Lawn Care Tools for Beginners: What You Need (And What You Don’t)
You just bought your first home. Or maybe you’ve finally decided to take yard work into your own hands. Either way, welcome to the world of lawn care.
It’s exciting. It’s overwhelming. It’s easy to make expensive mistakes.
The good news? You don’t need every tool at the hardware store. You just need the right ones—the essentials that fit your yard, your time, and your budget.
At Steveco Power, we help new homeowners and DIYers get set up with lawn care tools that actually work for beginners. This guide breaks it all down so you can understand what you need, why it matters, and how to keep it running.
Let’s dig in.
Mowers 101
Mowers are the heart of lawn care. But not all mowers are created equal. Choosing the wrong one can end up feeling like trying to vacuum a whole house with a hand vac.
Here’s a breakdown of your main options:
Push Mowers
Best for: Small, flat yards
Pros: Lightweight, budget-friendly, eco-friendly (if reel-style)
Cons: Labor-intensive, not ideal for large or hilly yards
Reel mowers (the old-school manual kind) are great if you’ve got a postage stamp-sized lawn and want a silent, sweat-powered workout, or if you want a 100% eco-friendly option. But gas and battery-powered push mowers are far more common today.
Self-Propelled Mowers
Best for: Medium-sized yards, mild slopes
Pros: Less effort, more power
Cons: Heavier, slightly more expensive
Self-propelled mowers are simply walk-behind owers that have some power behind them. You still walk behind and guide them, but they do half the work. They are great for folks who want results without needing a chiropractor after every mow.
Riding Mowers & Lawn Tractors
Best for: Yards over ½ acre
Pros: Fast, efficient, low effort
Cons: Expensive, bulky, takes up more storage space
If your lawn feels more like a field, riding mowers are worth it. Steveco Power offers several models that strike a balance between speed, comfort, and cutting power, perfect for large yards.
Pro Tip: When shopping, look for adjustable cutting height, easy-to-clean decks, and engines from trusted names like Honda or Briggs & Stratton.
You also have the choice between electric and gas lawn mowers. For an in-depth look at the differences between the two, check out this article: Electric vs. Gas Mowers: Which is Best for You?
Best for: Large yards with many obstacles
Pros: Extremely maneuverable, fast cutting, professional finish
Cons: Expensive, not ideal for slopes
If your lawn has trees, flower beds, or tight corners, a zero turn mower is a game-changer. Steveco Power carries high-performance models built for speed and precision, making them ideal for complex mowing paths and large properties.
Pro Tip: Look for features like reinforced decks, lap bar or joystick controls, and high-back seats for comfort during long sessions.
String Trimmers & Edgers
Mowers can’t do it all. Grass loves to grow where it shouldn’t—along fences, around flower beds, and beside sidewalks. That’s where string trimmers and edgers shine.
String Trimmers
Use: Cutting grass in tight spots where mowers can’t reach
Types: Gas, battery, or corded electric
Gas trimmers have the most power. Battery trimmers are lighter and quieter. Corded ones are affordable but require a power outlet.
Beginner Pick: Opt for a cordless model with a battery: less noise, no fumes, and no gas mixing. Steveco Power recommends 40V+ models for solid performance without the weight.
Edgers
Use: Making sharp lines between the lawn and the pavement
Blade Types: Manual rotary, electric spinning blade, or gas-powered
You don’t need a separate edger—many trimmers now come with edging capabilities. But if crisp, professional-looking lines make your heart happy? Worth the upgrade.
Hand Tool Essentials
You can’t avoid the little jobs. A weed popping up in the flower bed. A branch blocking your mower. A bald spot in the lawn that needs soil.
Here are a few hand tools that earn their keep:
Rakes
Rakes aren’t just for Fall leaves. You can also use them for leveling soil, collecting grass clippings, or dethatching in spring.
Tip: A sturdy steel-tine rake will last years. Avoid the flimsy plastic ones—they crack faster than dry twigs.
Shovel
From planting to digging out rocks, you’ll find lots of uses for a shovel. We recommend going for a round-point shovel with a fiberglass or hardwood handle.
Pruning Shears
Pruning shears are handy for trimming small branches, flowers, or shrubs. Look for bypass-style blades for cleaner cuts that won’t crush stems.
Optional But Handy:
- Garden gloves (save your hands!)
- A handheld weeder or dandelion digger
- A hose-end sprayer
If you're experienced, you can start using larger handheld power equipment, but if you’re just starting out, that can wait.
Safety Gear & Accessories
Lawn care isn’t without risk. Rocks fly. Blades spin. The sun beats down.
A few affordable items can keep you safe while you work:
Gloves
Protect your hands against blisters, sharp edges, thorns, and splinters! Leather or synthetic materials work well. We recommend skipping the dollar store versions—they tend to fall apart quickly.
Eye Protection
Mowers and trimmers throw debris; therefore, wraparound safety glasses or goggles are a must. You’ve only got one pair of eyes!
Ear Protection
Gas mowers and trimmers are loud. Using them without ear protection can be harmful to your hearing. Foam earplugs are cheap, but earmuff-style protectors are more comfortable and reusable.
Sun Protection
A wide-brim hat and sunscreen go a long way. Nobody likes a painful sunburn.
Tool Maintenance Tips
Want your tools to last? Treat them right. Here are a few tips for keeping them in good working shape.
Clean After Each Use
Grass clippings and dirt cause rust. Brush off debris, wipe down blades, and empty the mower deck after each mow.
Sharpen Blades
Dull mower blades tear grass instead of cutting it cleanly. That leads to brown tips and weak spots.
- Mower blades: Sharpen every 20–25 hours of use
- Pruners and shears: Touch up as needed
You can do it with a basic file or grindstone—or let Steveco Power sharpen them for you.
Store Properly
Rain, snow, and critters aren’t your tools’ friends. Store everything in a shed or garage. Hang trimmers and hand tools to avoid moisture damage.
Gas Engine Care
If you’ve got gas-powered gear:
- Use fresh fuel
- Add stabilizer for winter storage
- Change oil and air filters per the owner’s manual
You’ll thank yourself for investing in basic maintenance later, when your gear continues to run smoothly for years to come.
When to Splurge and When to Save
Not all tools are worth top dollar. Here’s where beginners can stretch their budget—and where it pays to spend a little more.
Spend More On:
- Mowers: A cheap mower will quickly frustrate you. Pay for a smooth cut and a reliable engine.
- String Trimmers: Especially cordless ones—go for battery life and torque.
- Safety Gear: You only get one pair of eyes and ears–keep them safe!
Save On:
- Rakes and shovels: You don’t have to spend a fortune on these, just make sure they’re solidly built.
- Edgers (at first): Try a trimmer with an edging function. You can always invest in an edger later.
- Fancy gadgets: Soil testers, sprinkler timers, robotic mowers—they can wait.
At Steveco Power, we help customers match tools to their real needs. No upselling. Just honest advice on what works for your yard and your wallet.
Final Thoughts: Start Simple, Grow Confident
Investing in quality lawn care tools and keeping them well-maintained goes a long way towards making your lawn care experience enjoyable.
Whether you’re mowing your first strip of grass or troubleshooting a noisy trimmer, Steveco Power is here to help. We’ve helped countless homeowners in Pennsylvania build a lawn care setup that fits their lives.
Want expert advice on picking your first mower or choosing a battery trimmer? Contact us today. We speak beginner.
A few of the lawn care equipment services we offer include: