As the seasons change and your garden beckons, there’s no better time to size up your lawn gardening set. After all, nothing slows you down or kills the mood more than a dull spade or flimsy trowel.
There’s a big difference between a great tool and a tool that’s been “good enough for now” for the last decade. A top-notch yard tool set saves time, delivers better results, and can even make the process more enjoyable. Sure, gardening is a chore, but it’s also (hopefully!) a hobby— and the right tools guarantee it feels like one.
Frontdoor’s got you covered with a complete guide to the set of gardening tools you need to tackle yard work this spring, summer, and beyond.
Essential lawn care tools
The picture-perfect, pillowy green lawn doesn’t just happen. It takes the right yard tool set and a little know-how to keep your grass well-maintained year-round.
Mower
Your mower is the central player in your lawn care approach. There are a few different options to choose from depending on your situation:
- Manual reel mowers: Best for small, flat lawns; quiet, eco-friendly, and great for a light workout.
- Electric or battery-powered mowers: Lower maintenance, quieter than gas models, and perfect for small to mid-sized yards.
- Gas-powered push mowers: Good for larger lawns, offering power and endurance.
- Riding mowers or zero-turn mowers: For big yards or uneven terrain where a push mower just won’t cut it.
String trimmer (weed wacker) & edger
A string trimmer gets into those hard-to-reach spots where your mower can’t— along fences, garden beds, and walkways. For crisp, professional-looking edges along driveways and sidewalks, an edger will be your best friend.
Leaf rake
A good leaf rake helps with fall cleanup, but it’s also handy for spreading mulch or collecting grass clippings. Look for a lightweight, flexible design that won’t wear you out.
Lawn aerator
Aerating helps your lawn breathe by breaking up compacted soil, allowing water, air, and nutrients to penetrate. Manual aerators are great for small areas, while spike or plug aerators (which remove small plugs of soil) are ideal for larger lawns.
Agri-Fab Plug Lawn Aerator
Walensee Steel Spike aerator
Seed spreader
Whether you’re fertilizing, overseeding, or applying Sunday Lawn Care’s custom lawn treatments, a broadcast spreader ensures even coverage, helping your lawn grow thick and lush.
Leaf blower
Ditch the rake and make fall cleanup a breeze! Battery-powered models are lightweight and quiet, while gas-powered blowers handle big jobs quickly.
Gardening basics
Whether you’re planting flowers, growing veggies, or maintaining a thriving backyard oasis, adding these tools to your gardening tool set will make gardening easier and more enjoyable.
Hand trowel
A hand trowel is the go-to in your gardening set for planting, digging, and transplanting small plants. Look for one with a comfortable grip and a sturdy, rust-resistant blade.
Hand pruners
For trimming flowers, shaping bushes, and cutting small branches, bypass pruners (which make clean cuts) are a must-have. Need to tackle thicker branches? Upgrade to loppers.
Garden Fork
A garden fork is great for loosening compacted soil, turning compost, or mixing in nutrients before planting.
Spade shovel
This workhorse part of your gardening kit is essential for digging holes, edging beds, and transplanting shrubs. Choose one with a sharp, durable steel blade for maximum efficiency.
Hoe
A hoe is important for keeping weeds under control and breaking up tough soil. Dutch hoes work well for surface weeding, while a draw hoe digs deeper for tougher jobs.
Wheelbarrow or garden cart
Save your back! A wheelbarrow or garden cart makes hauling mulch, soil, or heavy plants much easier. For hilly yards, a two-wheel model offers extra stability.
Download our free essential tools checklist to make sure you have everything you need.
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Specialty gardening and landscaping tools
Once you’ve mastered the basics, adding these specialty tools to your gardening kit will help take your landscaping to the next level.
Hedge trimmers
Electric, battery-powered, or gas, hedge trimmers quickly shape large shrubs and bushes with minimal effort. Use powered trimmers for big jobs and manual hedge shears for precision touch-ups.
Weeding tool/weed puller
Forget bending and pulling by hand. Long-handled weed pullers make weed removal easier, especially for deep-rooted invaders like dandelions.
Cultivator
Need to prep garden beds or mix soil? A hand cultivator is great for small areas, while a rotary or power cultivator speeds up the job for larger spaces.
Bulb Planter
For flower lovers, adding a bulb planter to your gardening tool set helps you make quick, uniform holes for planting tulips, daffodils, and other bulbs.
Garden hose with adjustable nozzle
A durable garden hose is a non-negotiable part of your garden tool kit. Look for one that’s kink-resistant and long enough to reach all corners of your yard. Pair it with an adjustable nozzle to switch easily between a gentle mist for delicate flowers and a powerful jet for cleaning up walkways.
Sprinkler or irrigation system
Consistency is key for a green lawn. Choose the sprinkler system that fits your yard’s size and shape:
- Oscillating sprinklers: Best for small, rectangular lawns.
- Rotating sprinklers: Ideal for larger, circular areas with wide coverage.
- Drip irrigation: Perfect for garden beds and potted plants, delivering water directly to the roots while conserving water.
If you’re tired of manual watering, smart irrigation systems can automate the job and adjust for weather changes, saving you time and money.
Gilmour Pattern Master Circular Sprinkler
Gilmour Medium Duty Circular Sprinkler
Rain Gauge
No matter how carefully you calibrate your irrigation system, you need to account for the fact that your lawn is also likely receiving rainwater. Use a rain gauge to measure how much water your yard is getting. Lawns typically need about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall.
Rain barrel
Capture and reuse rainwater with a rain barrel for a win-win for your garden and the environment. Use collected water for flower beds, shrubs, and other non-edible plants.
Safety gear
Yard work might not seem risky, but it’s easy to overlook basic safety. Protect yourself while you prune, trim, and mow with these essential safety items.
Knee pads
Comfort is king when you’re digging, planting, or weeding. Gel-cushioned knee pads protect your joints and make kneeling tasks much easier.
Protective eyewear & hearing protection
Flying debris from mowing or trimming can cause serious eye injuries. Wear impact-resistant safety glasses when using power tools. For loud equipment like leaf blowers or mowers, noise-reducing earmuffs help protect your hearing.
Sun protection
Yard work = sun exposure. Stay safe with a broad-brim hat for shade, sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) for all-day protection, and UV-protective clothing to shield your skin.
Seasonal accessories
Your yard’s needs change with the seasons. This yard tool set will keep you ready year-round
Snow shovel
For winter warriors, a sturdy snow shovel is a must. Look for an ergonomic handle to reduce strain and a wide blade for efficient clearing. For heavy snowfalls, a snow pusher helps move large amounts quickly.
Leaf vacuum/mulcher
Tired of endless leaf piles? A leaf vacuum with mulching capabilities shreds leaves into fine mulch, perfect for composting or insulating garden beds in winter.
Plant Covers
Protect delicate plants from frost with plant covers. Use breathable fabric for insulation while allowing moisture and light through.
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Need a helping hand?
Your lawn and garden are constantly changing and fluctuating with the seasons. You’re looking to build a knowledgeable, thorough, and consistent outdoor routine to keep up. That’s where Frontdoor® comes in.
Download the Frontdoor app today to video chat with home repair Experts who can guide you through tool maintenance, yard fixes, and beyond.
Frontdoor members save 25%* on their first custom lawn plan from Sunday, putting you even closer to the lawn of your dreams.
Check out the Frontdoor Blog for more tips on gardening, including how to build the best balcony garden.
*25% off discount only applies to ‘Annual Custom Lawn Care Plans’ and not ‘Pay as you Grow’ Plans or other à la carte purchases. Discount not eligible for returning customers or for plan renewals.
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