5 Must-Have Outdoor Tools for Every Homeowner

Owning a house comes with plenty of responsibilities and challenging tasks. While caring for your indoor space is essential, outdoor maintenance is just as vital. Whether you have a smaller backyard or a big garden, you have two options: hire someone to handle it or roll your sleeves up and take care of it yourself.

If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty and prefer a more budget-friendly choice, you’ll need the right tools for the job. Here’s a list of the 5 must-have outdoor tools you should add to your upkeep arsenal:

Garden Hose

A garden hose is a versatile tool that comes in handy for all your outdoor chores. You can use it for different tasks, from rinsing your car and washing your driveway to watering your plants and cleaning your gutters. It will also be valuable for watering your grass which might die if you don’t water it regularly, especially in the summer when the temperatures are high and the rainfall is low.

If you’re buying a hose for the first time, you might assume they’re all the same, built with one purpose. But after some trial and error, you will discover they’re not, and some models perform better than others. To help you avoid a failed purchase, here are some useful tips:

The most important thing is to look for a sturdy, non kink hose that’s easy to manoeuvre. Some models kink easily which is not ideal and can be very frustrating when maintaining your outdoor space. Those made with hybrid polymer technology stand out as they are highly resistant to kinking.

With the harsh Australian sun beating down, durability is a non-negotiable feature. Whether tackling a lush garden or a compact backyard, you need gear that won’t buckle under pressure.

It’s also necessary to pair your hose with different attachments based on your needs. However, the most common ones every homeowner should consider include a nozzle, sprinkler and a reel.

Choosing a hose with a non-slip surface is important as well. This feature is essential for maximum grip for your fittings, ensuring they stay put.

Length is another factor to consider. It’s best to choose a length that suits the size of your outdoor space and the location of your water source. Measure the distance from the nearest water source to the area you plan to maintain, then select a non kink hose with a suitable length.

Lawn Mower

An overgrown and untidy lawn can harm your curb appeal, ruin your house aesthetic and cause serious health issues. The good news is you can prevent this by investing in a quality lawn mower.

The right model for you will depend on factors like the size of your lawn, the terrain, and whether you prefer a gas or electric mower. You can’t go wrong with a push lawn mower if you have a smaller garden. On the other hand, a riding mower might be a better choice for a more spacious backyard.

It’s also important to maintain your lawn mower. Sharpening the blades and cleaning the undercarriage will extend its longevity and ensure efficiency.

Gloves

Gloves are essential for various outdoor tasks. You might use them mostly for gardening, but working in the garage, cleaning the gutters and handling tools are other cases in which they will come in clutch.

Be sure to have at least two pairs of gloves ready to go; your hands will thank you! Here’s a useful tip for you: leather isn’t a breathable material, so you should steer clear of it. Find pairs that fit you well so you can do your outdoor tasks without worrying if they might slip off.

Shovel

Besides digging holes for plants, trees, and flowers, a shovel is also useful for many other outdoor tasks. So, even if you’re not into gardening, this is another must-have tool for any homeowner.

For example, a shovel will prove very helpful for cleaning snow from your driveway. You don’t want to be caught off guard if snow blocks your garage or entryway. Having a shovel on hand will allow you to handle the situation. You can also use it to level the ground when installing patio furniture or fix potential drainage issues.

Leaf Blower

It’s hard to deal with all those fallen autumn leaves, broken branches and dry twigs. They seem to appear everywhere you turn: on the driveway, the porch and all over the garden.

While taking care of it manually is an option, a leaf blower can improve efficiency and save you valuable time. Plus, you won’t need to spend extra time sweeping up after mowing the lawn; you can use the blower to clear the clippings and debris instead.

You will find a wide range of leaf blowers on the market. Choosing between corded and cordless models depends on your needs. Each type has pros and cons, so you should do some research to find the right fit for your home.