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.

A lawnmower is the most basic lawn care tool to consider. It’s odd to think of a living organism as needing to be sliced to stay healthy, but as a professional gardener acquaintance once said ‘Grass likes to be cut’. To accomplish that, a good lawnmower is a necessity. Though among the more expensive items in the tool set, if maintained well it will last forever.

Keep the blade sharp, the spark plug clean and (if it has one) the air filter changed. Change the oil as you would on a car, every season.

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.

On your list of basic lawn care tools should be a spreader or two is vital for evenly laying out fertilizer, weed killer and other compounds that help keep the lawn weed free, healthy and looking great. One sort is like a small lawnmower with no blade, just a tub with small holes and a roller that dispense material. Easy to use and long-lasting, they’re adjustable for a variety of 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.

One of the most basic lawn care tools will be your rake. It is handy for many projects not just raking leaves in the fall. You want to rake your leaves because if they are left on the ground they will cause your grass to overheat and prohibit moisture from getting to the blades, as well as blocking out the sunshine. If you live in an area that gets substantial winter snow than at the end of winter you will need to do some power raking as the grass will be thatched and bound up.

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.

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.

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