Landscaping Tools: Secrets of the Trade

If you've ever beaten yourself to death using rusty, dull hoes or spades, you're not likely to want to return to DIY landscaping work. But if you're really interested in working on your landscaping by yourself, there is really no reason why you can't.  To learn more, talk to your landscapers as they work on a project.  Ask them questions about the tools they use and learn as much as you can about their purpose.

The types of tools landscapers select vary depending on their service.  Within the types of tools landscapers need, many have preferred brands based on their own experiences with the tools or simply because of budget restrictions.  In fact, most landscapers often rely heavily on brand name, particularly when it comes to machinery.  They want to keep the long-term expenses low by purchasing reliable machinery that will need little maintenance.

Ask Your Landscaper to Teach You

To learn more about landscaping tools, it is perfectly fine to ask your landscapers to teach you more.  In most cases, they will be happy to show you how to properly select, use and care for your landscaping tools.

If you have a specific landscaping interest, you can also visit your local garden supply store and ask the professionals there to help you learn more about it.  These stores generally offer a wide variety of tools, and they can tell you the pros and cons of different brands and help you understand which are best for specific projects.

Aside from knowing how to select the right landscaping tools for the job, landscapers also know how to care for their equipment.  Properly maintained equipment lasts longer and performs better.  For example, blades need to be routinely sharpened or replaced on lawnmowers in order to ensure your lawn is cut in a uniform manner.  Similarly, the engine needs to be cared for on your weed trimmer so it will last longer than one season.  The small engines on these machines can be quite sensitive and will malfunction if not maintained. Generally, there are procedures you should follow at the beginning of the season before using the equipment and steps to take at the end of the season before storing the equipment.

Learn Proper Use of Landscaping Tools

Landscapers also know how to properly use landscaping tools.   For example, using a spade shovel to prepare a garden bed is not nearly as effective as using a hoe. Every landscaper knows the absolute value of maintaining a sharp edge on his tools.  Having this knowledge saves time and work when creating a new landscaping design. 

They also know how to use equipment so that it will not be damaged.  Using pruning shears, for example, to cut a branch off a tree will put undue stress on the shears causing them to dull more quickly and perhaps even break.  Understanding which tools are best for what jobs and how to properly use them is the best way to keep your tools lasting a long time.

Most landscapers will tell that the secret of the speed with which they work is that they work with good tools kept clean, sharp and well oiled.  It is not unusual to see them stopping briefly several times a day to take care of this task.