I remember the amazing feeling of finally owning my first home. Which came with its own yard – YIPPEE! A beautiful stretch of green for relaxing and entertaining that suddenly became my husband and I’s responsibility to maintain. We threw ourselves into many DIY outdoor projects and splurged on way too many tools at Home Depot. Fast forward over a decade later, and I realize that you don’t need a garage full of tools to create your dream yard – you just need a a few key tools. Here’s my pick for 10 essential outdoor tools for new homeowners.
10 Essential Outdoor Tools for New Homeowners
To help break it down, I’ve divided these essential tools for new homeowners into 3 these categories:
- Lawn Care
- Yard Maintenance
- Safety
I’ve also taken these 10 tools and created a FREE Printable Shopping List at the end of this post. Print out and take to your local hardware store (or Amazon) and stock up on these must-have tools!
LAWN CARE ESSENTIALS
Keeping your lawn healthy and looking sharp is a fundamental part of outdoor maintenance. Here are the essential outdoor tools that a new homeowner needs to mow, trim, edge, and keep your grass thriving:
1. Lawn Mower
The workhorse of any lawn care routine, a lawn mower comes in various types to suit your yard size and budget. Which kind works best for you? Here’s a few options:
Gas-Powered Mowers
Powerful and ideal for larger yards (over half an acre), gas mowers offer excellent maneuverability and come in self-propelled models to save you effort. However, they require more maintenance like oil changes and spark plug replacements. Prices typically range from $200 to $500.
We used to have a gas self-propelled mower (with grass clippings collector), and it was a great tool. It lasted several years. But about 2 years ago we bought an electric cordless model with grass clippings collector I’m extremely impressed with.
Electric Mowers
Quieter and more eco-friendly than gas mowers, electric lawn mowers are perfect for smaller yards (up to a quarter-acre). They’re easier to maintain and require minimal maintenance. Corded electric lawn mowers are limited by cord length, while cordless mowers offer more freedom but require battery charging. Expect to spend between $100 and $300 on an electric mower.
Push or Riding Mower?
Push mowers are ideal for small yards, while riding mowers are suitable for larger lawns and convenient. They are more expensive, though, ranging from $1,500 to $4,000. For those new homeowners with small yards, stick with the push mower. Get your steps in, and save your money for other home improvement projects.
2. String Trimmer/Weed Whacker
Originally I thought this outdoor tool was unnecessary. But I was SO wrong. No lawn mower can reach those perfect edges and tight spaces around flower beds or fences. That’s where a string trimmer, also known as a weed whacker comes in. These versatile tools use a rotating nylon string to cut down weeds and unwanted grass along edges and borders.
Gas-Powered Trimmers
Offering more power for thicker weeds and brush, gas-powered trimmers are ideal for larger yards or those with stubborn vegetation. They tend to be heavier than electric trimmers, though. Prices typically range from $100 to $200.
Electric Trimmers
Lightweight and easy to maneuver, electric models are perfect for smaller yards and edging tasks. They’re quieter than gas-powered models and require minimal maintenance. Corded electric trimmers are limited by cord length, while cordless trimmers offer more freedom but require battery charging. Expect to spend between $50 and $150 on an electric trimmer.
Be sure to look for features like:
- Adjustable heads: These allow you to change the angle of the trimmer for edging or tackling slopes.
- Automatic feed spools: These eliminate the need to manually bump the trimmer head to feed new string, making trimming a smoother experience.
3. Rake
An essential tool for fall cleanup and general yard maintenance, leaf rakes come in two main types:
Leaf Rake
These have wide, flexible tines that effectively gather leaves and debris. The best rake has a long handle, large capacity and lightweight construction for easier handling. Prices typically range from $20 to $50.
Garden Rake
These have sturdier tines designed for tougher tasks like moving mulch, soil, or spreading gravel or working in garden beds. Expect to spend between $20 and $40 on a garden rake.
Leaf Blower??
OK, this is a sidenote BUT since it’s related to raking up leaves, so it’s important to mention. I decided NOT to list a leaf blower as a must-have tool for a new homeowner. And my husband would completely disagree. I think that a leaf blower is not essential. Nice to have, but not essential.
4. Pruning Shears
Keeping your shrubs and hedges healthy and well-maintained requires regular trimming. Pruning shears come in different sizes and styles to handle different hedge thicknesses. Take a look around your yard and decide which of these three hand tools will best serve as trimming hedges in your yard.
Hand Pruners
Perfect for small to medium-sized hedges and topiary shaping, handheld shears are lightweight and maneuverable. Look for bypass shears with a clean-cutting action for best results. Prices typically range from $20 to $50.
Hedge Trimmer
Designed for larger hedges and bushes, hedge shears have longer handles and larger blades for efficient trimming. They come in manual and electric-powered varieties. Manual hedge shears typically cost between $30 and $75, while electric hedge shears range from $50 to $150.
Loppers
For reaching and cutting thicker branches that pruning shears can’t handle, loppers are essential. These long-handled tools feature bypass blades that make clean cuts on branches up to an inch or two in diameter on small trees. Prices typically range from $20 to $50.
YARD TOOL ESSENTIALS
Beyond mowing and trimming, keeping your yard looking its best requires a few additional outdoors tools for new homeowners to tackle various maintenance tasks. Here are some essentials to consider:
5. Garden Hose
A reliable garden hose is a must-have tool for watering plants, flowers, and shrubs, especially during dry spells. When choosing a hose, consider length and material:
Length: Standard hose lengths come in 25ft, 50ft, and 100ft options. A longer hose offers more reach, but remember that longer hoses can be heavier and more cumbersome to manage. We have a short and long hose.
Material: Vinyl hoses are the most affordable option, but they tend to kink easily and may not last as long. We have vinyl and do fine with them. Rubber hoses are more durable and kink-resistant, but they’re also heavier and more expensive. Prices typically range from $15 to $50 for a quality hose.
6. Sprinkler
An effective way for a first-time homeowner to water their lawn evenly, sprinklers come in various types to suit their yard size and watering needs. While we have both types of sprinklers, the stationary was a waste of money for us. We tend to always use the oscillating one.
Stationary Sprinklers
These single-spot sprinklers are ideal for smaller lawns or targeted watering of specific areas. They come in various spray patterns, from circular to oscillating. Prices typically range from $10 to $30.
Oscillating Sprinklers
These sprinklers sweep back and forth, watering a rectangular area. They’re a good option for medium-sized lawns. Prices typically range from $20 to $50.
7. Shovel
No yard is complete without a trusty shovel for digging tasks. There are different types of shovels for different needs:
Round-point Shovel
This all-purpose shovel features a pointed tip for tough soil penetration. It’s great for digging holes, breaking up ground, and prying up roots. Prices typically range from $20 to $40.
Spade Shovel
This shovel has a flat blade ideal for edging flower beds, creating defined planting holes, or transferring loose materials like mulch or compost. Prices typically range from $20 to $30.
Hand Trowel
A smaller version of a shovel, a hand trowel is perfect for delicate gardening tasks like planting seeds, transplanting seedlings, or mixing potting soil. Prices typically range from $5 to $15.
Snow Shovel
If you live north of the Mason Dixon line, you need snow shovel. A good one. Nothing worse than shoveling a foot of heavy snow at 6am to get to work on time, and it breaks in your hands.
For your first anniversary, consider buying a snowblower….
8. Wheelbarrow
This tool has saved my back, arguments with my husband, and probably my marriage. A wheelbarrow hauls gardening materials, debris, mulch, or firewood, a wheelbarrow makes yard work much easier.
Look for a wheelbarrow with a sturdy frame and a comfortable grip on the handles. Consider the weight capacity you’ll typically need and choose a wheelbarrow with pneumatic tires for better handling on uneven terrain. Prices typically range from $50 to $100.
SAFETY & COMFORT ESSENTIALS
Safety should always be a priority when tackling yard work. Here’s two essential outdoor tools for new homeowners that have kept us protected and comfortable.
9. Gloves
Protect your hands from blisters, cuts, and dirt with a good pair of gardening gloves. Choose gloves that fit well and offer good dexterity for handling tools. We have accumulated a ton of gloves – they are key to a more comfortable DIY job!
Leather gloves provide excellent puncture resistance and durability, but they can be stiff and hot in warm weather. Fabric gloves with breathable materials offer a good balance of comfort and protection. Honestly, we have both types.
10. Safety Glasses
Flying debris from lawnmowers, trimmers, and other tools can damage your eyes. Wearing safety glasses is an essential way to protect your vision. Choose glasses with impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses that offer UV protection as well. Prices typically range from $5 to $15 for a good pair of safety glasses.
Free Printable Checklist
To help keep you organized, here’s a free printable list of 10 essential outdoor tools for new homeowners.
Print it out and take the local hardware store to ensure you get everything on the list!
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