A Few Tools for Basic Lawn Care

By: Rebecca Gardener

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.

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.

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.

You will find that your rake is one of the most basic lawn care tools on your list. It is useful for projects other than just piling leaves in fall. While it is important to use it for that of course. You don't want to have leaves left on the ground during winter as it can cause lawn grass to overheat or not get enough water. Areas that get accumulations of winter snow will have the problem of grass that will be compressed into thatch once the snow melts.

Blades will overlay one another, preventing air from reaching the soil efficiently. De-thatching can be done with a power tool, but a simple hand rake is also effective.

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.

Go out in early spring and stock up on your basic lawn care tools. By keeping them in tip top shape they will last for a life time of lawn projects. They will save you time and make your work easier. Easier that is than cutting with a scythe.

Article Source: http://www.retirementlivingarticledirectory.com

If you are a novice to yard work or gardening be sure you check out Rebecca Gardener's basic informational site on Lawn Care and other Gardening Topics for a novice and old gardeners alike.

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