Tools You Will Need for Backyard Cleanup
When you think of fall, you might picture hot chocolate and cozy sweaters up until you step outside, and you see the pile of crispy fallen leaves that need to be cleaned up. Cleaning your yard can be tedious unless you have the right tools that do all the work for you. If you don’t already have these essentials in your garage, it might be time for you to do some shopping. We’ve rounded up a list of tools for your backyard cleanup to give it a complete makeover.
A backpack leaf blower
If you’ve ever bought a cheap leaf blower, you’re likely familiar with how frustrating it is to try to blow a mountain of leaves with a delicate breeze oozing from your handheld device. On the other hand, more powerful blowers can be quite heavy, which leaves your wrists strained in minutes. A backpack leaf blower can pack a powerful amp motor and is much easier to carry around.
One reputable name that comes to mind is the Husqvarna – a powerful blower, which is as green as it is efficient. Boasting an x-torque engine design, this handy tool is eco-friendly, while the backpack model makes it easy to carry around. However, if you’re used to forking through backyard leaves and are unsure what kind of blower to buy, this site will help guide you with its numerous lists of tools you’ll need for your backyard cleanup. It’s always a good idea to check reviews before you make a hasty purchase.
Electric leaf shredder
After you’ve set your mountain of leaves aside, you’ll want to avoid stuffing them in a dozen garbage bags and tossing them in the trash. Other than being an exhausting job, the amount of plastic that you’ll have to use while you clean up can be avoided if you have an electric leaf shredder handy. Most high-quality machines feature multiple settings that allow you to choose how coarse or fine you’d like your compost. This can pretty much turn what could have been twelve bags of leaves in a single bag of mulch. You don’t have to throw it away, either! There are plenty of ways you can recycle it in your own garden.
Cordless lawnmower
Cordless lawnmowers are not just more eco-friendlier than their fuel-powered counterparts; they also allow you to mow the lawn at any time without having to worry about disturbing your neighbors. A good brand like EGO Power runs on a 4.0Ah battery and can be fully charged in just thirty minutes, which provides up to 45 minutes of running time. These cordless models are generally more lightweight and can easily swerve around without you having to jumpstart it with a pull cord.
Garden tiller
When your backyard is freshly mowed and free from leaves, you’ll notice some patches with the thinner lawn than the rest of your landscape. This is because your garden bed needs regular tilling to keep your soil fertile and green, which isn’t something that automatic sprinklers can single-handedly do. If you prefer cordless tillers, Black & Decker’s LGC 20-volt garden cultivator works perfectly for a flower garden and gives great results when paired with a manual claw cultivator.
On the other hand, corded tillers don’t have to be charged regularly, but can sometimes be limiting depending on the length of the cord. The Earthwise 11-inch corded cultivator that runs on an 8.5-volt motor is another high-rated tool, which comes with an automatic start button for easy use. These will take care of any dead spots on your lawn, or freshen up medium-sized flower beds. For larger areas, brands like the Sun Joe TJ603E come with a 12-volt amp motor and double as a cultivator and weed killer.
Cordless hedge trimmer
Battery-powered hedge trimmers keep your bushes tame without having to manually and tediously use heavy garden shears. This goes especially for new landowners who are still getting used to tending to their gardens. The Dewalt 40V features a 4.oAh battery that provides more than enough running time to prune and trim shrubs and hedges evenly without having to recharge. The electric motor is quiet, so you won’t be limited to daytime yard work, while you’ll also save yourself the hassle of ear protection.
Alligator Lopper
While your electric hedge trimmer will cover the majority of the work, those final touches in challenging corners are best taken care of with a handheld lopper. This tool works to trim small trees and shrubs, while the clamping design will cut through branches as thick as four inches in diameter. It’s practically an advanced pair of shears, but it’s easier to use for any spots that are too small for your electric trimmer and too big for manual shears. You don’t have to go out of your way to get a cordless model, either, since you’ll only be using this in-between pruning session for meticulous touches.
Pressure washer
Mowing your lawn and trimming your shrubs will keep your garden looking fresh, but those old stains on your fence or patio will make you feel like something is missing, and that’s probably a good quality pressure washer. These tools will quickly take care of any stains, and this goes especially for families with pets that roam around in their backyard. If you have a large landscape to be taken care of, the size of your washer and the voltage of the amp motor on which it runs will matter. If you like to keep your tools green and environmentally-friendly, the electric Sun Joe SPX3000 that comes with five nozzles gets the job done in minutes. Gasoline washers can be on the pricier side and are not as user-friendly for beginners, but work better with heavy-duty yard work. The Generac 6882 is powered by a 196cc motor, and while it’s a little heavier, it’s still easily portable.
Make sure you compare prices and thoroughly browse reviews before you make your purchase. And if you find yourself unsure of what your backyard cleanup needs, always check product descriptions or consult a salesperson at your local store.
