Less than 200 years ago, grass was trimmed using a scythe. And that was only if anyone even bothered to cut it. Lawn care has come a long way since then. There are more kinds of lawn and garden tools than you can count that are considered critical for maintaining a luxurious landscape.

A lawnmower is simply essential if grass is a component of your landscaping. It’s a strange concept that your lawn has to be ruthlessly chopped off in order to thrive; nevertheless, that’s the way it is. This piece of equipment will probably be the most costly thing you buy in order to maintain your lawn. But if you tend to it well, it will provide you with many years of good service.

Unfortunately, a lawnmower alone won’t keep your yard trim. You’ll also need a lawn trimmer for hard to reach places. You might choose to use the traditional hand operated model that looks like a giant pair of scissors. The other option is an electric device that uses a plastic string to chop off grass and weeds. The string spins at ultra high speeds and is very powerful, so be careful when using it.

A spreader is also an invaluable tool to have around. They are useful for the even distribution of granular products such as fertilizer, weed killer and grass seed. Some spreaders look like a tub on wheels. They have small holes that distribute the product as you push it along. Alternatively, you can get a hand held unit. This is most often a boxy plastic cup that, when you turn its handle, empties its contents onto the lawn below. These are appropriate for smaller areas that might need a little reseeding or spot fertilizing.

A rake is essential for gathering up the fallen leaves in the autumn. If you don’t rake them, these leaves might cause damage over the winter. In the springtime, as the snow starts to melt, your grass will be suffocated and dehydrated by this covering of leaves.

Even if you raked up the leaves in the fall, you’ll still find that your grass has become matted over the winter months. This thatching effect will prevent oxygen and other essential nutrients from working their way into the soil. Your rake will come in handy once again to straighten up your lawn.

It’s practically impossible to tend to your yard without a shovel. A shovel with a narrow head is good for attacking clumps of weeds. For moving soil and digging plants, you’ll need a good sized square or rounded shovel. Actually, you’ll find this tool useful for a wide variety of backyard activities.

Purchase the highest quality equipment you can and take good care of it. This will make your lawn care much more enjoyable. And you’re certain to make all the neighbors jealous.