Having the right tools can make a big difference in whether or not a landscaping project is successful or frustrating. Matthew Allison, who has a B.E.D. in Landscape Architecture and a Minor in Horticulture from North Carolina State University, has been working in yards for over twenty years. Here are this landscape architect’s top picks for yard tools:
Round Point Shovel
This shovel looks like a large trowel with a sturdy rounded point. The handle typically has a D-grip shape that enables a steady grip, and the length should be comfortably matched to the user’s height. A good quality blade is made from one piece of steel and has flat sides on the top of either side for foot placement.
A round point shovel and be used for digging holes of various sizes or for moving items such as dirt, mulch, and gravel.
Flat Border Spade
A flat border spade is similar to the rounded point shovel, but the blade is flat at the bottom with a thicker and straighter back. The handle typically does not have a T-grip and tends to be longer than the rounded shovel’s handle. The flat border spade works well for digging holes with straight borders and for carrying and moving items such as dirt, mulch, and gravel.
Small 24” Shovel
As the name suggests, this round point shovel is only 24 inches tall and is convenient and easier to use when transplanting flowers, digging weeds, or doing other jobs in which the gardener is on his knees. According to Mr. Allison “the 24” shovel serves the same purpose as the hand trowel, but is a little more useful and powerful than a hand trowel…my workers call it the Barbie shovel.”
Hard Rake
A hard rake usually has a long wooden handle with thick, heavy, metal prongs. This type of rake works well for heavy raking jobs, such as moving and spreading heavy items like gravel or sticks.
Soft Rake
A soft rake typically has a long wooden handle with multiple prongs made of thick plastic. This rake has a wider spread and is useful for raking leaves and small debris. It tends to slide more easily over grass than the hard rake.
By-pass Pruning Shears
By-pass pruning shears, also known as bypass pruners, are hand-held shears that resemble a pair of scissors with thicker handles. The two blades are curved and move past each other as the handles are opened and closed. One blade is thicker and unsharpened while the other is sharp and makes a clean cut as it “bypasses” the other blade. These are useful for pruning a wide variety of stems, from small tree branches to flowers. Some varieties have a locking mechanism that will lock the blades together when not in use.
Great Basic Tools for Gardeners Recommended by a Pro
Every gardener tends to use certain tools over and over. Whether the gardener has just begun to work in the yard, wishes to update older ones, or needs to consolidate to a smaller number, these six gardening tools are recommended by a landscape architect with a wealth of experience. Transform the yard into a work of art with the help of a few good quality gardening tools that serve a variety of purposes.
Katrena Wells - Katrena Wells is a RN in NC with 17 1/2 years of experience in oncology, an educator since 1995, and has taught exercise classes since ...
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