Taking care of a yard can be a lot of work! Doing everything by hand can be frustrating, time consuming, and can even cause bigger problems like backaches or injuries. You can make the job easier if you have the right tools, though. Check out this list of five yard tools you should be using, and yard work won’t seem like such a chore anymore.
Leaf Rake
There are regular rakes, and then there are leaf rakes. Trying to rake an entire yard with a regular rake will take much longer than it should, because regular rakes are small and made to only cover a limited area. Leaf rakes, in contrast, are larger and wider to help make raking even the largest yards a breeze. You can also use it if you need to spread a large amount of mulch or pine straw, or for any other job that’s too large for a regular rake.
Quality Gloves
You can get a cheap pair of cotton work gloves at any major store, but they won’t last very long, and they won’t do a great job of protecting your hands. Cotton is known for absorbing moisture, so if you’re planting and watering a lot, the gloves (and your hands) will be soaked by the time you’re done. Instead, invest in a good pair of gloves made of leather or man made materials. They’ll keep your hands dry and safe, and they’ll hold up much better than cheaper ones, saving you money in the long run.
Knee Saver
A knee saver is a foam pad that you can kneel on while doing any work that requires you to sit on the ground. Anyone who’s had their knees pressed into the dirt for a long period of time knows how sore that position can become. With a knee saver, you’ll be able to work for longer, and you’ll feel better both during and after.
Compact Hose
How annoying is it to roll out a heavy water hose and start watering plants, only to have to stop every few minutes and pull out a kink? For light to moderate jobs, you need a compact hose. These hoses are spiral-curled rather than straight, and they’re lighter than regular hoses while taking up less space. They’re so small that you can easily maneuver them on a patio or porch, and they’re more affordable than ordinary hoses as well, so it’s a win-win! And they’ll roll back up much easier, ensuring that you can tidy up as soon as you’re done with it.
Water Wand
A water wand attaches to the end of your hose, allowing you to easily water plants above eye level, like hanging baskets. Your arms will thank you, because you won’t have to reach and strain for long periods of time just to take care of your flowers. You can also use it for other tasks around the home, like washing your car!
Take the time to invest in these items so you can enjoy being outdoors, in your backyard garden, without all the hassle. Knowing what you need can help you when it’s time to get started on that yard work and can save you time, money, and annoyance in the long run.
