How to Choose the Right Lawn Care Equipment for Your Needs
A well maintained, beautifully looking, and healthy lawn is something every homeowner takes pride in. In fact, a recently conducted poll has revealed that up to three quarters of Americans now say a spacious, well maintained lawn is one of the most important parts of their homes.
Having a thriving lawn in your backyard comes with so many benefits. Other than enhancing the overall curb appeal, a well-manicured yard provides an inviting outdoor space for you and your family to enjoy and could possibly impact your home’s resale value.
However, attaining this level of lawn perfection requires the right tools—and the most essential factor is choosing those that align with your lawn care needs.
If you’re wondering how to choose the right lawn care equipment for you needs, read this blog for advice on how to go about it!
1. Understand the Size of Your Lawn
First, consider the size of your lawn. For example, if your yard is small, you may not need anything larger than a push mower. This type of lawn mower is simple to use, inexpensive, and ideal for quick lawn care tasks at home.
However, investing in a self-propelled or riding mower for large lawns could save you hours of work and energy. Before investing in any large lawnmowers or other lawn care equipment, always consider the storage space.
Larger equipment means you’ll need more garage or shed space. They also come with the added inconvenience of moving around, especially when you plan on relocating to a new home.
Moving on, if you are not adept at using mowing equipment or find it challenging to maintain your lawn, you can opt for lawn care services from reputable companies in your area. Such companies have a team of experts and high-end equipment for maintaining all types of lawns.
2. Know Your Grass Type
Not all grass is the same for all lawns, which applies to the care required for the different types. If you’ve handled your lawn for a while, you may have probably realized that some grass grows fast and thick and needs to be mowed frequently.
Other grass is difficult to handle and may occasionally require aeration or dethatching. Before settling on any specific tool, research your grass type and go for lawn care tools that are best suited for it.
For example, you need a sharp, durable mower blade to cut thick grass in your yard. On the other hand, lawns with heavy thatch buildup could benefit from using a dethatcher. Knowing your lawn grass type helps you avoid overbuying or underbuying your tools.
3. Consider Your Physical Ability
Lawn care can indeed be hard work, and comfort is an important choice to make when picking one equipment over another. If just thinking about pushing some large, heavy mower wears you out, consider buying a lighter mower or even one running on a battery.
Also, look for tools that are ergonomically designed to prevent strain. When trimming hedges, pole pruners and electric hedge trimmers are some of the best tools to eliminate overhead arm strain. It’s also much easier to enjoy lawn care if you choose equipment that’s easy to use.
4. Consider Maintenance Requirements
Every lawn equipment requires maintenance, so be prepared to decide how much work you will have to put in if you want to keep the tools functional. In all probability, gas mowers and trimmers will require oil changes, a change of spark plugs, and a fairly regular cleaning cycle.
Electric or battery-run machines generally are low-maintenance but may require battery replacement after some time. For most equipment, you actually need to read the user manuals to understand what’s involved.
You can save yourself a lot of headaches if you go for low-maintenance equipment.
5. Evaluate Your Budget
Buying lawn care machinery involves a good balance between quality and budget. It’s worth recognizing that while premium models generally boast advanced features and superior durability, some options get jobs done without digging into your pocket.
You can find models that work great, last long and are affordable by seeking feedback from present and previous owners. You may also consider online user reviews or ask fellow lawn enthusiasts for recommendations to make an informed decision about the right equipment.
6. Take Safety into Account
Safety is always the first concern when selecting lawn care equipment. For example, tools with automatic shut-off, blade guards, and sturdy handles ensure additional safety. This is especially useful, considering there are times you may work on a lawn and accidentally mishandle the tool.
Auto-turnoffs and blade guards ensure that the equipment automatically shuts off to prevent any lawn accidents. Additionally, it’s advisable to wear protective gloves and safety goggles when handling such equipment in your yard or any other area of your home.
If possible, you should also opt for equipment with locking devices designed to prevent accidental starts, specifically if you have kids or pets at home. Taking precautions ensures an effective lawn-care routine that’s safe for all individuals who get involved.
7. Test Before You Buy
Finally, before buying lawn care equipment, insist on taking it on a test run to evaluate the performance and ease of use from first-hand experience. Most lawn care stores will let you handle the tools, some even allowing little trial testing within their lawns or in your home.
You can also research various lawn care products online to learn about other people’s experiences. As always, never hesitate to seek expert opinion and advice from those who have used the equipment before if you want to make your buying decision less regrettable.
Conclusion
Keeping your lawn in its best shape is one way to transform your property’s curb appeal and make it shine. One of the best investments you can make in the health and overall beauty of this outdoor space is buying the right lawn care equipment that fits your needs.
While it might seem overwhelming at first, depending on what you specifically want to achieve with your lawn, finding the right tools can be as simple as prioritizing a few factors. For starters, prioritizing your lawn care needs and evaluating the specific tasks you’ll be performing can guide you in choosing the right lawn care equipment that meets your requirements.