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 is the most basic lawn care tool to consider. It’s odd to think of a living organism as needing to be sliced to stay healthy, but as a professional gardener acquaintance once said ‘Grass likes to be cut’. To accomplish that, a good lawnmower is a necessity. Though among the more expensive items in the tool set, if maintained well it will last forever.
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.
You will find that your rake is one of the most basic lawn care tools on your list. It is useful for projects other than just piling leaves in fall. While it is important to use it for that of course. You don’t want to have leaves left on the ground during winter as it can cause lawn grass to overheat or not get enough water. Areas that get accumulations of winter snow will have the problem of grass that will be compressed into thatch once the snow melts.
This means that your grass blades are overlaying one another as on a thatched roof. This will prevent air circulation needed to keep the lawn healthy. So it is helpful to de-thatch the lawn using a special power tool, but really, if you have the back for it than your rake will work fine.
One final basic tool for your use is a narrow bladed or long forked shovel spade with a long handle. This is great for removing weeds in small areas. You will also benefit from having a larger shovel, either rounded or square, your choice. It can be used for digging post holes, moving soil around plants and a whole lot of other tasks you can think of as other landscaping ideas pop into your head.
Stock up on your basic lawn care tools, keep them in good shape and all your lawn care jobs will be easier. Well, easier than cutting with a scythe, that’s for sure.
