Having the right outdoor tools makes fall cleanup less of a chore and less of a challenge. Landscape and lawn care professionals know the tools of the trade and you should too. Here are the time-tested, tried and true essential yard cleanup tools to make your lawn look lush without a lot of fuss.
Leaf Blower
A leaf blower is a must-own, versatile, piece of outdoor lawn equipment. It’s a time-saver in the spring and summer for blowing off grass clippings on sidewalks and driveways. Excellent for leaf collecting and piling in the fall and for clearing light snow fall from cars, walkways and driveways in the winter.
Backpack versus handheld:
Backpack
- Heavyweight
- Can move large leaf piles quickly
- Ideal for larger yards
Handheld
- Lightweight
- Great for cleanup after hedge trimming
- Better suited for smaller yards and tight areas
- Most models can be converted into a shredder/vac combo
Additional Uses
- Cleaning gutters
- Removing light snowfall from walkways, driveways, and cars
- Clearing grass clippings
- Blowing pine needles
- Clearing debris from flowerbeds, walkways and pool decks
- Drying off your car after washing
- Most handheld blowers can be converted into a shredder/vac combo, which is ideal for fall leaf cleanup, because it can vacuum, mulch and bag leaves
Three Types
Gas
Gas blowers are powerful, portable, stronger and heavier than electric units. They also require more upkeep and are much noisier. If your lawn requires a blower to perform big jobs often, a gas model would be your smartest choice.
Battery powered
A battery-powered blower is less powerful than a gas unit, and often much lighter. Remember to keep a spare battery charged and ready, as operating time is limited. These are ideal for smaller, less frequent jobs.
Electric
Powerful, but lacks the convenience of gas- or battery-operated units. Requires long extension cords, which can be a hassle.
Reminders/Caution:
- Wear hearing protection
- Goggles are recommended to protect your eyes
- Keep kids and pets away from the area you’re blowing/clearing
Bottom Line: Leaf blowers are incredibly useful, easier than traditional raking, and speed up the leaf-collecting and removal process.
Chainsaw
A chainsaw is an essential part to your outdoor tool collection. Maintaining healthy trees and shrubs with seasonal trimming and pruning is a snap if you own a chainsaw. Keeping your chainsaw chain sharp for efficient cutting and having it serviced regularly are important to both the life of your machine and your peace of mind.
Three Types
Gas
- Pull start
- More power
- Longer blades (for taking on thick tree trunks)
- No extension cords
- Requires upper body strength
- Excellent cutting ability and speed
- Louder than electric models
- Requires maintenance
Battery Powered
- Switches on/off
- Most expensive model
- Doesn’t require fuel, engine oil, or extension cords
- Low maintenance
- Quieter
- Requires servicing from a professional
- Batteries must be recharged
Electric
- Switches on/off
- Shorter blades
- Smaller size
- Not as powerful
- Requires extension cords
- Lightweight
- Easier to maneuver and store
- More affordable than gas
- Lower maintenance
Additional Uses
- Tree removal
- Removing branches and limbs
- Trimming and pruning
- Harvesting firewood
- Cutting and clearing debris after storms and severe weather
Reminders/Caution:
Wear earplugs, safety glasses, protective gloves, cut-retardant chaps, and appropriate footwear
Store gas models upright in a cool, well-ventilated area (or store with synthetic fuel so it’s ready to go whenever you need it)
Bottom Line: Chainsaws are handy, powerful lawn tools for maintaining your landscape.
Power Rake
A power rake is a no-nonsense, powerful outdoor tool used to remove excess organic debris (thatch) from your lawn without damaging healthy grass. Power raking allows your lawn to breathe easier and the roots grow deeper. Removes 2.5 to 4x more thatch than a standard dethatching lawn mower attachment. Ideally, you’ll only want to use a power rake twice a year, fall and spring, when the grass is growing – not in the heat of summer when the sun is strong and the temps are high.
Benefits
- Separates dead grass from live grass
- Improves the effectiveness of aeration
- Prepares your lawn before seeding or top dressing
- Lets nutrients into the soil to help grass roots grow deeper
Reminders/Caution:
- Never use on wet soil.
- Drain fuel and oil from power rake before storing (or store with synthetic fuel so it’s ready to go whenever you need it)
- Only power rake when it’s necessary (when thatch is ½” deep or more) to prevent damaging your lawn.
Bottom Line: A power rake helps reduce soil compaction and improve root development.
Pressure Washer
Over time, dirt, mold, mildew, and algae builds up on homes, driveways, sidewalks, patios and decks, leaving them unsightly. Much stronger than a garden hose, a pressure washer is the best way to clean and maintain your home exterior and outdoor living areas, making them look great.
Benefits
- Easy to use
- Saves time
- Boosts curb appeal
- Easily removes mold, mildew, grime and dirt
- Easy on the environment
- Easier on your back and body from traditional cleaning methods
- Uses 75% less water than other cleaning methods
- Can extend the life of your paint
Reminders/Caution
- Read owner’s manual for learn how to operate safely.
- Always wear protective gear: boots, gloves, long pants and safety goggles. Pressure washers can cut through flesh and cause serious injury.
- Start pressure washer on the lowest setting to get used to the power level.
- Avoid pressure washing outdoor fabrics, wooden or plastic furniture, and crumbling concrete.
- Store with synthetic fuel so it’s always ready.
- Treat pressure pump with a pump protectant (displaces water and lubricates) and blow out hose and wand.
Bottom Line: A pressure washer is a must-have outdoor tool for annual cleaning to protect and maintain your home and its exterior features.
These four essential outdoor power tools will cost money, but save something even more valuable – time.
Call us today for availability, pricing, and help in selecting your next piece of fall cleanup equipment.
