There were once very basic tools for lawn care. For once upon a time grass grew wild. Imagine going out into your yard with a hand scythe to cut it. That was a mere 150 years ago. So your dads grand dad really had only minor lawn care headaches back then, it would seem. But not you. There are now dozens of tools that need to be considered when thinking about keeping your lawn green and in tip top shape.

A lawnmower will fall in the category of your most basic lawn care tool to purchase. It’s strange that a living thing like grass should be cut on to remain healthy. I had a friend that was a professional gardener say ‘Grass likes to be cut’. So to that end a good lawnmower be needed to keep the grass happy. Since this will be among one of your more expensive items in our the tool kit, you will want to maintained it so that it will last a long time.

If you keep a regular schedule of having the blade sharpened, your spark plug cleaned and if it has one, you will need to get the air filter changed periodically. Just like your car, change the oil every season.

Keeping the lawn neat is almost always a matter that can’t be completely carried out just by mowing, though. A trimmer or edger is needed. The two basic types are the old-fashioned two blade model with a long handle. Running the blade alongside patio bricks, steps and other edges keeps the lawn trim and looking good.

The other type is a powered whirling device that shoots a plastic string out a few inches. The string whacks off grass or other plants wherever you aim it. They’re lightweight, inexpensive and can last for years, though the coil of plastic string needs to be replaced every couple of months. At a cost of only a few dollars, it saves a lot of effort.

On your list of basic lawn care tools should be a spreader or two is vital for evenly laying out fertilizer, weed killer and other compounds that help keep the lawn weed free, healthy and looking great. One sort is like a small lawnmower with no blade, just a tub with small holes and a roller that dispense material. Easy to use and long-lasting, they’re adjustable for a variety of applications.

The second type of spreader is a hand-held unit, usually plastic with a rotary handle. They’re perfect for specialized applications of seed for patching small lawn areas, distributing dry fertilizer beads and so forth.

You will find that your rake is one of the most basic lawn care tools on your list. It is useful for projects other than just piling leaves in fall. While it is important to use it for that of course. You don’t want to have leaves left on the ground during winter as it can cause lawn grass to overheat or not get enough water. Areas that get accumulations of winter snow will have the problem of grass that will be compressed into thatch once the snow melts.

This means that your grass blades are overlaying one another as on a thatched roof. This will prevent air circulation needed to keep the lawn healthy. So it is helpful to de-thatch the lawn using a special power tool, but really, if you have the back for it than your rake will work fine.

One final basic tool for your use is a narrow bladed or long forked shovel spade with a long handle. This is great for removing weeds in small areas. You will also benefit from having a larger shovel, either rounded or square, your choice. It can be used for digging post holes, moving soil around plants and a whole lot of other tasks you can think of as other landscaping ideas pop into your head.

Stock up on your basic lawn care tools, keep them in good shape and all your lawn care jobs will be easier. Well, easier than cutting with a scythe, that’s for sure.