel spade is great for spot removal of weeds. The larger square or rounded shovel will also be needed though for post hole-digging, transferring soil and plants and a dozen other tasks around the yard.
Go out in early spring and stock up on your basic lawn care tools. By keeping them in tip top shape they will last for a life time of lawn projects. They will save you time and make your work easier. Easier that is than cutting with a scythe.