When we speak about basic tools for lawn care, we should realize that it's only been just over a hundred fifty years since grass was cut with a hand scythe - if it was cut at all. That was about the extent of lawn care then. Now, there are a dozen tools - some hand, some power, that are considered essential for keeping that green carpet in shape.

A lawnmower will fall in the category of your most basic lawn care tool to purchase. It's strange that a living thing like grass should be cut on to remain healthy. I had a friend that was a professional gardener say 'Grass likes to be cut'. So to that end a good lawnmower be needed to keep the grass happy. Since this will be among one of your more expensive items in our the tool kit, you will want to maintained it so that it will last a long time.

You will need to keep the blade sharp and inspect the spark plug to keep it clean. Check to see if it has and air filter as you will need to change that. Every year you should also change the oil just as you would in your car.

The best way to keep the lawn looking nice and neat is basically a matter that comes down to more than just mowing it. You will want to purchase an edger along with a trimmer. You will see two types in the store. One is and old-fashioned style two blade item that has a long handle. You will run the blade alongside your steps and other edges in order to keep the lawn trimmed.

The other type is a powered whirling device that shoots a plastic string out a few inches. The string whacks off grass or other plants wherever you aim it. They're lightweight, inexpensive and can last for years, though the coil of plastic string needs to be replaced every couple of months. At a cost of only a few dollars, it saves a lot of effort.

On your list of basic lawn care tools should be a spreader or two is vital for evenly laying out fertilizer, weed killer and other compounds that help keep the lawn weed free, healthy and looking great. One sort is like a small lawnmower with no blade, just a tub with small holes and a roller that dispense material. Easy to use and long-lasting, they're adjustable for a variety of applications.

A different style of spreader is a small hand-held piece. It is normally plastic and you dispense your compounds using a rotary handle. These are great for broadcasting grass seed and for repairing small bald lawn areas. You can use it to distribute other dry ingredients such as fertilizer beads and the like.

A rake is one of your most basic lawn care tools. It is handy for more than just piling up leaves in the late fall. Though it's important to use for that. Leaves left on the ground can cause grass to overheat or get too little water. In areas that get winter snow, at the end of the season the grass will be compressed into thatch.

Blades will overlay one another, preventing air from reaching the soil efficiently. De-thatching can be done with a power tool, but a simple hand rake is also effective.

One final basic tool for your use is a narrow bladed or long forked shovel spade with a long handle. This is great for removing weeds in small areas. You will also benefit from having a larger shovel, either rounded or square, your choice. It can be used for digging post holes, moving soil around plants and a whole lot of other tasks you can think of as other landscaping ideas pop into your head.

Go out in early spring and stock up on your basic lawn care tools. By keeping them in tip top shape they will last for a life time of lawn projects. They will save you time and make your work easier. Easier that is than cutting with a scythe.