Essential garden power tools to make gardening jobs easier

Key overview:

• For lawn mowing: robotic mowers or battery-powered mowers.
• For cutting and pruning: powered hedge trimmers, line trimmers and pruning saws.
• For making garden mulch: shredders and mulchers.
• For clearing and cleaning: Leaf blowers, blower vacuums and pressure washers.

From mowing grass to trimming hedges, garden power tools can reduce repetitive, time-consuming outdoor chores. Alex Pal, buyer for garden power tools, suggests getting a blower, line trimmer and hedge trimmer with the same battery platform, so you can expand your kit without needing different chargers. 

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

What’s the difference between powered and automatic garden tools?

• Powered tools: use electricity or batteries to do the work but still require an operator to control them. Examples include hedge trimmers, line trimmers, chainsaws, pressure washers and most lawn mowers.
• Automatic tools: perform part or all of the task independently, such as robotic lawn mowers. Auto-feed shredders and mulchers are semi-automatic: they pull in the material placed in the shredder, reducing effort.

How to make lawn mowing easier

Robotic lawn mowers navigate your lawn independently, trimming grass on a regular schedule. The fine clippings break down quickly and help return nutrients to the soil. 

For larger or more complex areas, traditional battery-powered lawn mowers offer more direct control. Some have a mulching function, which chops and disperses clippings, reducing green waste while helping fertilise the lawn.

Best garden power tools for cutting

Keep plants in shape using powered hedge trimmers, line trimmers and pruning saws. With improved batteries and brushless motors, they’re lighter, quieter and easier to use. Power pruners are ideal for repetitive cutting tasks like pruning shrubs, small branches and fruit trees.

How to turn garden waste into mulch

Modern shredders and mulchers turn garden waste into mulch which can be spread on garden beds to suppress weeds and improve moisture retention. Many models feature automatic feed systems that speed up processing and reduce fatigue.

What are the best tools for clearing and cleaning the garden?

Leaf blowers and blower vacuums are popular for clearing leaves, grass clippings and debris. Many blower vacs mulch material before it enters the collection bag. Pressure washers also take the elbow grease out of cleaning outdoor furniture and hard surfaces.

Keep in mind...

• When using power tools, always protect ears and eyes with ear muffs and safety glasses (gloves, mask and sturdy boots are also recommended), follow the manufacturer’s instructions and work in a well-ventilated area.
• When pruning, always wear protective gear such as gloves and long sleeves, as the leaves and sap of some plants can be a skin irritant and/or cause allergic reactions.
• Wear gloves and a mask when handling mulch, compost and potting mix.

Want to get your grass looking fab for summer?

Read our article on how to mow your lawn like a pro.

Photo credit: Ryobi.