14 Tools That Will Take Care Of Almost Any Problem In Your Yard

While you could hire a landscaping company to take care of your yard, with the right tools you can tackle most routine tasks yourself. According to Install It Direct, there are several things you can do to assist you in keeping your yard in tip-top condition. Some of their suggestions include fertilizing the lawn regularly, trimming bushes to keep them from becoming overgrown, giving the yard a spring-cleaning to remove branches, leaves, and other debris, getting rid of weeds quickly, and edging around patios, driveways, and sidewalks.

While you can purchase tools to help you with all of these tasks, you may already be feeling overwhelmed thinking about how much money — and space — such a purchase would require. This is precisely why you should make the most of every purchase and look for versatile tools that you can use for more than just one yard care-related activity. Continue reading to identify some of these multitasking tools that you'll want to have handy in your shed or garage.

When you're looking to clean up fall leaves, you may be trying to decide between a leaf vacuum and a leaf blower. According to Power Equipment Direct, each of these yard tools is best suited for different tasks. Leaf vacuums are ideal for cleaning up around gardens and other landscaped areas, without posing a risk to more delicate flowers or plants. They are also best for getting into narrow openings, sucking pests off of crops, or cleaning up a few stray leaves on the lawn. Another benefit of using a leaf vacuum is that the leaves are all contained to the bag; you don't need to worry about bending down to pick up piles of leaves from the ground, and can simply dump the bag out into your compost bin once it is full. Many leaf vacuums also include an integrated mulcher. The mulcher component uses an impeller with blades to finely chop leaves, allowing them to decompose more quickly.

Leaf blowers, on the other hand, are best for larger leaf clean up jobs. They emit a powerful force of air to move leaves across a lawn quickly. Leaf blowers are ideal for removing debris from spaces like gutters, garages, truck beds, and more. They also do a better job at cleaning up wet leaves than most leaf vacuums.

With this combination leaf blower, vacuum, and mulcher from Craftsman, you don't have to choose just one yard tool. The electric tool can be converted between a leaf blower and a vacuum/mulcher easily, allowing you to customize it to the demands of each task. It has a 12-amp motor and can blow at speeds up to 260 miles per hour. The versatile tool comes with a backpack collection bag, making it easier and more comfortable to hold the debris sucked up by the vacuum feature.

A garden cart can come in handy for so many different jobs around the yard. Easy Urban Gardens highlights some of the different tasks that a garden cart can help with. One way to use a cart is to haul heavy items, such as mulch, soil, or plants around the yard. This can help save your back and cut down on the number of trips across the yard to grab the next bag or item. You can also use a garden cart to clean up as you work. Whether you're pulling weeds from the garden, trimming bushes, or picking up other debris around the yard, simply place everything in the cart as you work, and then put it into a lawn and leaf bin when you're finished.

Garden carts are typically easier to maneuver than wheelbarrows. Compared to the two wheels on a wheelbarrow, garden carts have four wheels. This design means that they more evenly distribute the weight of heavier items. With a handle designed for pulling, many individuals find that moving a garden cart around the yard is easier than pushing — and balancing — a heavy wheelbarrow.

The VivoHome garden cart is a model you may want to consider. This heavy-duty model can hold over 1,000 pounds thanks to its fully-welded steel body. The cart is designed with large pneumatic tires designed to handle a variety of terrain types. Some other notable features of this model include the removable mesh sides to accommodate larger items, the ergonomic, adjustable handle, and the six different color options that are available.

This multitasking tool from Black+Decker doubles as both a string trimmer and an edger. The battery-operated tool features a power driver transmission with two speed settings, allowing users to choose the best fit based on their yard work and runtime needs. The Black+Decker Lithium-ion battery is part of the Power Connect battery system, meaning it is interchangeable with other supported Black+Decker lawn and garden tools, power tools, and even home cleaning products.

A string trimmer can be a very helpful tool, but if you've never used one before, you may be intimidated by the prospect of doing so. The Rop Shop shares some tips for using a string trimmer. Their suggestions include paying attention to which way the spinner head is moving (clockwise or counterclockwise), so you can know which direction you should move around your yard as you work to prevent the trimmer from sending clippings the wrong way. They also highlight the importance of wearing personal protective equipment, especially goggles, to protect your body from injury.

Mowing the lawn is necessary to keep grass from becoming too long and overgrown. Instead of buying a tool that only cuts the grass, make the most of your money and time by opting for a mower/mulcher combo. According to Lawn Love, with a mulching lawn mower, the grass clippings are returned to the lawn. The mulched grass is then able to decompose more quickly over the lawn. As it decomposes, it works as a natural fertilizer by enriching the soil with nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and other beneficial nutrients.

Contrary to what some individuals think, using a mulching lawn mower does not increase thatch build up. In fact, it actually works to decrease this layer of roots, leaves, and stems by boosting the number of worms and other organisms in the soil. In addition to all of the benefits for your lawn, mulching lawn mowers also help keep grass clippings out of landfills, where they'll take much longer to decompose.

This cordless electric lawn mower from Greenworks offers both mulching and rear-bagging capabilities. The 4.0Ah battery offers a runtime of up to 45 minutes, making it a good choice for individuals with smaller yards or those who like to mow over a few different sessions. As an electric mower, you won't need to deal with gas or oil and can enjoy its quiet operation. CNET shares additional benefits of choosing an electric lawn mower over a gas-powered model. Electric lawn mowers are easier to maneuver around the yard because they weigh less than most gas models. They are also easier to maintain and don't have parts that require frequent replacement. Electric lawn mowers also typically cost less than gas-powered alternatives. And, of course, one of the biggest benefits of choosing an electric lawn mower is that they are better for the environment.

A good pair of heavy-duty gloves can protect your hands when you're working in the yard. The University of Queensland explains why individuals should wear gloves when gardening. Beyond protecting your hands from getting pricked by a weed or thorn on a rose bush, gloves are also essential for protecting you against bacteria and fungi found in soil. Some of the health concerns that can be avoided by wearing gloves when gardening include sepsis, legionellosis, tetanus, and melioidosis.

Safety Company shares why gloves should also be worn when handling or moving firewood around in the yard. They explain that a heavy-duty pair of gloves provide a layer of protection against splinters from cut firewood. Similarly, heavy-duty gloves can also protect your hands when you're working with wood, such as when hammering to repair a broken deck or structure in your yard, or even building something new. According to The Tool Wise, wearing gloves, along with safety glasses and ear protection, is important when hammering. Should you accidentally hit your hands with the hammer, the gloves can help to lessen the impact. They'll also help absorb shocks and help you maintain a more secure grip on the hammer as you work.

This pair of leather work gloves from Ozero are thick and durable to offer the protection your hands and fingers need, whether you're working in the garden, handling firewood, using a hammer, or doing another task in your yard. They feature an elastic wrist that makes it easier to put on or take off the gloves, and also helps to keep soil or other items from getting inside. With four different sizes to choose from, any person can find the right fit for their hands.

There is no need to purchase and try to store multiple rakes for various tasks like cleaning up fall leaves, landscaping, spreading mulch, and more. This multi-purpose rake from True Temper is versatile enough to handle it all. It has flexible and curved steel tines that work well for raking up leaves, raking mulch, removing rocks from gardens, and more. Plus, with the cushioned handle, your hands will stay comfortable as you work.

As shared above, one way you can use this rake is to remove leaves from your yard in the fall. According to Super Sod, this is a clean-up task that you won't want to skip. The act of raking over grass can help decrease thatch build up, helping you keep your lawn healthy without purchasing a separate piece of equipment or hiring a professional. They recommend choosing a metal rake — such as the one shared above — because it will last longer, and it can more effectively move larger piles of leaves.

Budget Dumpster explains how you can use a yard rake, such as the one above, to remove unwanted rocks from your yard or garden. Too many rocks in the soil can make it impossible for a plant's roots to access water. They can also become a potential safety concern if they get picked up by a lawn mower. The rock could cause damage to the mower and could injure someone nearby. A rake can help you sift through soil to pull rocks out of the garden and get them into a pile for easier removal.

A pressure washer is another tool that can really pull its weight around the yard. According to Pressure Washers Direct, there are more than 25 ways you can use this versatile piece of equipment around the home and garden. Some uses include cleaning sidewalks, driveways, patios, siding, and decking. Beyond these cleaning tasks, power washers can also help strip paint, get an old fence ready for a fresh coat of stain, clean gutters, or even get in-ground swimming pools ready for a new season. The Sun Joe electric pressure washer can help you tackle all of these tasks. It offers an 1,800-watt motor that delivers up to 2,030 pounds per square inch of pressure. The pressure washer offers an onboard reel for keeping the hose ready for use, a separate detergent tank, and a total stop system shut off feature to conserve energy.

If you've never used a pressure washer on your home before, The Home Depot shares some tips to help you make the most of this useful tool. They explain that you'll want to start by preparing the area and removing smaller items to prevent accidental damage to them. Then, you'll need to decide on the ideal pressure setting and nozzle to match the demands of the task you're about to undertake. Once the machine is ready to go, make sure it stays on a level surface and do not attempt to pressure wash any surfaces while standing on a ladder. It is also important to make sure you're dressed properly — this means wearing closed-toe shoes and safety goggles, at a minimum.

This multi-purpose sprayer from Chapin International can be used to apply fertilizer, pesticides, and weed killers to your lawn and garden. With the adjustable nozzle, you can choose between coarser sprays or finer mists, depending on the specific needs. The sprayer is also designed with an ergonomic handle to keep you more comfortable as you care for your lawn and an anti-clog filter to make sure debris doesn't build up in the nozzle and prevent it from spraying efficiently. Plant Care Today shares some advice on applying liquid lawn fertilizer using a sprayer like the one above. They note that it is important to water the lawn a few days before spraying a fertilizer. The best time to apply liquid fertilizer is after mowing earlier in the season. Fertilizer can then be used again in the early fall to help toughen up the grass and get it ready for colder weather.

Just as there is a right time and method for applying fertilizer, Gertens explains that there are also rules you should follow when applying weed killer. First of all, the type of weed killer you're using will dictate when it should be used. Pre-emergent weed killers (preventatives) should be applied in early spring, while post-emergent weed killers (those that kill weeds on contact) can be applied as weeds pop up. When applying a liquid post-emergent weed killer, you'll want to avoid mowing your grass for a few days before and after the application. Also, it is best to apply weed killers to damp grass, but then avoid watering it for a few days. Checking the weather forecast and trying to apply the weed killer during a drier period can also help it to be more effective.

If you're planning some gardening projects, but don't want to have to purchase multiple tools, take a look at the Yard-X multi-use garden tool. This handy tool combines the features of five different gardening tools. It has a steel blade for digging, removing weeds, and scraping surfaces; a fork that can be used to spread mulch, clean up graveled spaces, and aerate soil (when held at a straight angle); and a sharp edge for cleaning up overgrown grass along patios and walkways.

The Home Depot explains why garden hoes — one of the capabilities of the multi-use tool above — are such an essential gardening tool. When gardeners stay on top of hoeing the garden, it helps to keep the soil loose and airy and works to keep weeds under control. When hoeing a garden, be sure to hold it at an angle with the blade's tip cutting into the soil, just under the surface. You'll also want to work using a wide sweeping motion, as it will be the most effective at cutting off the tops of the weeds in the garden.

According to Pennington, broadcast spreaders offer an effective solution for spreading seed or fertilizer over a lawn. Their design features a rotating fan beneath the bin that works to spread the contents over the surface. Broadcast spreaders can be a good solution for larger lawns as they allow individuals to quickly spread the seed or fertilizer across the intended area. However, if you're not experienced with using a broadcast spreader, you may find that it is more difficult to achieve even coverage. It is also possible for the seeds or fertilizer to travel beyond the intended area, which could potentially be a problem if fertilizer is spread onto a sidewalk or an other unwanted area.

This mini broadcast spreader from Scotts Turf Builder can hold enough seed or fertilizer to cover up to 5,000 square feet of lawn. Its smaller size makes it a more effective solution for small personal lawns, rather than larger spaces. The spreader arrives fully assembled and features a folding handle that allows for more compact storage.

Take care of several lawn care tasks with the Sun Joe cordless lawn care system. This system includes three separate tools designed for maintaining and trimming trees, shrubs, and bushes. It comes with an 8-inch pole saw, a 10-inch string trimmer, and a 17.7-inch pole hedge trimmer. Each tool attaches to the telescoping pole, which can extend your reach between 3.7 feet and 5.3 feet. The telescoping pole also features an adjustable head, allowing you to find the ideal angle for each cutting or trimming job.

Richardson Saw & Lawnmower explains how using a pole saw, such as the attachment in this system, can help you cut higher branches. They explain that using a pole saw is safer than trying to stand on a ladder and cut higher branches with a chainsaw. It is also safest and easiest to cut horizontally-growing branches using a pole saw. You'll want to avoid trying to cut any branches yourself that are near a power line, and take care to stand out of the path of the soon-to-be falling limb. If you need to cut branches that are growing vertically, or those that are near a power line, hiring a professional is usually the best and safest option.

One of the other attachments that comes with this system is a hedge trimmer. Gardeningetc shares some helpful tips for individuals who have never used a hedge trimmer before. They recommend working using smaller cuts to avoid inadvertently taking off a large piece of the hedge. They also note that it is best to start cutting along the bottom of the hedge or bush and working your way up, rather than starting at the top and working towards the base.

According to Backwoods Home Magazine, billhooks have been used for thousands of years, making them among the first versatile tools. Billhooks have a unique design featuring a curved blade that looks like a hook. In ancient times, billhooks were used for clearing brush, pruning crops, and building wooden structures. Today, it continues to be a multi-purpose tool for tasks such as these.

Between the hook and handle sections, billhooks have a straight section that works like a knife, giving them cutting capabilities. Each billhook may have a slightly different design that makes it better suited for different tasks. Some have shorter blades, while others may have a longer blade and hook. The Fiskars 18-inch billhook saw offers a twist on the classic billhook design. Rather than a straight cutting blade, this piece features a serrated saw along its straight edge, allowing it to help with cutting through thicker stalks or branches. This billhook also has a textured handle to help users maintain a good grip as they accomplish various yard-related tasks.

If you want to start a garden, you may be thinking about a long list of tools that you need to purchase. The Bibury gardening multitool can help you check a few of these items off of your list with just a single purchase. The compact and foldable multitool offers five different instruments in one, including a pair of spring-load gardening shears/scissors, a wood saw, a knife, and a bark shovel. An ergonomic handle is integrated into the design to prevent the user's hands from becoming fatigued as they work. 

The tool is also lightweight — weighing just about 8 ounces — and comes with a belt holder to make it easier to carry around the yard as you work. According to Gardener's Edge, a soil knife and pruning shears are among the most essential tools that all gardeners should have. This multitool's design integrates both of these, making it possible for you to prune shrubs, plant seeds, remove weeds, and more.

Many people love gardening for its relaxing mental health benefits. However, while gardening can be great for the mind, it isn't always the best for the knees or your back. Kneeling down and working in the soil can be uncomfortable, particularly for those with joint problems or arthritis. Gardening Know How shares how garden kneelers can keep individuals more comfortable as they work in their gardens. With a kneeler, there is a cushioned spot for the knees, alleviating some of the stress on the joints. An added benefit of garden kneelers is that they also help to keep your pants cleaner, since they won't be directly on the grass or soil.

The TomCare Garden Kneeler doubles as both a kneeler and a bench. Users can convert it between the two configurations based on their needs. The foam cushioning on the seat/kneeler is designed to help users avoid potential injuries and can support up to 330 pounds. This product is also portable, making it easy to store or transport. The kneeler/bench also comes with two tool bags that can attach to the sides, offering a convenient spot to hold all of your gardening essentials.