Be prepared for upcoming yard work with these 12 innovative, useful tools that make yard work and cleanup easier in any season.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
Make Yard Work Easier with these 12 Tools
-
EZ Leaf Hauler
Read More -
Stand Up Weeder
Read More -
Fruit Picker
Read More -
Extendable Hedge Trimmer and Tree Pruner
Read More -
Worx Robotic Lawn Mower
Read More -
Pop-Up Garden Bags
Read More -
Aerator Shoes
Read More -
Gorilla Hands
Read More -
Garden Saw
Read More -
Walensee Bow Rake
Read More -
Leaf Blower
Read More -
Ames Total Control 5 Cuft Garden Cart
Read More
EZ Leaf Hauler
Two sturdy ground stakes secure the EZ Leaf Hauler in place while you rake leaves onto the 24 sq. ft. surface. When your yard cleanup is done, simply fold up for compact storage. Also check out garden tool storage ideas.
On Sale
Stand Up Weeder
Eliminate pesky weeds in your yard and garden beds with Grampa’s Weeder. Insert the metal stakes into the ground, press the lever down with your foot and remove weeds without having to bend or kneel. For a more comprehensive guide, check out our review.
Fruit Picker
Why let perfectly good fruit drop to the ground where it’ll rot and attract bugs? Get the Eversprout Fruit Picker so you can save ripe fruit from your apple, orange or pear trees. The rake-like prongs pull the fruit from the tree and it safely lands in the accompanying basket. Order this fruit picker on Amazon today.
On Sale
Extendable Hedge Trimmer and Tree Pruner
No need to get up on a shaky ladder to trim your bushes, hedges and branches when you have an extendable hedge trimmer on hand. It is an easy way to handle overgrowth on your property without putting your safety at risk. Many modern models allow you to adjust the position or angle of the trimmer as needed. And, here are pruning tips.
Worx Robotic Lawn Mower
If you’re tired of sweating the afternoon away mowing your lawn, this robotic lawn mower that can help. Just turn on this electronically powered mower and let it tackle your grass while you sit on the sidelines and enjoy a little you time. Here’s how to grow greener grass.
Pop-Up Garden Bags
Make it easier to clear your yard work of leaves and debris. These pop-up garden bags do just as the name suggests—they pop up into a sturdy receptacle that you can easily load with leaves and debris. When done, collapse them back to their original flat shape and hang them up in your garage or shed. Yardwork made easier!
Aerator Shoes
Aerating your lawn manually with coring aerator tool or renting a gas powered aerator are both daunting options for your compacted lawn. But, there’s another way to loosen that thatch! Get a pair of aerator shoes instead – they insert small holes in the grass to allow air, water, seeds and fertilizer to get down into the dirt where it’s needed.
Gorilla Hands
Save your hands with Pure Garden’s Gorilla Garden Hands! These jumbo scoops support your wrists and keep your hands away from leaves and other yard debris, like sharp twigs, thorns and bugs. Deal with leaves like a pro.
On Sale
Garden Saw
A billhook saw is one of the best gardening tools thanks to its versatility. They are designed for trimming shoots and stems, cutting vines, severing roots and sawing branches. If you’ve got an overgrown garden, or one filled with coarse ornamental grasses that need to be cut back, try a 13- or 18-in. billhook saw. This Fiskars model feature a rust-resistant curved blade for quick pull cuts, and a coarse saw edge for removing tough branches and grasses.
Walensee Bow Rake
The first step in learning how to get rid of leaves is having the right tools. Lots of Field Editors told us about their favorite rakes. The most popular rakes are beloved just for their size—a big rake makes the job smaller. Most home centers carry rakes up to 30 in. wide. Other Field Editors swear by “no-clog” rakes—the tines don’t skewer leaves, so you don’t have to stop and unclog the rake. Several manufacturers make them, also in widths up to 30 in. Hate raking? Opt for a lawn sweeper.
Leaf Blower
A leaf blower/vacuum sucks up leaves fast, especially around shrubs, in flower beds and in other hard-to-rake areas. You might think that the bag would need to be emptied every five minutes, but the yard work vac minces the leaves and packs a mountain of them into just a few bags.
Ames Total Control 5 Cuft Garden Cart
This garden cart is a well-made companion for a variety of gardening activities. Its shallow bin is ideal for storing starter plants, gardening tools, bulbs and anything else you need easy access to. It can also haul bags of soil and fertilizer as needed—a good choice for lighter DIY projects that still require mobile storage that’s easy to operate with large tires.
What to Look for When Buying Tools for Yard Work
Types of Yard Work Tools
“Yard work requires various tools based on the tasks,” says Mainville. “Matching the tool to the task is key—long-handled tools reduce back strain while smaller hand tools offer precision.”
- Rakes: “A sturdy rake is essential for gathering leaves and clearing debris,” Mainville explains. It’s particularly useful in the fall.
- Shovels: “A shovel is necessary for digging and moving soil,” Mainville notes. This tool is vital for planting, tilling, and seeding.
- Pruners/Hedge Shears: “Pruners handle delicate cutting, while hedge shears tackle larger bushes,” says Mainville. Both are essential for maintaining bushes and trees.
- Gas-Powered Tools: Lawnmowers, blowers, and trimmers boost efficiency compared to manual tools but come with higher costs for purchase, maintenance, and fuel.
Materials and Durability
The materials affect a tool’s durability, performance, and comfort. Here are the most common options:
- Stainless Steel: “Stainless steel tools resist rust and work well in humid climates,” Mainville says. They’re durable and affordable.
- Aluminum: Lighter and cheaper than stainless steel but less durable.
- Forged Carbon: “Forged carbon steel tools are robust and retain sharpness, ideal for heavy-duty tasks,” Mainville adds.
- Fiberglass: Handles made of fiberglass offer durability and comfort, though they may break under heavy force.
Ergonomics
“Ergonomics help prevent fatigue and injury during long yard sessions,” says Mainville. Look for lightweight, well-balanced tools with cushioned, non-slip handles to reduce strain on your wrists and back.
Multipurpose vs. Specialized Tools
“Multipurpose tools can save space, but specialized tools often deliver better results for specific tasks,” says Mainville. For example, a dedicated weeder will outperform a general-purpose hoe. Choose based on your yard’s needs and size.
Storage and Maintenance
“Proper storage preserves your tools,” Mainville advises. Clean and dry tools after use and store them in a shed or garage to avoid rust and damage. For gas-powered equipment, replace old fuel to prevent engine issues.
Why You Should Trust Us
Louise Gaillard is a product journalist specializing in DIY, home improvement, gardening and landscaping content. Her work has appeared in trusted publications, including Family Handyman, MSN, Coldwell Banker and more.
For this article, we consulted Andy Mainville, President of BRS Battery Ltd. and tool-inventor extraordinaire. He has over 20 years of expertise in high-performance battery solutions and power tools. Specializing in outdoor equipment durability and fuel efficiency, Andy’s work has driven innovative solutions like the PumpMatic Super Gas Pump, designed to make refueling gas-powered gardening tools effortless. His expertise and depth of knowledge were instrumental in putting this guide together.
Louise Gaillard, a product journalist focused on DIY, home improvement, gardening and landscaping, has contributed to publications like Family Handyman, MSN and Coldwell Banker.
We consulted Andy Mainville, President of BRS Battery Ltd. and a tool inventor with over 20 years in high-performance battery solutions and power tools. Specializing in outdoor equipment durability and fuel efficiency, Andy’s insights were invaluable to this guide.
Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.
How We Found the Best Yard Work Tools
To assess the best yard work tools, we began by exploring the full range of yard tasks, using expert insights to identify essential and less common but useful tools. Next, we focused on trusted, time-tested brands, considering user reviews and expert testimony. This final list reflects thorough research and careful selection.
FAQ
How do I maintain yard tools?
“Consistency is key,” says Mainville. “Keep hand tools clean and dry, oil moving parts, and sharpen blades as needed. For gas-powered tools, store fresh fuel in a dry, covered area to prevent moisture damage.”
Which materials last longer for garden tools?
“Durable materials like stainless steel and forged carbon steel last longer under frequent use,” Mainville explains. However, even the toughest materials require regular maintenance to stay in top condition.
What tools are essential for a basic yard work kit?
“A well-rounded kit includes basics like a shovel, rake, pruning shears and a hand trowel,” says Mainville. “For gas-powered tools, a trimmer and blower save time on maintenance tasks.”
