Lawn-Garden Tools

Please be advised that many links on the lawn-garden tools page open new windows.

As my ex used to say, "The right tool for the right job!" It always amazes me how easy a project can be if you’re using the right tools and equipment. The rights tools will make many of your backyard landscaping projects easy for the average Do-it-Yourselfer, barring a few projects that are best left for the pros.

Lawn-garden tools can range from loppers to chainsaws, from rotary tillers to excavators.

There is certain equipment that you should have on hand to handle routine jobs, and certain equipment that you're probably better off renting. This information should help you to determine which lawn-garden tools you should purchase, and which items should be rented.

Garden Planting Tools

Are there tools that everyone should have in their garage? Absolutely! There are numerous yard tools that I would recommend everyone have on hand to manage day to day tasks that come up. Shovels, rakes, gloves and other such items are landscaping and gardening necessities, and should always be available as needed. These items are needed for routine maintenance and seasonal projects such as weed control, bush/tree trimming, cleaning, planting, etc.

Lawn and Garden Power Tools

These tools represent items which may or may not be necessary for you to own depending on the needs of your yard and your lifestyle. Lawn and garden power tools are the heavy artillery of lawn-garden tools. These are items such as lawn mowers, lawn aerators, rotary tillers, chainsaws, etc. If you aerate your lawn once per year, for example, is it necessary that you own a lawn aerator? Probably not. You may be better off renting this type of equipment rather than worry about upkeep. There are items, such as chainsaws which you might find useful, but because of safety risks, it would be unwise for you to own. For example, my Dad is not allowed to own his own chainsaw (or borrow one from others, for that matter) due to his propensity for accidents - some of which include...falling off a ladder with a circular saw, falling down the basement stairs, going "belly up" on the ice...you get my point. :) He is allowed to own a sawzall, though, and this may be something you may want to consider. A sawzall can quickly slice through thicker branches, pipes, and tree root systems as needed. It’s also a LOT safer than a chainsaw!

Garden Equipment Rental

What items are available for rental, and is this a good option for you? Garden tools and equipment available for rent at local home improvement stores are usually quite rugged and well maintained....maintained by someone else, that is, which is a wonderful and beautiful thing. Look around your home. While there may be certain landscaping tools you would like to own, remember that with each tool comes the responsibility to maintain it in order to keep it in good operating condition. Tools that are used only periodically are best obtained through rental agreements.

Children Garden Tools

Don't forget about the little one in your life when it comes to lawn-garden tools! If you're planning on encouraging your child to spend more time outside and try their hand at gardening, or if you already have a child who LOVES to play in the dirt, why not explore the option of purchasing their own equipment? Children garden tools are as handy as the adult sized versions, but are sized specifically for little hands.

For some unsolicited advice on how to ensure Safety when working on landscaping projects, please refer to my Safety Link on the left.

Sears (opens new window) is one of my favorite places to purchase landscaping tools such as lawn mowers, snow throwers, edgers (which I try never to use!), or any other type of lawn-garden tools. I purchased my riding lawn mower from Sears 4 years ago, and it still works like a gem (even though I don't maintain it as well as I should). A couple of years later, I purchased a "bagging" attachment for the riding lawn mower which has really helped with my yard's leaf population. I then purchased my super heavy duty snow thrower from Sears, which later had a recall on one of the parts. Sears notified me, replaced the part for free, and gave the thrower a free oil change for my trouble! How about that!?

Northern Tool & Equipment, as the name implies, sells a wide variety of tools and equipment for your home landscaping projects. This company sells some of the most rugged equipment I've found for do-it-yourself landscapers. If it's bull dozers or tractors you're looking for, this is the place to shop!