Commercial Landscaping Equipment Checklist

Lawn mowers cut grass down to an even height, enhancing aesthetic appeal while promoting healthier, pest-resistant grass growth. Depending on the model, your lawnmower will feature one or more sharpened revolving blades. Push mowers are great for smaller yards, while hand mowers offer a more traditional approach to lawn care. For larger areas, riding mowers help you to cover more ground with ease. Some lawnmowers come with special features or attachments that enhance your mowing experience. Aerator attachments promote better air circulation and water absorption in the soil, while built-in bags make it easy to collect and dispose of grass clippings.

• Used for: Mowing lawns
• Power type: Gas, electric, or manual

String trimmers utilize a rapidly spinning string head to efficiently and precisely cut through weeds, branches, and vegetation. They are perfect for addressing the finer details of your landscaping needs. Straight-shaft string trimmers are ideal for trimming grass along fences, trees, and other hard-to-reach areas with ease. Curved shaft string trimmers excel in confined spaces or mulch beds, offering enhanced maneuverability and control for precise trimming. Opt for corded models that provide continuous power, cordless models for freedom of movement, or gas-powered or electric-powered models based on your preference and the scale of your lawn care tasks.

• Used for: Trimming weeds
• Power type: Gas, electric, or battery-powered

Hedge trimmers are specialized trimmers designed with a long arm that has smaller blades extending off of it, making them perfect for shaping hedges and shrubs. Corded trimmers are powered by electricity and ideal for continuous use, while cordless trimmers can be powered by batteries or gas for more mobility. Some hedge trimmers come with extended arms that enable you to reach high places without a ladder, improving efficiency and safety. Additionally, blade guards are a common feature that protects the user and the trimmer during transport and storage.

• Used for: Trimming hedges and shrubs
• Power type: Gas, electric, or battery-powered

Edgers create a distinct, clean line where your lawn meets a sidewalk, garden bed, or driveway, preventing grass encroachment. The two main types of edgers available on the market are manual and motorized edgers. Manual edgers are handheld tools with a flat blade that pushes into the ground, providing a personalized and detailed touch to your lawn edges. Motorized edgers utilize a vertically spinning blade that effortlessly cuts into the ground, offering quick and convenient results.

• Used for: Edging
• Power type: Gas, electric, battery-powered, or manual

Blowers, or leaf blowers, use forced air to push leaves, grass clippings, and other debris out of the way. They have a long built-in nozzle that focuses airflow, allowing you to direct it precisely where needed. Blowers are useful for clearing debris after intense landscaping projects or for quick and easy cleanups after mowing. Different blowers come with varying air velocities, so choosing one that matches the level of yard work you anticipate is crucial for optimal performance. Some blowers also include a convenient feature that allows them to be reversed to act as an outdoor vacuum, cutting down on cleanup time.

• Used for: Removing debris from your lawn
• Power type: Gas, electric, or battery-powered

Whether you need to apply fertilizer, herbicides, or pesticides to your lawn, spreaders are a must-have tool. They ensure even coverage, keeping every inch of your lawn protected or treated. The most common type of spreader is a rotary spreader, which features a large bin with a rotating disc that moves as you walk. Rotary spreaders efficiently distribute materials over a wide area, making them perfect for fields, parks, or large lawns. For smaller applications or areas that require more precision, handheld spreaders are also available.

• Used for: Spreading lawn care chemicals and fertilizer
• Power type: Manual

Sprayers distribute pesticides, herbicides, and liquid fertilizers with ease. Handheld sprayers are easy to fill up and feature a hand pump for quick and efficient operation and targeted applications. For larger areas or more extensive coverage, backpack sprayers are a popular choice. These sprayers are worn on your back, providing freedom of movement and a larger capacity so you can cover more ground. If you have a larger lawn or commercial property, tow-behind sprayers are a great option. These sprayers can be attached to a vehicle, such as a lawn tractor, and towed across your lawn for maximum coverage.

• Used for: Spraying lawn care chemicals
• Power type: Manual

Lawn aerators are specialized tools designed to improve the health and vitality of your lawn by puncturing holes in the soil. This process enhances soil drainage, creating an environment that allows the root system to breathe and promotes healthy grass growth. When your soil is properly aerated, grass has better access to air, water, and nutrients. By preventing roots from growing too deep into dense soil, aerators ensure the root system remains healthy and resilient. This practice is particularly beneficial in springtime, as it sets the stage for robust growth throughout summer.

• Used for: Aerating soil, promoting grass growth
• Power type: Manual

Whether you need to quickly dig a hole, spread mulch, or remove objects from the ground, having the right shovel can make the job much easier. Edging shovels are designed for heavy-duty edging tasks, creating clean borders, and defining landscaping features. Trench shovels are perfect for traditional digging tasks, such as creating trenches for irrigation systems or planting rows of plants. Flat shovels are best suited for spreading mulch and other materials evenly across the ground, making them essential for maintaining a well-groomed landscape.

• Used for: Digging holes, spreading mulch
• Made from: Plastic, metal, or wood

Shears are designed for precise garden and lawn maintenance, enabling you to trim overgrown trees, shrubs, and flowers. They feature long handles and pronounced blades, providing maximum coverage for a clean and neat cut. Commercial shears are a must-have for individuals who prioritize the upkeep of their shrubbery and landscaping. In addition to larger shears for general trimming tasks, you can find smaller models designed specifically for pruning flowers and small plants, ensuring your garden looks its best.

• Used for: Trimming shrubs, trees, bushes, and flowers
• Made from: Plastic and metal

Rakes offer a more controlled option for removing debris from lawns and gardens. They feature long, spread-out prongs, allowing you to efficiently move leaves, rocks, and loose mulch out of your lawn. Rakes can also spread and even mulch in your garden beds, ensuring a tidy appearance. After mowing your lawn, a rake can be handy for cleaning grass clippings quickly and easily. For heavy-duty applications such as spreading rocks or removing turf, rakes with sturdy handles and durable prongs are ideal. For light-duty applications, smaller plastic rakes offer a gentler touch.

• Used for: Raking leaves and yard debris
• Made from: Plastic, metal, or wood

Also known as pole saws or tree pruners, pole pruners are designed to trim or remove tree branches without the need to climb up into the tree or use a ladder. Their long handles, many of which are extendable, help you to reach high branches with ease. The cutting edge slices into overgrown branches or twigs, making tree maintenance a breeze. For minor maintenance, a manual pole pruner is a practical choice, as they are easy to use and require no power source. For large-scale projects, gas or electric-powered pole pruners are the way to go, providing the extra power needed to tackle larger branches.

• Used for: Trimming tree branches
• Made from: Plastic or metal

Buckets and baskets are essential tools that provide a sturdy, dependable, and versatile vessel for storing and transporting soil, rocks, mulch, and lawn waste. Whether you are ripping plants out to replant them elsewhere, holding grass clippings for easy removal and disposal, or need to move large quantities of dirt, buckets and baskets are up to the task. From durable plastic buckets to sturdy metal baskets, there is a vessel to fit your commercial landscaping needs.

• Used for: Storing yard waste, transporting landscaping materials
• Made from: Plastic, metal, wood, or canvas

Whether you're pulling out plants, working with thorny vines, or handling landscaping machinery, the right gloves will keep your hands protected. These gloves are designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor work and keep your hands safe from cuts and abrasions. Some protective gloves are tailored for yard work, gardening, or landscaping tasks. These gloves offer reinforced palms, knuckle protection, and breathable materials to keep your hands cool and comfortable during long hours.

• Protects: Hands
• Best for: Gardening and uprooting thorny or tough plants

Earplugs and earmuffs provide essential hearing protection, minimizing hearing damage due to loud noises generated by equipment like lawnmowers, trimmers, and other motorized tools. Prolonged exposure to these noises can lead to hearing loss, making it imperative to wear ear protection. Equip your staff with earplugs or earmuffs to reduce noise exposure and prevent long-term damage.

• Protects: Hearing
• Best for: Operating loud machinery or gardening equipment

Safety glasses are equally important for shielding your eyes from potential hazards. When operating equipment like lawnmowers and trimmers, there is a risk of debris being kicked up and entering your eyes. Safety glasses act as a barrier, reducing the chance of injury from particles such as stones or wood chippings that could be propelled by the equipment. Choose eyewear that provides a snug fit and meets industry standards for impact resistance.

• Protects: Eyes
• Best for: Mowing lawns and trimming trees

When caring for trees, foliage, or anything up high, there is always the risk that a branch or debris could fall. To protect yourself, it is highly recommended that you and your staff wear hard hats. They can significantly reduce the risk of concussions or head injuries in the event of an accident. Look for models that meet safety standards and provide a comfortable fit for extended wear. Adjustable suspension systems and ventilation features enhance comfort and ensure your staff can work efficiently while staying protected.

• Protects: Heads
• Best for: Trimming trees and working in high spaces