As a homeowner, you know that there are some tree care related projects that you might have to do – things that you don’t really need to call a tree care company for, but you do need to do for the health of your trees. We understand this and know that there are some tasks you want to handle on your own – but we also know that you can only do that if you have the right tools in your hands. That is why we compiled this list, to allow you to see what you should have in your garage or tool shed.
You do have to make sure of a few things: you know how to use the tools, they are high quality, and you only handle what you can handle. If you have any questions, it is better to err on the side of caution.
So what do you need? Let’s take a look:
5. Irrigation Systems
- Helps with routine watering
- Useful in all seasons
- Invest in a timed system for better results
Dry summers are the biggest threat to healthy, happy trees. You want to have a yard that is nourished and hydrated all over, not just around your trees. When your yard looks a little crispy or crunchy, you might have to invest in an irrigation system, sprinkler, or at least a hose. While you do have to be conscious of the amount of water that you use, you should have something help our your trees – even if it is recycled water.
The Home Depot has a fantastic guide for buying a garden hose that will work with your yard and all legal regulations on using water. Make sure to put it to good use – this doesn’t have to be a huge investment.
4. Short Pruners
- Be judicious when using
- Do not cut into blisters
- Always clean properly
This one is a more difficult tool to recommend because you do have to be extremely careful when you use them. Still, it is a necessary part of any yard maintenance plan. However, we recommend hand pruners because they cannot do any of the big cutting that can be really detrimental to your trees. You should still take care not to cut too much and never cut with dirty or rusty pruners.
You won’t be able to dramatically change your trees, but you can make some maintenance trims that will help with some of the bushiness or extra pieces.
Per Garden Products Review, “Pruners (also called clippers, pruning shears, or secateurs) are used to trim and shape plants, deadhead, prune out dead or damaged foliage and small branches, and cut back perennials. They’re one of the most-used gardening tools so it’s important to get a pair that works best for you.”
Once again – do not go overboard with this or you will do more harm than good.
3. Rakes
- Helps in all seasons
- Spread mulch or new soil
- Expose roots
One of the most useful tools for all parts of your yard is the common yard rake. Many people have traded in the manual labor of the rake for a leaf blower, but that doesn’t have to be the case at all. Other than being great exercise, a manual rake can do so much more.
According to The Seattle Times, “Among landscaping rakes, metal bow rakes are used for moving soil around the garden, mounding dirt to create raised beds, picking up garden debris and tamping the soil. The sharp steel points can dig too deeply into a lawn, however, and, when used to rake leaves, those same points spear the leaves and get clogged easily.”
You can use a rake at any point of the year to clean your gardens, which will certainly keep your tree healthy. Of course, you want to be careful that you aren’t too rough or do too much damage. For this reason, you want to use a quality rake that won’t cause bruises to the roots.
2. Wheelbarrow
- Lasts a lifetime
- Always useful
- Helps with all projects
Another tool that people have forsaken too soon is the wheelbarrow. It is something that we all need, even if we don’t’ want to admit it. They will help you to do a job that you might not want to do because it seems like too much work. While there is still work with a wheelbarrow, you are able to do just a little bit less.
Whether you are cleaning up after a storm or moving some landscaping items, it makes your job just a little easier. Even though they aren’t high tech or cutting edge, wheelbarrows are a good investment because they are always going to be useful and we can’t really see a way to improve upon them too much. In fact, according to research by the University of Houston, the first wheelbarrows may have had sails, and they have been around for a very, very long time.
Invest in a higher quality wheelbarrow and it will last you a long time.
1. Flashlights
- Useful indoors and outdoors
- Scare away pests
- Check deep into trees
This might seem like a strange addition to the list, but it really isn’t. Flashlights are extremely useful for tree care. They help you to spot any problem areas where the tree isn’t accessible to your eyes.
The stronger the flashlight, the better for you. You will easily be able to spot damage from a distance.
According to The Flashlight Guide, you want to get a flashlight with an LED bulb instead of an older one so that you can see the true colors on your tree – which can help you with identifying problem areas.
If you are looking for a tree care professional in Redwood City, give Econo Tree Service a call today at (650) 200-2495. We will help you to better understand your trees and how to handle any tree care issues that you might have, whether your tree is older or young. It is important that you don’t try to handle any tree-related care on your own that really should be left to a professional. We are always here to help, so don’t be afraid to reach out.