6 Must-Have Tools and Equipment to Start a Landscaping ...

06 May.,2024

 

6 Must-Have Tools and Equipment to Start a Landscaping ...

Not sure which landscape equipment to choose when starting a lawn care business? Review our recommendations and know before you grow.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website garden hand tools supplier.

Get a LMN 30-day Free Trial No credit card required!

No credit card required

Start Free Trial

Starting a landscaping business can be a daunting task and it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the list of different professional landscape tools. We’re here to help you work through the details and make sure you have the landscaping tools and equipment you need to hit the ground running.

Through our years of experience working with landscape business owners and operators, we’ve developed a thorough list of landscaping tools. In this guide, we’ll show you what landscaping equipment and tools you need to start a business, from your vehicle down to your toolbox and everything in between. We’ll also show you how technology can be among the best investments you make for your landscaping business.

Vehicle: Choosing the Right Transportation for Your Landscaping Business

Every landscaper needs a reliable and sturdy vehicle to transport professional landscape tools and workers from site to site. It’s likely one of your biggest investments, especially if you’re buying a fleet or even more than one truck, so give careful consideration to which vehicle you choose and commit to proper maintenance and security measures to protect it.

Trucks: Reliability and Capacity for Transporting Equipment

Ideally, you want a ¾ or ½ ton truck for your landscaping business, but every business is different and yours may have unique needs to consider.

We found a helpful roundup of truck options and considerations that may help you choose. It provides inside info on crew cab pickup trucks, dovetail trucks, dump trucks, box trucks and pickups.

Trailers: Enclosed vs. Utility and How They Improve Efficiency

Trailers are an honorable mention on a landscaping tools list, but they are not essential if the capital is not there to support the purchase.

If you decide to purchase a trailer, either an enclosed or utility trailer will do the job and allow you to readily transport your equipment to job sites. An enclosed trailer provides an extra level of security for your business, although you’ll pay more for the peace of mind.

Making the Most of Your Vehicle Investment: Maintenance and Security

Protecting your landscaping tools and equipment investments is critical, making vehicle maintenance a no-brainer. Proper vehicle maintenance and care don’t have to be time intensive. Time you spend on it will pay for itself, helping you ensure reliable transformation for your crews and equipment and avoid additional expenses.

Here are general best practices to maintain your landscaping vehicle:

  1. Conduct daily inspections of your truck to check fluids, tires and general maintenance items.
  2. Handle any minor maintenance needs as they arise, rather than letting them turn into bigger issues.
  3. Perform routine maintenance every 3,000 miles.
  4. Budget for vehicle upgrades and replacements.

It’s imperative that landscapers know which professional landscape tools are the right for the job, and how to use them to produce efficient work. Gas and/or electric handheld equipment, including blowers and edgers, give you extended reach, power, and precision you wouldn’t otherwise have.

Here are four key sorts of equipment you’ll likely need on your landscaping tools list:

Blower: Keep Your Worksite Clean and Professional

There’s no quicker way to lose a customer than to leave a job site scattered with debris. A good leaf blower will empower you to leave job sites, and your reputation, spotless.

Edger: Create Crisp, Clean Boundaries for Your Landscaping Projects

Speaking of presentation, an edger will help give your work a professional look with clean-cut edges and borders.

Line Trimmer: Achieve Immaculate Edges and Borders

You’ll need trimmers for whacking weeds or grass that your mower can’t reach.

Shrub Shears

A.K.A. hedge shears, these giant scissors allow you to cut as much of a plant as possible in one single sweep.

Combo kits like Stihl’s KombiSystem aggregate key tools as different attachments on one tool and can be a smart entry point for early landscaping businesses.

Feeling overwhelmed by your choices? This Almanac article looks at key considerations for choosing professional landscape tools, including power and duration needs and maintenance commitments. It can help you determine which handheld equipment is right for your landscaping tools list.

Also consider whether to purchase new or used equipment. The decision often boils down to budget, but there’s a lot more to it, including the hidden costs of going with used. This blog post outlines the pros and cons of each choice.

Mower: The Backbone of Your Landscaping Business

Mowers are typically one of the first tools a young landscaper purchases, creating the foundation of a landscaping business. Chances are, you already own a mower and may be looking to upgrade or buy additional mowers for your landscaping crew.

Let’s look at mower options to add to your landscaping tools list:

Zero-turn Mowers: Advantages and Considerations

Zero-turn mowers are fun to drive, but there are considerable pros and cons of choosing them over push mowers.

Pros of Zero-Turn Mowers:

  1. Speed
  2. Precision
  3. Efficiency

Cons of Zero-Turn Mowers:

  1. Pricey
  2. Can be difficult to maneuver, especially on wet lawns or inclines
  3. Difficult to transport without a trailer
  4. Maintenance requirements

Push Mowers: Gas, Electric, and Reel Options

If you’re on the fence about investing in a riding mower and you’re just starting up a new landscaping business, go for a gas, electric, or reel push mower. They are less expensive, reliable, easy to maneuver and more convenient to transport. Be aware that electric options require a nearby power source or a backup battery.

Mower Maintenance and Proper Storage for Longevity

Just like your vehicles, your mowers require cleaning, repair and maintenance. Proper upkeep will protect your landscaping tools and equipment investments by making them last longer and help to avoid breakdowns that lead to expensive repairs and lost work.

Here are some helpful tips maintaining mowers:

  1. Make it a daily habit to remove debris after use
  2. Store mowers in a covered, dry location
  3. Sharpen blades
  4. Schedule regular oil ad air filter changes
  5. Plan ahead for replacements

This article dives deeper into mower care.

Once you have outfitted your new landscaping business with a vehicle, mower and hand-held equipment, you can broaden your inventory of professional landscape tools.

While you may not need these tools daily, they will come in handy as you expand your services and your business. Don’t be afraid to test the weight and feel of these tools when shopping around. Each purchase is an investment in your business, and you want to make sure it’s a tool you’re comfortable with for the long haul.

Be sure that these basics are on your list of landscaping tools:

These landscaping tools cover everything from planting flowers and shrubs to seasonal and job site clean-up. You’ll want to invest in these basics as they’ll get regular use.

Pruners and Hedge Shears: Keeping Your Greenery in Check

Pruners and shears may sound like one in the same, but they are not. It’s important to have both in your arsenal to have what you need to properly maintain a manicured landscape.

Forks: Essential for Moving Materials and Soil

Gardening forks are used for breaking up or establishing a new garden and for moving and spreading materials, such as mulch. You’ll likely need to have a few different sizes on hand.

Standard landscaping tools and equipment are necessary, especially in an industry that requires and depends on heavy use of equipment.

Include the following to ensure you’re at the ready:

Combo Tool Kit Essentials: Hammer, Screwdriver and Wrenches

While borrowing a kit from home acts as a great placeholder, every landscaper should have a well-stocked professional landscape tool kit with these essentials in case of last-minute and on-the-job repairs.

Utility Knife and Bit Set: Versatility for Any Situation

Utility knives and multitools will ensure you can meet any landscaping need. There are seemingly endless options to choose from so we’ve scouted out this helpful buyer’s guide to help you choose.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Safety First

Your people are your landscaping business’ biggest asset. Proper access to and use of PPE will keep them protected and cared for.

You should provide the following safety gear and equipment for your employees and ensure that they know how to properly use it and understand that everyone’s safety depends on their compliance.

  1. Ear plugs or muffs
  2. Safety goggles and glasses
  3. Gloves
  4. Safety shields and masks
  5. Hard hats
  6. Respirators and masks

And, last but certainly not least important to your landscaping tools list, is technology. A laptop and mobile phone are essential to doing business today, keeping you connected to your customers and empowering you to manage the business side of landscaping.

LMN Software: Streamline Your Landscaping Business Operations

LMN can take your laptop or mobile phone and turn it into a powerhouse of a tool for your landscaping or lawn care business. In short, our software does the work of a large administrative team and streamlines operations to cut your overhead costs and empower you to better run your business.

LMN landscaping business management software helps you manage your business from end-to-end, from one place. It automates your entire landscape business with proven processes, procedures and efficiencies and provides tools that make it easy to generate leads, create estimates, track time, and simplify the invoicing and payroll process.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit garden tools manufacturer.

Storing Documents and Data: Keeping Your Business Organized

Within LMN, you can store important documents, such as customer info, job site photos, invoices, and more, and have them easily accessible. From your LMN platform, you can share work plans and before-and-after photos and readily communicate with your crews and your customers.

While this list of landscaping tools doesn’t have absolutely everything you will need to start a landscaping business, it will help launch your business and prepare you to make every job as efficient and productive as possible.

These 5 Steps For Making Your First Landscape Business Budget will help you budget for the professional landscape tools you need and show you how to project expenses and set goals for your new business.

For more information about starting a landscaping business, check out this helpful guide, created by landscapers for landscapers like you.

Questions? We have Answers.

What tools are needed to landscape?

The tools needed by a landscaping business depend on the services it offers, for instance lawn care, landscape maintenance, hardscaping and patio construction. A standard landscaping tools list typically includes a reliable vehicle, mower, gas or electric-powered equipment such as blowers, and hand tools for digging, cutting, pruning, planting, trimming, raking, grading and maintaining equipment. Technology, including a mobile phone, laptop and landscape management software are also important tools for building and managing a profitable landscaping business.

What is the best brand for landscaping tools?

Landscaping tool providers evolve and change and new ones enter the market, yet there are tried and true tool brands that have stood the test of time. As landscapers who, like you, depended on quality tools to do our work, we can confidently say you can’t go wrong choosing Cat for heavy-duty hard-scaping projects; Ford for tough, reliable vehicles; STIHL tools; and Walker Mowers.

What hand tools does the groundskeeper or landscaper use?

In addition to a mower and power equipment, landscapers and groundskeepers rely on a multitude of professional landscaping hand tools to get the job done. A standard landscaping hand tool kit includes tools for digging, cutting, measuring and marking.

Have additional questions?
Chat with us live during business hours or contact sales.

Buying a Dibbler Tool: What You Need to Know

The Garden Tool Used For Centuries With Many Names (Dibble, Dibbler, Dibber)

We’ve all used many different things to make holes in the ground for seeds or bulbs. I know I have. Nothing has been off limits: a stick, screwdriver, dowel, shovel handle, and yes, even a finger. But a dibber, also known as a dibbler or dibble, is a unique garden tool made for this very purpose. Its first recorded use was back in roman times, usually made from old tool handles, and its design has not really changed.

Dibblers come in all shapes and sizes (Click to browse)

History of the Garden Dibbler

The garden dibbler, a simple yet essential tool for gardeners, has a history rooted in agricultural practices that span centuries. Its basic design, a pointed stick or handle used for making holes in the soil, likely dates back to the earliest forms of agriculture when primitive tools were used for planting seeds.

A stick being used as a dibbler in Medieval times

Over time, the dibbler evolved from rudimentary sticks to more refined wooden or metal versions. In the 19th century, with the rise of ornamental gardening, the dibbler became popular among home gardeners for its ease of use in planting bulbs, seeds, and small plants. Its enduring design, virtually unchanged over the years, testifies to its effectiveness and simplicity. Today, the garden dibbler remains a staple in both traditional and modern gardening practices, celebrated for its straightforward, efficient approach to planting.

Are There Different Types of Dibbers?

The Plastic Dibber

This small dibble is great for seed tray work, or working with small seeds. They are relatively cheap, and will last as long as you dont leave them in the sun. Call me a traditionalist though...I like my wood turned dibber 😉

The Steel Tipped Dibble

Ah, the modern dibber. This dibber is a low cost option for those with hard soil or small hands. Its steel tip wont get worn down over time, and it provides a great set of uses out in the garden. Click the image for more info.

The Wood Turned Dibber

The wood turned dibber is popular for its aesthetics and durability. Typically made of hardwood (maple or mahogany) it is crafted to be an heirloom, and be passed down to generations of gardeners. We make our own and use these on our farm and in our garden. Click the image for more info.

The Multi-point Dibbler

The multipoint dibbler provides great efficiency when planting seeds or creating troughs for seats. You can use the points to make multiple holes at once in soil or in your seed trays, and it also doubles as a seed rake where you can make parallel troughs for seating en masse.

Seed Tray Dibbler

The seed tray or grid dibbler, is used to make many holes at once. The grid is typically laid out for potting trays, or seed spacing when planting many plants.

What Should I Look For When Buying A Modern Dibber/Dibbler?

Dibbles come in all shapes and sizes, and materials. High quality dibbles have the following features:

  • Made of hardwood (maple, mahogany, etc)
  • Hand turned, handmade
  • Inch marks and quarter inch marks
  • Flattened tip for solid seed contact
  • Ball or grip handle
  • Specifically made for seeds or bulb
  • Finished with Linseed Oil to protect

Find a shape and size you like, and add a nice handmade dibble to your garden tool kit.

Are Dibblers Just Used For Seed Planting/Starting?

There are two different types of dibblers, those for planting seeds and those for planting bulbs. Bulb dibbles are typically longer with a fat body and point to create a large hole. They have a flat point to create a firm contact point for the bottom of the bulb, and lines at one inch intervals for reference.

Seed dibbles on the other hand, are typically skinny and pointy, and create a small hole for starting seeds. Quality dibblers will have quarter inch marks, and then inch increments. These dibblers also have a flat tip for solid seed contact in the soil.

How Are Wood Dibbers Made?

All natural wood dibbers are made through the process of wood turning on a lathe. Here is a time-lapse video of a seed bidder being turned in our shop.

What is a garden dibble? A seed/bulb planter. Here is a video of one being made in our shop.

What Are Dibbers Made Of?

Dibbers are made of all different types or materials, including wood, metal and plastic. It is all a matter of preference which one you would like in the garden. I use a wood dibber garden tool for my outdoor bulb planting, and a nice small plastic one for inside seed planting. Here are the attributes of a quality dibber in the modern age, and one any gardener would appreciate:

  • Dibbers are made of a solid hardwood (maple or mahogany) and weather the elements quite well
  • A solid wood dibber handle for leverage in making deep holes or penetrating hard soil.
  • A pointed tip to keep going and going
  • Turned wood handle for aesthetics
  • Thick wood for a solid grip

What is the purpose of a Dibbers/Dibble?

I know we use ours on the farm constantly (I just used it for planting Ranunculus and Anemone today), and after a 1000 bulbs, i am thankful for this handy tool. Dibbers have a wide variety of uses. Here are all the uses for a dibber:

  • To make holes in soil for seed planting
  • A hole-maker in soil for bulb planting
  • You can break up potted plant roots as you plant them in the garden
  • For cleaning dirt from tubers
  • For leverage in propagation with large roots.
  • To aerate the soil around a plant
  • For creating deep water holes for plants in hot climates

Dibbler Gardening and Seed Starting FAQ

1. What is a Dibbler and How is it Used?

  • A dibbler is a pointed gardening tool used for making holes in the soil, typically for planting seeds or seedlings. It’s used by pressing it into the soil to create a hole of desired depth and width.

2. What are the Benefits of Using a Dibbler for Seed Starting?

  • Using a dibbler helps ensure consistent depth and spacing for seeds, which can lead to better germination and growth. It’s also a quick and efficient way to plant multiple seeds.

3. How Do You Make a Dibbler?

  • A dibbler can be made from various materials like wood, metal, or plastic. A simple homemade version can be fashioned from a handle with a pointed end, such as a dowel or old tool handle.

4. What Materials are Dibblers Made From?

  • Dibblers are commonly made from wood, metal, or plastic. Wooden dibblers are popular for their natural feel, metal ones for durability, and plastic for being lightweight.

5. How Deep Should Seeds be Planted Using a Dibbler?

  • The depth depends on the seed size and type. Generally, seeds should be planted at a depth of about two to three times their diameter.

6. Can Dibblers be Used for All Types of Seeds?

  • While dibblers are versatile, they are best suited for medium to large seeds. Very small seeds might require a more delicate approach.

7. Are There Different Sizes or Types of Dibblers?

  • Yes, dibblers come in various sizes and designs. Some have markings for depth, while others might have different shaped tips for specific types of planting.

8. How to Maintain and Store a Dibbler?

  • After use, clean the dibbler to remove soil and moisture. Store it in a dry place to prevent rusting (for metal dibblers) or rotting (for wooden ones).

9. What are Some Tips for Using a Dibbler Effectively?

  • Ensure consistent depth for each hole, keep the dibbler vertical for uniform holes, and space the holes according to the needs of the specific plants you are sowing.

10. Are There Any Alternative Tools to a Dibbler for Seed Starting?

  • Alternatives include seed syringes for small seeds, seed tapes, or simple tools like a pencil or stick for making holes.

The company is the world’s best Pruning Tools Manufacturer supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.