A Comprehensive List of Top Landscaping Tools for Contractors

Starting or scaling a landscaping business requires more than skill—it demands the right equipment. Whether you're a solo operator building your first trailer setup or a established contractor expanding your fleet, this guide covers every tool category you'll encounter.

We've organized this guide by tool category, with specific product recommendations, price ranges, and guidance on when to buy versus rent. The goal: help you make informed purchasing decisions that match your business stage and budget.

Quick Reference: Tool Categories at a Glance

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Hand Tools: The Foundation of Every Job

Hand tools are the backbone of landscaping work. While power equipment handles volume, hand tools deliver the precision that separates professional results from amateur work. Invest in quality here—cheap hand tools fail when you need them most.

Digging and Soil Preparation Tools

1. Round-Point Shovel

The workhorse of landscaping. Used for digging holes, transplanting, breaking ground, and moving loose materials.

What to look for: Forged steel head (not stamped), fiberglass or hardwood handle, forward-turned step for boot protection. A 48" handle works for most users; taller operators may prefer 52".

Price range: $25–$80
Recommended brands: Bully Tools, Corona, Leonard
Expected lifespan: 5–10 years with proper care

2. Square-Point Shovel (Transfer Shovel)

Flat blade designed for scooping and transferring materials rather than digging. Essential for loading mulch, gravel, and soil into wheelbarrows.

Price range: $25–$70
Recommended brands: Bully Tools, Razor-Back, Ames

3. Garden Spade

Flat, sharp blade with squared edges. Used for edging beds, cutting through sod, transplanting, and dividing perennials. The straighter blade provides more control than a shovel.

Price range: $30–$90
Recommended brands: Spear & Jackson, Corona, Fiskars

4. Trenching Shovel

Narrow, elongated blade designed for digging trenches for irrigation lines, drainage, or edging. The 4–6" wide blade removes soil efficiently from confined spaces.

Price range: $30–$60
Recommended brands: Razor-Back, Ames, True Temper

5. Garden Hoe

Ancient tool, still indispensable. Used for weeding, breaking up soil, creating furrows, and cultivating around plants.

Types to know:

• Stirrup hoe (hula hoe): Oscillating blade cuts weeds on push and pull strokes
• Collinear hoe: Thin blade for precision weeding in tight spaces
• Standard hoe: Angled blade for general cultivation

Price range: $20–$60
Recommended brands: Rogue Hoe, Corona, DeWit

6. Digging Bar

Heavy steel bar (typically 14–18 lbs) used for breaking through hardpan, prying rocks, and digging in rocky soil. Essential for challenging terrain.

Price range: $40–$80
Recommended brands: Truper, Bon Tool, Ames

7. Post Hole Digger (Clamshell Digger)

Two-handled manual digger for fence posts, mailbox posts, and small tree plantings. Faster than a shovel for deep, narrow holes.

Price range: $30–$70
Recommended brands: Seymour, Razor-Back, True Temper

Raking and Leveling Tools

8. Leaf Rake (Lawn Rake)

Flexible tines designed for gathering leaves, grass clippings, and light debris without damaging turf. Choose a 24–30" head width for efficiency.

Price range: $15–$45
Recommended brands: True Temper, Corona, Fiskars

9. Bow Rake (Garden Rake)

Rigid steel tines for heavy-duty work: leveling soil, spreading mulch, removing rocks, and preparing seedbeds. The curved bow design adds strength.

Price range: $25–$60
Recommended brands: Razor-Back, Corona, Leonard

10. Landscape Rake (Leveling Rake)

Wide aluminum or steel head (24–36") with adjustable tines for fine grading, leveling topsoil, and seedbed preparation. Essential for lawn renovation work.

Price range: $40–$120
Recommended brands: Midwest Rake, Bon Tool, Razor-Back

11. Thatch Rake

Sharp, crescent-shaped blades designed to cut through and remove thatch buildup from lawns. Manual alternative to power dethatchers for small areas.

Price range: $30–$50
Recommended brands: Ames, True Temper, Groundskeeper II

12. Hand Cultivator

Three-pronged claw for loosening soil, removing weeds, and aerating around plants. Essential for bed maintenance and transplanting.

Price range: $10–$25
Recommended brands: Corona, Fiskars, DeWit

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Cutting and Pruning Tools

Quality cutting tools are critical for plant health and professional appearance. Dull or poorly maintained cutting equipment tears plant tissue, inviting disease and creating unsightly wounds.

Hand Pruners and Shears

13. Bypass Pruners

The most-used cutting tool in landscaping. Two curved blades pass each other (like scissors) for clean cuts on living stems up to ¾" diameter.

What matters: Blade steel quality, ergonomic grip, replaceable parts. Look for SK5 or Japanese steel blades.

Price range: $25–$80
Recommended brands: Felco (industry standard), ARS, Corona
Pro tip: Felco offers left-handed models and extensive replacement parts

14. Anvil Pruners

Single blade cuts against flat surface. Best for dead wood and dry stems—the crushing action would damage live tissue.

Price range: $15–$40
Recommended brands: Corona, Fiskars, Bahco

15. Ratchet Pruners

Mechanical advantage system allows cutting thicker branches with less hand strength. Good for operators with hand fatigue or arthritis.

Price range: $20–$45
Recommended brands: Corona, Fiskars, Gardena

16. Loppers

Long-handled pruners for branches ½" to 2" diameter. Bypass models for live wood, anvil for dead wood. Handle length typically 15–36".

Price range: $30–$80
Recommended brands: Corona, Felco, ARS, Fiskars PowerGear

17. Hedge Shears (Manual)

Long blades for shaping hedges and ornamental shrubs. Manual shears offer more control than power trimmers for formal hedges.

Price range: $25–$70
Recommended brands: ARS, Okatsune, Corona

18. Grass Shears

Short-bladed shears for trimming grass in areas string trimmers can't reach—around delicate plants, edging, and detail work.

Price range: $15–$35
Recommended brands: Corona, Fiskars, Bahco

Saws

19. Folding Pruning Saw

Compact saw with aggressive teeth that cuts on the pull stroke. Essential for branches 1–4" diameter that loppers can't handle.

What to look for: Tri-cut or Japanese-style teeth, locking mechanism, blade length 7–10".

Price range: $20–$50
Recommended brands: Silky (gold standard), Corona RazorTOOTH, Felco

20. Bow Saw

Large-tooth saw for cutting branches and small logs. Better for larger diameter cuts than folding saws, but less portable.

Price range: $15–$35
Recommended brands: Bahco, Fiskars, Stanley

21. Pole Saw (Manual)

Pruning saw on extension pole for reaching branches 8–15' high without a ladder. Some models accept rope-operated lopper heads.

Price range: $40–$100
Recommended brands: Silky, Jameson, Corona

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Power Equipment: Scaling Your Efficiency

Power tools transform productivity on larger properties. The key decision today: gas versus battery. Battery technology has advanced dramatically—most professional-grade cordless equipment now matches gas performance while offering lower noise, zero emissions, and reduced maintenance.

Mowing Equipment

22. Push Mower (Walk-Behind)

Entry-level mowing for small properties. Gas models offer runtime flexibility; battery models reduce maintenance and noise.

Deck sizes: 20–22" typical
Price range: $200–$500 (residential), $800–$1,500 (commercial)
Recommended brands: Honda (gas), EGO (battery), Toro

23. Self-Propelled Mower

Variable-speed drive reduces operator fatigue on larger lawns. Essential for properties over ¼ acre or hilly terrain.

Deck sizes: 21–30"
Price range: $400–$1,200 (residential), $1,500–$3,500 (commercial)
Recommended brands: Honda HRX series, Toro Timemaster, EGO Select Cut

24. Commercial Walk-Behind Mower

Heavy-duty hydrostatic drive mowers built for daily professional use. Faster ground speed, wider decks, and commercial-grade engines.

Deck sizes: 32–54"
Price range: $2,500–$6,000
Recommended brands: Exmark, Scag, Wright Stander (stand-on)

25. Zero-Turn Mower

Maximum efficiency for large properties. Zero-degree turning radius allows mowing around obstacles without backing up.

Deck sizes: 42–72"
Price range: $3,000–$15,000+
Recommended brands: Exmark, Scag, Hustler, John Deere, Ferris

26. Stand-On Mower

Compact footprint with excellent visibility. Faster transport between properties than traditional zero-turns. Increasingly popular for crews.

Price range: $6,000–$12,000
Recommended brands: Wright, Exmark, Scag, Toro GrandStand

String Trimmers and Edgers

27. String Trimmer (Weed Eater)

Essential for trimming grass where mowers can't reach—around trees, fences, beds, and obstacles. Battery models now dominate the residential market.

Types:

• Curved shaft: Lighter, better for small operators
• Straight shaft: Reaches further, accepts attachments, professional standard

Price range: $100–$400 (homeowner), $250–$600 (commercial)
Recommended brands: Stihl, Husqvarna, Echo (gas); EGO, Milwaukee, Makita (battery)

28. Stick Edger

Vertical blade creates clean edges along sidewalks, driveways, and beds. Dedicated edgers cut deeper and straighter than string trimmer edging.

Price range: $200–$500
Recommended brands: Stihl, Echo, EGO

29. Bed Edger (Power Edger)

Walk-behind machine that cuts crisp bed edges in a single pass. Rents for about $75–$100/day if you don't do enough edging to justify purchase.

Price range: $1,500–$3,500
Recommended brands: Brown, Little Wonder, McLane

Hedge Trimmers

30. Gas Hedge Trimmer

Maximum power and runtime for large hedge jobs. Heavier than electric but essential for properties with extensive hedges.

Blade lengths: 24–30"
Price range: $300–$600
Recommended brands: Stihl, Echo, Husqvarna

31. Battery Hedge Trimmer

Quieter operation, no emissions, adequate power for most residential hedges. Runtime typically 45–90 minutes per battery.

Price range: $200–$500
Recommended brands: EGO, Milwaukee, Makita, Stihl battery series

32. Pole Hedge Trimmer

Articulating trimmer head on extension pole for tall hedges without ladders. Gas or battery options available.

Price range: $300–$700
Recommended brands: Stihl, Echo, EGO

Chainsaws

33. Top-Handle Chainsaw

Compact, one-hand operation design intended for arborists working in trees. Requires certification in most jurisdictions. Not recommended unless you have proper training.

Bar length: 10–14"
Price range: $300–$600
Recommended brands: Stihl, Husqvarna

34. Rear-Handle Chainsaw

Standard two-hand chainsaw for ground-based cutting. Appropriate for storm cleanup, tree removal (with training), and firewood.

Bar length: 14–24" (match to typical work)
Price range: $200–$800
Recommended brands: Stihl, Husqvarna, Echo

35. Battery Chainsaw

Quieter operation for noise-sensitive environments. Modern 56V+ systems handle most landscaping tasks. Lower maintenance than gas.

Price range: $250–$500
Recommended brands: EGO, Milwaukee, Makita, Stihl MSA series

Blowers

36. Handheld Blower

Lightweight, maneuverable option for walkways, patios, and light cleanup. Battery models excel here—adequate power with minimal weight.

Price range: $100–$300
Recommended brands: EGO, Stihl, Echo

37. Backpack Blower

Professional standard for lawn debris and fall cleanups. Distributes weight across back and hips for all-day comfort.

Air volume: Look for 500+ CFM for commercial work
Price range: $300–$600 (gas), $400–$700 (battery)
Recommended brands: Stihl BR series, Echo PB series, EGO backpack

38. Walk-Behind Blower

High-volume blower for large properties and commercial lots. Moves massive amounts of leaves and debris. Often rented rather than owned.

Price range: $1,200–$3,000
Recommended brands: Little Wonder, Billy Goat, RedMax

Additional Power Equipment

39. Pressure Washer

High-pressure water for cleaning hardscapes, equipment, fences, and buildings. Popular upsell service.

PSI ratings:

• 1,500–2,000 PSI: Light residential
• 2,500–3,200 PSI: General contractor use
• 3,500+ PSI: Heavy commercial

Price range: $150–$800 (electric), $300–$4,000 (gas)
Recommended brands: Simpson, Generac, Karcher

40. Aerator (Walk-Behind)

Core aeration improves lawn health by reducing compaction. Typically rented ($60–$100/day) unless you do frequent lawn renovation.

Price range: $2,000–$5,000 (to purchase)
Recommended brands: Billy Goat, Ryan, Classen

41. Dethatcher (Power Rake)

Removes thatch buildup that prevents water and nutrients from reaching roots. Rental rates around $60–$80/day.

Price range: $1,000–$3,000
Recommended brands: Billy Goat, Husqvarna, Classen

42. Tiller/Cultivator

Breaks up soil for bed preparation, garden installation, and renovation. Mini tillers handle small beds; rear-tine tillers tackle larger areas.

Price range: $200–$500 (mini), $600–$2,500 (rear-tine)
Recommended brands: Honda, Troy-Bilt, Husqvarna

43. Sod Cutter

Removes sod in strips for lawn replacement or bed expansion. Almost always rented ($80–$120/day) rather than purchased.

Price range: $2,500–$4,500
Recommended brands: Ryan, Classen, Billy Goat

44. Stump Grinder

Grinds tree stumps below grade. Rental rates $150–$250/day. Purchase only if you do regular tree work.

Price range: $3,000–$15,000+
Recommended brands: Vermeer, Rayco, Carlton

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Material Handling Equipment

Moving materials efficiently prevents fatigue and saves hours per day. Quality material handling equipment pays for itself quickly in labor savings.

45. Wheelbarrow

The universal material mover. Steel tray for durability, pneumatic tire for rough terrain, dual-wheel for stability with heavy loads.

Capacity: 4–8 cubic feet
Price range: $80–$200
Recommended brands: True Temper, Jackson, Ames

46. Garden Cart

Four-wheel carts offer more stability and capacity than wheelbarrows. Better for flat terrain and heavy loads.

Price range: $100–$400
Recommended brands: Gorilla Carts, Polar Trailer, Agri-Fab

47. Hand Truck (Dolly)

Essential for moving bagged materials, balled plants, and equipment. Choose solid tires for reliability.

Price range: $50–$150
Recommended brands: Milwaukee, Harper, Cosco

48. Landscape Wagon

Low-profile wagon for transporting plants, pavers, and materials across job sites. Some models convert to dump carts.

Price range: $150–$400
Recommended brands: Gorilla Carts, Polar, Yard Commander

49. Tarp (Ground Cloth)

Indispensable for protecting lawns during jobs, collecting debris, and dragging materials. Get multiple sizes.

Price range: $10–$50
Recommended brands: Heavy-duty contractor tarps (no specific brand loyalty needed)

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Irrigation Tools

Irrigation maintenance and installation requires specialized tools beyond basic landscaping equipment.

50. Trenching Shovel

(Listed above, but essential for irrigation work)

51. Pipe and Tubing Cutters

Clean cuts on PVC, poly pipe, and drip tubing. Ratcheting PVC cutters handle up to 2" pipe; tubing cutters for drip systems.

Price range: $10–$40
Recommended brands: Reed, Orbit, Rain Bird

52. Sprinkler Head Adjustment Tool

Multi-tool for adjusting spray patterns, arc, and radius on various sprinkler brands. Some brands require proprietary tools.

Price range: $5–$20
Recommended brands: Hunter, Rain Bird, Orbit (brand-specific tools)

53. Valve Box Key

T-handle tool for opening valve box covers. Simple but essential.

Price range: $10–$25

54. Wire Locator

Traces irrigation valve wires to locate valves hidden under landscape. Advanced models locate breaks in wiring.

Price range: $100–$800
Recommended brands: Armada, Greenlee, Progressive Electronics

55. Backflow Test Kit

Required for annual backflow preventer testing (often required by municipalities). Certification typically needed.

Price range: $400–$1,200
Recommended brands: Mid-West Instrument, Watts

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Hardscape Tools

Paver installation, retaining walls, and stone work require specialized equipment beyond standard landscaping tools.

56. Plate Compactor

Vibrating plate for compacting base material and setting pavers. Essential for any paver installation. Rental rates around $80–$120/day.

Price range: $500–$2,500
Recommended brands: Wacker Neuson, Weber MT, Multiquip

57. Concrete Saw (Cut-Off Saw)

Diamond blade saw for cutting pavers, concrete, and stone. Gas models for portability; electric for indoor or noise-restricted use.

Price range: $300–$1,500
Recommended brands: Stihl, Husqvarna, Makita

58. Paver Extractor

Suction or gripper tools for removing and replacing individual pavers without damaging adjacent units.

Price range: $30–$150
Recommended brands: Probst, Pave Tool, SEK-Surebond

59. String Line and Stakes

Essential for establishing straight lines and consistent grades. Use mason's line for durability.

Price range: $15–$40

60. Dead Blow Hammer and Rubber Mallet

Setting pavers without damaging surfaces. Dead blow hammers minimize rebound.

Price range: $15–$50
Recommended brands: Estwing, Stanley, Vaughan

61. Masonry Chisel Set

Cold chisels for splitting stone and brick. Essential for natural stone work.

Price range: $20–$60
Recommended brands: Bon Tool, Kraft, Marshalltown

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Safety Equipment

Safety equipment isn't optional—it's essential for OSHA compliance, insurance requirements, and protecting yourself and your crew.

62. Safety Glasses / Goggles

Protection from debris, branches, and chemical splash. Choose ANSI Z87.1 rated glasses. Keep multiple pairs on each truck.

Price range: $5–$30 per pair
Recommended brands: 3M, DeWalt, Uvex

63. Hearing Protection

Extended exposure to gas equipment (85–100+ dB) causes permanent hearing loss. Options include foam plugs, over-ear muffs, and electronic muffs that allow conversation.

Price range: $5–$80
Recommended brands: 3M Peltor, Howard Leight, ISOtunes (Bluetooth)

64. Work Gloves

Different gloves for different tasks: leather for thorns and rough materials, nitrile-coated for wet conditions, cut-resistant for blade work.

Price range: $10–$40 per pair
Recommended brands: Mechanix Wear, Ironclad, Wells Lamont

65. Chainsaw Chaps

Cut-resistant leg protection required when operating chainsaws. Fibers jam chain and stop it before reaching skin.

Price range: $70–$200
Recommended brands: Stihl, Husqvarna, Labonville

66. Steel-Toe Boots

Foot protection from dropped materials, equipment, and struck-by hazards. Look for ASTM F2413 rating.

Price range: $100–$250
Recommended brands: Timberland PRO, Red Wing, Keen Utility, Thorogood

67. High-Visibility Vest

Required when working near roadways. Class 2 for most landscaping; Class 3 for highway-adjacent work.

Price range: $10–$30
Recommended brands: 3M, ML Kishigo, Ergodyne

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Starter Kit Recommendations

Budget Starter Kit ($3,000–$5,000)

For solo operators starting residential lawn maintenance:

Professional Starter Kit ($8,000–$15,000)

For serious operators ready to scale:

Full-Service Setup ($25,000–$50,000+)

For established contractors expanding services:

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Equipment Brand Comparison

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Buy vs. Rent Decision Framework

Not every tool belongs in your trailer. Use this framework to decide:

Buy when:

• You'll use it weekly or more
• Rental costs exceed 30% of purchase price annually
• Availability and convenience are critical
• You need specific configurations

Rent when:

• Seasonal or occasional use (less than monthly)
• High purchase price relative to usage
• Storage or transport challenges
• Testing before major purchase

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Tool Organization and Vehicle Setup

Efficient tool organization directly impacts daily productivity. A disorganized trailer costs 15–30 minutes per day in wasted motion—that's 60–120 hours annually.

Key principles:

• Everything has a place: Racks, hooks, and holders for every tool
• Most-used tools most accessible: Blower, trimmer, and pruners within arm's reach
• Weight distribution: Heavy equipment low and forward
• Secure during transport: Loose tools damage equipment and create hazards

Essential trailer accessories:

• Trimmer racks (3-place minimum)
• Blower rack
• Equipment locks and chains
• Fuel can rack (DOT-compliant cans)
• Tool box for hand tools
• Cooler mount

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Landscaping Business Management Software

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Don't let the stress of running your business take away from your passion for landscaping – let InvoiceOwl handle the heavy lifting. Trust us, you won't regret it.

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Conclusion

Landscaping tools are a critical component in delivering profitable landscaping services. From precision hand tools to efficient power tools, having the right tools on hand can streamline your projects and lead to better results. Investing in high-quality, durable, and safe tools is a smart move that will pay off in the long run.

Still, you are missing out on the chance to bid more effectively on your business and deliver exceptional results. Want to know how?

By welcoming digitalization into your business operations, you can streamline your invoicing processes and stay ahead of the competition. With InvoiceOwl, you can manage your estimations and invoicing effortlessly, saving you time and resources that can be better spent on your projects. This user-friendly software can help you create accurate and professional landscaping estimates and invoices, ensuring that you receive timely payments with no overdue.