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

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.