Finding Tools of Trade for the Landscape Gardener

Every Landscape Gardener knows how important it is to have the Tools of Trade for their Landscape business. Without the right tools, you will spend far more time on every project, losing money and usually quality, as well. From a simple Paving Tool to a Jackhammer, the quality of your work will improve when you have the equipment necessary.

The big decision will be whether you purchase your own equipment or simply lease it from a garden centre. Some of the larger tools can be rather costly and for landscapers just starting out, the expense may be too much. If this is the case, consider purchasing the main tools and renting the others until you have built your business up to the point where it can handle larger expenses, such as a Jackhammer. Chances are, you won't need these early in the business, at any rate.

Common Landscaping Hand Tools

Screeder: While many amateurs use boards to level the base for a patio or pathway, professionals will find it more cost effective and accurate to use an aluminum screeder, which will never warp and always gives true level.
Hammers: There are a few different hammers that can be very useful in landscaping. First, the bush hammer, which looks like an oversized meat tenderizer, but it's actually meant to soften the edges of stones and concrete blocks to create a more natural look. You will also need a rubber hammer for placing blocks and tiles and ensuring that they are firmly set.
Pick Axe: Breaking up tough soil is much easier with the Tools of Trade and a pick axe is just what you need for this task. A sturdy pick axe will last for years and is a good investment for any Gardener.
Rake: A good rake is essential for smoothing out gravel and sand and leveling areas that are not necessarily appropriate for screeding.
Spades: Handy for moving dirt, gravel and any other materials you might need for your Landscape projects. There are several different types of spades, so be sure to get the ones most suitable to your needs. It helps to test them out ahead of time in most cases.
Block Splitter: This Paving Tool is essential if you will be doing walks or patios with pavers. There are two options here, petrol or manual. For smaller jobs, the manual version is more affordable and is quite sufficient for the job. However, you may find that for very large areas, the petrol model is a better choice.

Most Useful Electric Tools

Jackhammer: While a Jackhammer may not be the first tool you think of when it comes to crafting a Landscape, it is very useful for breaking up concrete. Old foundations, slabs and unexpected underground finds, can all be removed quickly and relatively easily with a Jackhammer. With hand tools, these tasks would take you days, if not weeks.
Edger: Edger's are ideal for the professional landscaper. With these machines, you can easily keep the edges of walkways and flower beds looking crisp and beautiful, with minimal work.
Trimmers: You can find manual trimmers, as well as electric ones, but if you are doing this professionally, you will definitely want the electrical versions. Hedge trimmers are the most important, but there are a range of different sizes that you can add to your toolbox as your Landscape business grows.

There are literally hundreds of different Tools of Trade that you could use in a Landscape business, but as any Gardener will tell you, a few of the best will hold you in good stead. Choose the best basic tools, splurge on a Jackhammer and a good Paving Tool or two and you will be set to run your business successfully.