Tools for Basic Lawn Care
When we speak about basic tools for lawn care, we should realize that it’s only been just over a hundred fifty years since grass was cut with a hand scythe - if it was cut at all. That was about the extent of lawn care then. Now, there are a dozen tools - some hand, some power, that are considered essential for keeping that green carpet in shape.
Your most basic lawn care tool would be the lawnmower. Look at cutting your lawn along the same lines as cutting your hair. It needs to be cut to stay healthy and look good, at least to domesticated society at any rate. d So you can either call in a pro or you can do it your self with the help of a good lawnmower.While it will be one of your largest yard care investments, if it is properly maintained, it will last a long, 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.
Keeping the lawn neat is almost always a matter that can’t be completely carried out just by mowing, though. A trimmer or edger is needed. The two basic types are the old-fashioned two blade model with a long handle. Running the blade alongside patio bricks, steps and other edges keeps the lawn trim and looking good.
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.
Next on your list of basic lawn care tools is a spreader. It is important so that you can evenly lay down your weed killer, fertilizer, or other spreadable compounds that assist you with keeping your lawn weed free. One type of spreader looks like miniature lawnmower but without the blade. It is more like a tub that has some small holes along with a roller that will spread the material. You can adjust them for use for a variety of compound applications.
A different style of spreader is a small hand-held piece. It is normally plastic and you dispense your compounds using a rotary handle. These are great for broadcasting grass seed and for repairing small bald lawn areas. You can use it to distribute other dry ingredients such as fertilizer beads and the like.
A rake is one of your most basic lawn care tools. It is handy for more than just piling up leaves in the late fall. Though it’s important to use for that. Leaves left on the ground can cause grass to overheat or get too little water. In areas that get winter snow, at the end of the season the grass will be compressed into thatch.
Thatching means that your grass blades are overlaying each other and stifling the air flow from reaching the soil correctly. You will want to de-thatch the lawn by either using a power tool or your trusty low tech hand rake.
A long fork or narrow blade, long-handled shovel spade is great for spot removal of weeds. The larger square or rounded shovel will also be needed though for post hole-digging, transferring soil and plants and a dozen other tasks around the yard.
If you are smart and stock up on the basic lawn care tools and you work to keep them in good shape than your lawn care chores will be easier to get done. At least easier than your great grand dad had it using his scythe.
Great pointers and information about Yard Care Tips and Gardening can be found at Rebecca Gardener’s site.