April 24, 2014

A quick walk through any home improvement store is enough to confuse even the most avid gardener. With so many options, styles and brands to choose from, it can be challenging to know which tools are right for your lawn. Having this arsenal of basic tools at your disposal will tackle most backyard jobs with ease and keep your garden looking great.

iStock_000004772473XSmallRakes: Get to the Root of Garden Problems

Rakes are essential for so many jobs in the garden. For tight spaces and small debris, a shrub rake is crucial. Hard rakes are great for removing larger objects and tough roots from the ground. Impacted stones and dry soil are also easily broken down and removed with a hard rake. Another essential for every gardener is the fan rake. They feature a wide design and pliable prongs that make mulch and leaf-related projects and jobs a cinch.

Pruning Shears: A Must-Have Alternative to Scissors

Another must-have in the garden, pruning shears with sharp blades do the work that not even the best pair of scissors can tackle. When shopping for shears, it is best to choose a pair that is lightweight and compact. Ergonomic, soft-grip handles will prevent aches that commonly occur from repetitive motion in the garden, and blisters also occur less often with soft-handled shears.

Saws: More than Just a Powerful Tool

Hand saws serve a multitude of purposes in the garden and around the yard. A saw with a slightly curved blade is ideal for pruning woody plants, but it also works to remove limbs and cut down smaller trees in the yard. Bow saws work to remove undergrowth; folding saws are compact and lightweight for smaller jobs.

Hoses and Wands: A Gardener’s Best Friend

For a lush garden, an assortment of hoses and wands is essential. A great coil hose, retractable hose, winding hose storage keeper or small pocket hose will keep your landscapelawn hydrated and lush. Pair any hose of your choice with a watering wand. A huge time saver for the avid gardener, a watering wand with shut-off valve prevents you from having to go back and forth to the main spigot for water control and shut off.

Shovels: Essential for Maintenance and Upkeep

Shovels are one of the most important gardening maintenance tools. Shovels featuring jagged edges rip through roots and tough soil with ease. Compact shovels with narrow blades dig deep holes with very little effort. Snow shovels also serve a great multipurpose function in the backyard and garden. Once the weather warms, they are wonderful for spreading mulch and scooping away large amounts of debris or piles of leaves.

Whether you are a new homeowner, looking to update your existing arsenal of tools or new to the world of gardening, there are several tools every home needs to have to keep the yard looking perfectly groomed and well maintained all year. Having the right gardening tools at hand can mean the difference between a well-manicured garden and a neglected lawn.