Tools for Basic Lawn Care
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.
You will need to keep the blade sharp and inspect the spark plug to keep it clean. Check to see if it has and air filter as you will need to change that. Every year you should also change the oil just as you would in your car.
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 trimmer/edger style is an electric or gas powered spinning device. The head on the bottom whirls around a plastic string that sticks out a few inches. This string then cuts off grass and other plants that come within its range. While they are lightweight they can be a bit cumbersome if you are short. They are usually under $150, but you will find that the gas powered ones are more expensive than the electric plug in ones. They should last for years with not much maintenance. You will need to replace the plastic coil of string every few months depending on your use.
On your list of basic lawn care tools should be a spreader or two is vital for evenly laying out fertilizer, weed killer and other compounds that help keep the lawn weed free, healthy and looking great. One sort is like a small lawnmower with no blade, just a tub with small holes and a roller that dispense material. Easy to use and long-lasting, they’re adjustable for a variety of applications.
The second type of spreader is a hand-held unit, usually plastic with a rotary handle. They’re perfect for specialized applications of seed for patching small lawn areas, distributing dry fertilizer beads and so forth.
One of the most basic lawn care tools will be your rake. It is handy for many projects not just raking leaves in the fall. You want to rake your leaves because if they are left on the ground they will cause your grass to overheat and prohibit moisture from getting to the blades, as well as blocking out the sunshine. If you live in an area that gets substantial winter snow than at the end of winter you will need to do some power raking as the grass will be thatched and bound up.
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.
About the Author:
If you are new to landscaping or gardening be sure you review Rebecca Gardener’s basic informational site on Lawn Care and other Gardening Topics for new and old gardeners alike.
Tags: GardeningRelated posts