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Yard and Garage

Beautiful Lawns and Organized Garages

Tools I Use

The following are the tools and gear I use to take care of my half acre yard. These are all items I own and recommend based on their performance and cost. Most can be found at your local Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware, Tractor Supply or online at Amazon.

  • Lawn Mower
  • Weedeater/Edger
  • Tool Storage
  • Garage Storage
  • Leaf Blower
  • Pole Saw
  • Compost Bin
  • Garden Cart
  • Hedge Clippers
  • Other Useful Gear
  • Lawn and Garden Gift Guides

Lawn Mower

For lawn mowers, I recommend getting a self-propelled or walk behind mower. After looking at the top models I picked the Honda based on personal experience with the brand.

Honda Self Propelled Mower
This image links to Home Depot

I own a slightly different model, which isn’t available any longer, the HRR2168VKA, for over 5 years now. It is still running great after all this time and the next mower I buy will be a Honda as well.


Weedeater / Edger

Although this model doesn’t have the best feedback, I have loved using mine. The 40V models aren't that expensive (Amazon link)

I have been using the same battery for over 5 years. Prior to getting this, I had a 2 cycle gas powered trimmer. This is much easier, just plug in the battery and go. The swivel head allows you to switch from trimmer to edger easily. It is much lighter than a gas powered trimmer so it’s easy on the arms.

Update October 2021: The original battery lasted around 6 years. I was able to pick up a replacement on eBay and it has worked fine, even though it is not OEM. I also replaced the motor the same year. It is cheaper than the battery, but a little tricky to install.

RYOBI 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Attachment Capable String Trimmer, 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger Inc
RYOBI 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Attachment Capable String Trimmer, 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger Inc
  • Attachment capable: accepts RYOBI expand-it attachments and other universal gas attachments to save time, money and space
  • 40-Volt lithium-ion high capacity battery and 90-minutes charger included
  • 13 in. to 15 in. adjustable cutting width for longer run time or wider cutting path
Check Price on Amazon

The only cons I have about this are the string needs to be pulled manually. I did have to replace the end cap after it wore down but it was only a few bucks.

Even if you don’t get this model, I would highly recommend getting a battery-powered unit that has a swivel head for edging.


Tool Storage

I wrote a review about the top 5 under $500 tool chests a few months ago. In it, I selected a No products found.. I use the same one at home. I also have the Craftsman 4 drawer rolling cabinet underneath. I would have included it in the review but it would have pushed the total price over the $500 cutoff by a little.

No products found.

A sturdy tool chest is something that is going to be with you for life so don’t skimp on it. I’ve had mine for close to 20 years and it’s still in perfect shape.


Garage Storage

I have 6 of these plastic shelves from Home Depot in my garage. Metal shelving is more useful with adjustable shelf height, but the price of these plastic shelves is why they are recommended.

plastic shelving

I have the 6’Hx3’Wx2’D versions shown here. Only $50.


Electric Blower

I’ve had this leaf blower for around 5 or 6 years. Previously, I used a gas powered version but the engine would not start reliably. Electric for everything except the lawn mower is working great for me. Less hassle keeping up with multiple engines.

No products found.

It is a No products found.. I have been thinking about getting a battery-powered model that would work with the existing 40V battery on my Ryobi trimmer. But at such a low price point and the fact that it still works like a champ, I haven’t seen a need to replace it.


Pole Saw

This is one item I rarely use. It is a Ryobi telescoping cordless pole saw (check price on amazon).

It mainly comes out once per year when I need to trim up the Crape Myrtle branches that are overhanging my roof. I like the Ryobi brand and stayed with it, even though it has a different battery than my trimmer.

Ryobi One+ 8 in. 18-Volt 9.5 ft. Cordless Electric Pole Saw without Battery and Charger
Ryobi One+ 8 in. 18-Volt 9.5 ft. Cordless Electric Pole Saw without Battery and Charger
  • This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with...
Check Price on Amazon

No complaints about it, although I haven’t really put it to serious work as I don’t use it very often.


Composting Bins and Tumblers

After trying a few different composting methods over the years, I have settled on the Jora 270 tumbler (Amazon link). It has two separate containers which allow you to keep adding fresh materials while the original batch composts. I wrote up a little article about it here.

Jora Composter JK 270 - Compost Bin Tumbler | Easy to Turn Compost Tumbler | Heavy-Duty Outdoor Compost Bin Tumbler | Dueling-Chamber Tumbling Composter | High-Volume, Steel Composting Bin Tumbler…
Jora Composter JK 270 - Compost Bin Tumbler | Easy to Turn Compost Tumbler | Heavy-Duty Outdoor Compost Bin Tumbler | Dueling-Chamber Tumbling Composter | High-Volume, Steel Composting Bin Tumbler…
  • Time Saver - This tumbler composter is constructed for ease of use and simplicity of rotation. The Jora Composter acts as a compost turner which is simply turned by hand whenever waste is put in. The...
  • Incredibly Well Built - Unlike most outdoor composting bins it is the stable, food grade non-toxic insulation in the Jora backyard composter which allows the temperatures to rise up to higher than 160...
  • High Volume - The JK 270 is a large compost bin with a volume of up to 70 gallons and a capacity of 7-8 gallons a week. Keep our composter outdoor bin in a convenient place outside where you can...
Check Price on Amazon

Wheelbarrows / Carts

Four wheels really are better than one. You can load more and have an easier time moving things around with a cart than a wheelbarrow. I won’t lie, this Gorilla Carts 1200lb capacity dump cart (Amazon link) is a little pricey but it is well worth the money. I used one to haul a dump truck load of pea gravel to a new fire pit area and I didn’t spill one pebble. Not sure I could say the same with a wheelbarrow.

Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Poly Yard Dump Cart | 2-In-1 Convertible Handle, 1200 lbs capacity | GOR6PS model
Gorilla Carts Heavy-Duty Poly Yard Dump Cart | 2-In-1 Convertible Handle, 1200 lbs capacity | GOR6PS model
  • PATENTED DUMP FEATURE - Quick-release for easy unloading
  • EASY TO USE - Innovative design for simple assembly, superior maneuverability and ground clearance
  • TOUGH AND DURABLE - 40-inch long x 26-inch wide heavy-duty, rust-proof poly bed and 13-inch pneumatic tires
Check Price on Amazon

It’s easier on the muscles to pull a cart than balance a wheelbarrow so if you are older or younger this cart can help you move trash, leaves, compost, rocks, whatever where you need it.

It is claimed it will hold 1500lbs but I don’t think you would be able to pull it. Gorilla Carts makes smaller versions for hauling 600 and 1200lb loads in case you have a smaller yard. The only negative I have is it takes more precious garage space than a tilted-on-its-side wheelbarrow.


Hedge Clippers

With the distance our Jasmine vines are from the nearest electrical outlet, we had to go with a battery-powered hedge trimmer. It is a Greenworks model and while it does work ok, the battery does not last long enough to cut the full length of our vines and bushes.

That’s why (if your bushes are close to an electrical outlet) I recommend purchasing the Greenworks 22 inch Corded Hedge Trimmer (Amazon link). My review of the top models is here.

Sale
Greenworks 24V 22' Cordless Hedge Trimmer, 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included
Greenworks 24V 22" Cordless Hedge Trimmer, 2.0Ah Battery and Charger Included
  • Powered by 24V Lithium-Ion Battery and compatible with both indoor and outdoor tools--includes 2Ah Battery and Charger
  • Innovative 180 degree rotating rear handle to provide easy trimming at multiple angles with wrap around auxiliary handle for user comfort
  • 22-Inch dual action steel blade for optimal performance, aluminum rail cover included for safe storage and transportation
Check Price on Amazon

It has the right power, weight and blade size to do most any clipping job a homeowner could throw at it. If my cordless model craps out I will be purchasing this one.


Other Useful Gear

These are more items that are used all the time while taking care of my yard.
Leaf Bin
I try to compost all of my clippings, but after a good rain there are too many to put in my bin. I have to bag them up and set the by the curb. This handy little collapsible bin from Worx (Amazon link) has proven very helpful. It is large enough to hold a whole hopper full of clippings at a time.

WORX WA0030 Landscaping 26-Gallon Collapsible Yard Waste Bag/Leaf Bin
WORX WA0030 Landscaping 26-Gallon Collapsible Yard Waste Bag/Leaf Bin
  • [COLLECT MORE LEAVES, QUICKER] Ideal for yard waste and debris collection, get a cleaner lawn with less work
  • [WIDE OPENING] 26 gallons of yard waste is a lot, so we made a wide opening so you can fill it up quickly
  • [EXTRA-STRONG SPRING DESIGN] Effortlessly pops up, then easily collapses into a slim 3” stack for storage
Check Price on Amazon

When its not in use, I set it by my wife’s car so she can have a trash can out in the garage. It is useful to also have a large bagged can when we want to throw away something bulky. I buy 50-gallon bags from Amazon to use with it.


Lawn and Garden Gift Guides

Looking for the perfect gift for your yard-work loving family member? Check out these gift guides that feature many unique and cool outdoor gifts. Prices range from $20 to $200 so you can find something for any budget.

  • Father’s Day Gift Guide
  • Gift Ideas for New Homeowners
  • Gift Ideas for Gardeners
  • Handyman Gift Ideas for Christmas

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