10 Tools You Need To Maintain Your Backyard

To maintain your backyard, you need an assembly of tools to help you get the job done. You always have the option of either doing the maintenance yourself or hiring help, but why always hire help if you can do it?

Maintaining your backyard is an easy task you can easily do in your free time. You can check out creative garden design ideas to improve your outdoor space.  There are a lot of tools needed for maintenance, but we are going to list some essentials you must have at hand always. 

Here's our guide for essential outdoor tools:

1. Gloves 

Safety first. Before you start working on your backyard, it's recommended to wear gloves for protection against cuts, blisters, scrapes, etc. There's a lot to choose from when picking gloves, but it's best to go for gloves that fit correctly. Here are some tips to remember when making your choice:

• They shouldn't be too tight or too loose.
• Gloves should also not be too bulky.
• Leather gloves are good for avoiding blisters, but they’re not always breathable and waterproof.
• Gore-Tex is a breathable waterproof membrane that can keep water away from reaching your hands.
• Always remember to choose gloves that are fit and comfortable.

2. String trimmer

A string trimmer is an outdoor tool that is used for cutting grass and weeds in areas where the lawn mower can't reach. These can be areas along walkways, around trees and shrubs, and under decks. 

String trimmers help give your yard a uniform look. They come in either gasoline, electric, or battery-operated engines, and some models feature adjustable and spinning heads. Read more about string trimmer reviews and recommendations before you make your purchase.

3. Shovel

A shovel is another essential tool you need in your collection. These V-shaped tools are helpful when digging and scooping. Shovels are ideal for moving materials like soil and sand.

Shovels are all-round. They can adapt to many functions and uses. To work properly, they need to be sharpened regularly and cleaned after use to avoid wear and tear.

4. Spade

Don't confuse the shovel with the spade. They’re similar, but the shovel has a V-shape while spades have a straight and flat-squared blade and are often short-handed. Like shovels, spades can be used for digging, but they’re ideal for edging beds, lifting sod, and skimming weeds. Go for stainless steel blades because they’re strong and resistant to rust.

5. Hand trowel

A trowel is a small hand tool that can be used for various purposes. They can be used to dig, plant small plants, seedlings, and bulbs, or move material. Choose stainless steel trowels. They're durable and long-lasting.

Trowels are available in serrated on non-serrated forms. Pick one depending on what you’re going to use it for. Serrated trowels are good for cutting through, while non-serrated blades are good for digging. Some trowel models have markings that help you measure accurate depths when digging or excavating. 

6. Garden hoe

We couldn't forget to mention the hoe, they've been around for ages. The hoe can be used for many purposes, and the type of hoe you need depends on what you’re using it for. A hoe's primary purpose is for cultivating and weeding.

When dealing with delicate plants, it's recommended to use a thinner and lighter hoe. In vegetable gardens, a wide and flat hoe is good for maneuvering through while a weeding hoe should be an open square head.  Pick a hoe that is comfortable to use to prevent you from tiring easily when working. They should also be regularly sharpened and cleaned after use to ensure they last longer.

7. Rake

A rake is a multi-purpose tool that is normally used for spreading and gathering but can also be used for weeding and dressing mulch or soil. There are two types:

• Garden rakes are used for spreading and gathering material, smoothing out mulch, leveling the soil, and can also be used for breaking small lumps of soil.
• A leaf rake is a fan-shaped rake with flexible tines used for raking up fallen leaves, cleaning grass clippings, and gathering light debris.

Remember, lightweight aluminum rakes are easier to use than heavy rakes. To ensure safety, keep your rake hanged to the wall or facing down to prevent accidents.

8. Wheelbarrow

After some maintenance in your backyard, you need to move the unwanted items, and this is where the wheelbarrow comes in. Wheelbarrows make work easier by moving heavy loads easily. 

You’ll find both one-wheeled and two-wheeled wheelbarrows. They’re both great, but two-wheeled wheelbarrows are good for moving heavy and uneven loads because of their balance. Save yourself the trouble of flat tires by choosing pneumatic tires which won't go flat. They should also be cleaned after work and stored dry to prevent rust and increase their lifespans.

9. Watering hose.

A hose is essential for ensuring plants get water during the sunny season. They’re time and energy savers compared to watering cans. The hose can be long or short, depending on the size of your yard. 

Rubber and vinyl are the most used material for making hoses. Rubber is more expensive than vinyl, but they both get the job done. A thick hose with multiple layers of mesh can ensure durability and long life.  Thick hoses are also less likely to kink. Kinking usually damages hoses by making them break at the bends.

10. Sprinkler.

Water sprinklers will save you the trouble of having to water your yard personally. They can be connected to a water hose to sprinkle the yard with an automatic timer, which will help if you’re not always at home. 

Your yard size will determine what pressure, coverage, or sprinkling pattern of the sprinkler to be used. Sprinklers are also cheap and have many spray options. When buying sprinklers, pick sprinklers that will last long. Very cheap sprinklers may not last long, you can spend a little more and buy one that will last you longer.

Conclusion

These are some tools you should add to your arsenal if you don’t have them already. They’re easy to take care of and will save you trips to your neighbor for borrowing. Use these cleaning guide to keep your tools in their best state.