Yard work can feel like a never-ending battle of weed whacking, mowing, and taming wild hedges. That’s why having the right tools is a game changer. Although many people outsource their yard maintenance, if you prefer handling it all yourself, but would like to make it easier, try these six tools.
1. A zero-turn riding lawn mower
If you don’t already have a riding lawn mower, you’re missing out. This tool alone will transform the way you maintain your yard and you’ll wonder why you didn’t start using one sooner. But not all riding mowers are created equal. Zero-turn mowers offer several advantages compared to regular models, like speed and better maneuverability. You can also see better over the front, making it easier to cut with precision. Regular riding mowers aren’t bad, but if you’re serious about professional lawn care without having to hire it out, you need a zero-turn mower.
2. A robotic lawn mower
Owning a robotic mower can free you up from cumbersome weekly lawn maintenance. You just set it on a schedule and it will handle your grass. Since robot lawn mowers mow frequently, they help maintain optimal grass height and lawn health. If you have an HOA that requires your grass to stay under a certain height, this can save you a lot of headaches, provided the HOA allows you to let it run unattended.
Robotic lawn mowers are equipped with GPS, sensors that detect rain, and are confined to an area you determine by installing boundary wires. They’re a bit pricey up front and are better suited for small areas, but they eliminate a lot of hard work and give you more free time on the weekends.
3. Battery-powered tools
There are many cordless tools that can help with yard work where gas power isn’t required or when you don’t want to make so much noise. Here are the top cordless tools that will transform your yard work duties:
- Chainsaw. If you think your gas-powered chainsaw is more powerful than any battery-operated saw on the market, think again. Cordless chainsaws aren’t both convenient and powerful enough to rival gas models. For instance, if you need to cut up a fallen tree, a battery-powered chainsaw will do the trick, and you won’t have to bother with gas, oil, or the effort to get it started.
- Pruner. They’re like mini chainsaws for branches, even thick ones, and make pruning a breeze.
- Weed whackers. Battery-powered weed whackers aren’t as powerful as gas-powered trimmers, but they can get small jobs done quickly and easily. They don’t require extensive maintenance and are lighter to operate.
Even if you already have the gas equivalent, it can be convenient to have a cordless version, too.
4. A power tiller
Preparing soil for a vegetable garden or flower bed is back-breaking manual work without a power tiller. If you’re building a decent-sized garden of any kind, you need a tool that will turn tough soil and mix soil amendments fast. Some of the best models accept attachments, like aerators and furrowers, to make your job even easier.
5. A tractor
There are infinite uses for a tractor when you have a big yard to maintain. If a tree falls, you can use your tractor to push it out of the way until you can cut it up. With various attachments, you can dig holes, level or grade the dirt, take out blackberry bushes, remove stumps, and move heavy materials like fencing, gravel, and compost. If you have a particularly large area that needs to be fertilized or seeded, a tractor with a spreader attachment will work like a charm.
6. A pole saw
A pole saw is one of the most useful tools you could ever buy. They’re designed for trimming high branches and tall hedges without the need for a ladder. That makes them much safer than trying to climb up a tall ladder with some loppers or a chainsaw. They come in gas and electric options, but you can also get a pole saw attachment for your weed whacker.
Make your life easier with the right tools
Yard work tools are designed to make your life easier, whether you rely on a zero-turn mower, a tractor with attachments, or a battery-powered chainsaw. If you’re looking for ways to be more efficient, now is the perfect time to upgrade your lawn care tools. They’ll help you maintain a nice-looking yard and you’ll get your weekends back.