Landscaping is an excellent way to improve the look of your garden. You can create the outdoor space of your dreams by carefully planning your changes and getting the right tools. Here is a guide to what you’ll need when taking on a landscaping project.

Why Landscape?

If you don’t like to spend time outdoors or don’t have a space to work, it might seem like landscaping isn’t worth it. However, a well-kept garden can raise your home’s value by more than 70%. It also creates a lovely space to work with and provides new opportunities for relaxation.

A few changes can upgrade your garden.

Choosing the Right Tools and Equipment for your Landscaping Project

While you don’t need a landscape architect’s stash of equipment, having the right tools for your project is vital. You can consult with commercial or rental businesses if you need equipment that can quickly dig up large amounts of land or lay extensive quantities of cement. That way, you don’t have to store them permanently.

You could also ask friends and neighbours about borrowing some of their equipment. However, investing in your small pieces could be worth it. You never know when your next project will arise.

If you are planning on landscaping, there is equipment you can use to make the process much easier. However, choosing the incorrect tools could lead to frustration and a damaged garden. Here are 17 items for your next landscaping project and their uses.

1. Lawn Mower

Often one of the first pieces of garden equipment you own, a lawn mower helps keep grass and ground cover at an enjoyable level.

You can use gas and electric options to keep your garden tidy. Letting grass get too tall can make your lawn dangerous and give unwelcome wildlife a place to nest.

2. Grass Trimmer

Trimmers clean up the edges of your garden and remove weeds. If you want a clean border, a trimmer can help you achieve it.

Grass trimmers can get into areas mowers can’t and help you achieve more precise lines.  

3. Leaf Blower

Leaf blowers are powerful little machines that make clean-up a lot easier. They can remove trimmings from the street, walkways and patios to keep your garden in order.

While fun to operate, blowers are not a toy, and you should stay mindful of the airspeed and how far the air reaches.

4. Weed Puller

Pullers can keep your garden healthy by ripping out weeds without creating a large hole. They often look like a stick with a corkscrew on the end. Stick it through your weed and turn to damage the roots and extract it while you keep the surrounding ground intact.

5. Seed Spreader

A seed spreader allows you to distribute grass seed evenly through your garden. The tool can help create a thicker, more vibrant green space if you have bare patches.

Laying seed by hand is often time-consuming, and ensuring an even finish is hard, so spreaders are helpful tools to save time and energy.

6. Pruners

These clippers help you trim down tree branches and vines. They can prune shrubs and other permanent plants to help them continue to thrive. Pruners come in many sizes, allowing you to choose what you want to remove without harming the rest of the plant.

7. Rototiller

If you want to plant a sizable in-ground vegetable patch or flower garden, a rototiller can help. The machine loosens up the soil to prepare it for fertilisation and planting.

The machines help you refresh your soil and make it much easier to sow seeds.

8. Hoe

For smaller in-ground planting projects, hoes cultivate soil and remove weeds to prepare for planting. They are easy to manage and store and give you control over how loose or deep you make the area.

9. Soil Tester

Testers can help you know which plants will thrive in your garden. Your hard work could go to waste if the ground lacks the correct nutrients. Testing your soil before you plant allows you to add nutrients before you plant your seeds.

10. Rake

Rakes are an excellent tool for managing fallen leaves and other gardening tasks. They can help you gather trimmings, spread large amounts of seeds or even mulch.

Landscaping projects can get messy, but rakes are excellent at helping you clean up.

11. Shovel

Digging is a must for many landscaping projects. Shovels can help you dig deep enough for a plant’s root system to thrive or even out the ground before building a patio or deck.

They are relatively quick and easy to use, making them a go-to tool when a landscaper needs to remove a bulky object.

12. Cement Mixer

If you’re pouring a concrete walkway, patio or driveway, a small cement mixer can ensure it turns out smooth and even. It distributes materials evenly in the wet mixture, creating much less work when you pour it.

13. Saw

Saws are assets for cutting lumber or stone for your landscaping project. Large or manual saws can cut down trees and large branches while circular saws can shape wood and concrete. When cutting stone, it’s often helpful to do it when wet for an easier experience.

14. Nail Gun

A nail gun is often more efficient than a hammer, especially when assembling a sizable wooden project. It can secure planks together in no time. These guns have a lot of force, so getting plenty of practise before using them on your project is critical to staying safe and achieving your desired result.

15. Drill

Drills can make precise holes in surfaces to add or remove nails and other small materials. They can help you avoid damaging the surrounding surface while letting you create a sturdy surface or hang your favourite outdoor decor.

16. Sander

A freshly-made wooden patio or garden bed may look nice but rough edges can lead to splinters and other injuries. Sanders smooths out rough wood surfaces so you can enjoy your hard work.

Use it before you stain the wood to avoid damaging your project.

17. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Your safety should always be the first priority when completing any home project.Gloves, ear protection, helmets, safety goggles and work boots are some PPE items that can help you stay safe during landscaping projects.

If you are unfamiliar with a project, do plenty of research from trusted sources ahead of time to know how to best protect yourself.

Trending Landscaping Projects

Here are some trending projects to consider.

Patios

Patios are popular additions to many gardens. Laying stones together or creating a treated wood patio provides a solid surface to enjoy meals, play games or enjoy when the sun comes out. It is easier to maintain a concrete patio than a lawn, and many choose to add potted plants, flower beds or raised garden beds on a patio to add colour and life to the space.

For homes on a hill, many are choosing to create a two-storey patio to expand the usable space.

Water Features

Water can relax your mind and body, and having a water feature in your garden can help drown out the day’s stress and outside noise.

For smaller gardens, consider an elegant or fun fountain that fits your taste. Larger properties can enjoy a pond or pool for everyone to enjoy.

Flower Beds

Flowers and other greenery can help you connect with nature, mainly if you live in a city without much green space. More people are adding flower beds around their front walkway to beautify it. They are also popular on patios and balconies or as a border.

You can get creative with extra stones or cinder blocks to plant seasonal blooms. You can use deep flower beds to plant small trees, vines and sunflowers that can grow tall and provide more privacy. They are also great for small produce gardens.

Creating a Landscaping Project/Design for Your Garden

You don’t have to be a professional to make your garden look nice. You can create the garden of your dreams with some research and assistance. Trust your instincts and consult with the pros if needed. Landscaping can transform your home for the better.

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