Lawn and Garden Tools You Can't Live Without

A couple of centuries ago, the only way to cut grass was with a scythe. And most people didn't see the need to cut the grass back then. Landscaping has progressed considerably since that time. There are more kinds of lawn and garden tools than you can count that are considered critical for maintaining a luxurious landscape.

If you have a lawn, you unquestionably need a lawnmower. It's a strange concept that your lawn has to be ruthlessly chopped off in order to thrive; nevertheless, that's the way it is. This piece of equipment will probably be the most costly thing you buy in order to maintain your lawn. But if you tend to it well, it will provide you with many years of good service.

Unfortunately, a lawnmower alone won't keep your yard trim. A lawn trimmer is required for those awkward spaces. One option is the standard clippers that resemble oversized scissors, which are also used as hedge trimmers. Or you can purchase an electric trimmer which utilizes a piece of plastic string to mow down stray clumps of grass. The string spins at ultra high speeds and is very powerful, so be careful when using it.

A spreader is also an invaluable tool to have around. These will help you to evenly distribute things like grass seed, weed killer and fertilizer that will keep your lawn looking its best. You can purchase a spreader in a push style with small holes and a mechanism that releases the contents as you go. Alternatively, you can get a hand held unit. This is most often a boxy plastic cup that, when you turn its handle, empties its contents onto the lawn below. They're more suitable for applying products to small areas.

You'll also need a rake in order to scoop up all the leaves on the ground in the fall. If left untouched, the leaves will almost certainly do harm to your lawn during the winter months. In the springtime, as the snow starts to melt, your grass will be suffocated and dehydrated by this covering of leaves.

You will discover that even though you carefully raked your leaves last fall, the grass has still become compressed throughout the winter. This thatching effect will prevent oxygen and other essential nutrients from working their way into the soil. Your rake will come in handy once again to straighten up your lawn.

It's practically impossible to tend to your yard without a shovel. A shovel with a narrow head is good for attacking clumps of weeds. Larger square or rounded shovels will also be required if you're digging up plants, moving around soil and for any number of other jobs.

Buy the best equipment you can afford and maintain it well. This will make your lawn care much more enjoyable. You'll also be the envy of your neighbors.