Landscaping Tools You Actually Need When Starting Your Business in Colorado

By John Rischmiller

Landscaping Tools You Actually Need When Starting Your Business in Colorado

Landscaping tools are the first thing you need to figure out when starting your landscaping business. The right tools help you work faster, look professional, and avoid wasting money on gear you will not use. Whether you are focused on lawn care or hardscaping, what you buy first matters.

This guide breaks down the tools that should come first and why they belong in your truck from day one.

Key Takeaways:

  • A commercial-grade lawn mower is usually the first and most-used tool in a lawn care business.

  • Power tools and hand tools should be chosen based on the type of work you are doing now.

  • Safety gear and transportation are just as important as the tools themselves.

  • Do not forget to budget for business registration, insurance, marketing, and other operating costs.


What Kind of Work Are You Doing?

Before spending money on landscaping equipment, it is important to know what kind of work you plan to offer. A lawn care business has different tool needs than a business focused on hardscaping projects like patios or retaining walls.

Lawn care services

If you are starting with lawn care, your first purchase should be a commercial-grade lawn mower. This is the core tool for mowing grass and keeping properties looking clean. A push mower might be enough for small yards, but larger areas will require a riding mower or stand-on mower. Since mowing is the main service for most lawn care companies, this is the piece of equipment you will use the most.

Hardscaping services

If your focus is hardscaping, a compact skid steer or mini excavator may be a better investment. These machines help with grading, digging, and moving bulk materials like soil, rock, or mulch. You do not need to buy one right away. Renting heavy equipment at the beginning is a smart way to stay flexible while you build up steady work.

Buy tools that match the jobs you are doing now. Starting with the right landscaping tools helps avoid overspending and keeps your business focused on real needs instead of guessing what might come later.

 

Power Tools to Buy First

Power tools are some of the first landscaping tools you should invest in when starting a landscaping business. They save time, reduce physical strain, and help deliver cleaner, more professional results on every job site. Below are the essential tools that many lawn care companies rely on every day.

String Trimmer (Weed Whacker)

A string trimmer helps cut grass in hard-to-reach areas and creates clean edges around sidewalks, fences, and garden beds. It handles the detail work that lawn mowers cannot. This is one of the most essential tools for maintaining a clean, professional appearance on every job site.

Hedge Trimmer

Hedge trimmers are used to shape and control bushes and shrubs on residential or commercial properties. Choose a model that feels balanced and comfortable to reduce fatigue during long periods of use. Both gas powered and battery powered options are available depending on your power source and property size.

Leaf Blower

Leaf blowers clear grass clippings, leaves, and debris after mowing or trimming. A clean job site improves customer satisfaction and helps you work more efficiently. Backpack models provide more power for larger areas, while handheld units are easier to carry for small spaces.

Pole Saw

Pole saws let you trim high branches safely without using a ladder. They are especially useful on properties with trees or during seasonal cleanups. If you want a powered option to make the job easier, we have cordless, battery powered pole chain saws available in the following lengths:

Fertilizer Spreader and Sprayer

A spreader and sprayer are used to apply seed, fertilizer, or pest control evenly across lawns. These tools help prevent overuse of product and improve the quality of lawn treatments. For help choosing the right fertilizer for your equipment, refer to the professional vs retail grade fertilizers Guide, where we compare common options and explain which types work best with different spreader types.

 

Hand Tools That Belong in Your Truck

Hand tools are some of the most important pieces of landscaping equipment you will use every day. These essential tools help with digging, planting, shaping garden beds, and cleaning up around the job site. Starting with the right tools ensures smoother jobs and better results for your customers.

Shovels

Flat shovels help with edging and moving soil, while pointed shovels are better for digging and cutting through tough ground. These tools are necessary for preparing planting areas, creating clean edges, and handling heavy duty jobs. For better grip and less fatigue, use fiberglass handles instead of wooden ones.

Here are a few options to consider depending on the type of work:

Spades

Spades are great for trenching, edging, and installing smaller landscaping features. They are especially useful when planting in tight areas or reshaping flower beds. Strong blades and a balanced design make them a reliable part of any landscaping equipment list.

Two solid options to consider for different tasks:

Rakes

Steel rakes are best for spreading mulch and leveling soil, while plastic leaf rakes are lighter and work well for clearing grass clippings. Both are valuable tools for maintaining clean, healthy lawns and garden beds.

Here are some rake options to consider for different tasks:

When preparing beds for mulch or compost, proper raking can improve soil quality and help promote healthier plants. This is covered more in-depth in our guide on what mulch does for your soil, especially if you are working with garden beds or replanting flower areas.

Pruning Shears and Hedge Shears

Pruning shears and hedge shears are essential tools for shaping plants, trimming shrubs, and keeping garden edges clean. Pruning shears are best for small, detailed cuts, while hedge shears handle larger trimming jobs across bushes and hedges. There are differences in hedge shear design that can affect comfort and control.

  • PrecisionCUT hedge shear is lightweight, easy to handle, and ideal for fine trimming. It features a center spring for smoother cuts and a lock that works with either hand.

  • Aluminum handle hedge shear has an angled 90-degree handle for better reach in tight spots. It also includes a non-slip zinc tip and long blades, making it great for larger, heavier trimming tasks.

Trowels, Garden Forks, and Mattocks

Trowels are perfect for planting flowers and working in small garden beds. Garden forks loosen compact soil and pull up roots or debris, and mattocks are built for heavier digging and breaking up hard ground. These tools come in handy when preparing areas that need deep planting or soil improvement.

Wheelbarrow

A wheelbarrow is one of the most practical hand tools for hauling soil, mulch, grass clippings, or even heavy tools across the job site. It reduces the number of trips you need to make and helps prevent strain when moving bulk materials. Choose a durable model with enough capacity for your typical workload and terrain.

 

Safety Gear You Need on Every Job

Running a successful lawn care business means more than just showing up with the right landscaping tools. It also means staying safe on the job site. Injuries and downtime can hurt your schedule, your crew, and your bottom line, so investing in proper safety equipment should always be part of your landscaping equipment list.

Here is the safety gear to have on hand for every job:

  • Safety glasses and ear protection. Shields your eyes from flying debris and protects your hearing when using loud power tools like lawn mowers and string trimmers.

  • Work gloves. Keeps your hands safe when handling sharp tools, moving bulk materials, or working with hazardous materials like fertilizers and pest control products.

  • Steel-toe boots. Essential for heavy duty jobs, especially when working with heavy equipment or around commercial properties where drop risks are higher.

  • Knee pads. Useful when planting flowers, working in garden beds, or edging for long periods of time to avoid strain or discomfort.

  • Durable clothing. Protects against sun exposure, scratches from brush, and general wear and tear during extended use in rough outdoor conditions.

In places like Western Colorado, climate can shift quickly and bring added challenges to the job. As pointed out in our guide on tips to maintain a healthy lawn in Western Colorado, the right safety gear can make a big difference in keeping you and your team comfortable and productive all season long.

 

The Truck and Trailer Setup You Need to Move Lawn Care Equipment

Efficient transportation is crucial for any landscaping business to move tools, materials, and debris between job sites. Investing in reliable vehicles and trailers ensures smooth operations and enhances productivity.

Pickup Trucks

A pickup truck is usually the first big investment. Pricing can vary widely depending on the brand, whether it is new or used, and the type of bed and towing capacity you choose. For example, long-bed or flatbed trucks offer more room for mowers, hand tools, and bulk materials, while standard beds may be enough for smaller-scale work. According to Commercial Truck Trader, prices typically range between $30,000 and $120,000, with used models on the lower end and newer, high-capacity trucks at the top.

Equipment Trailers

If you plan to grow your lawn care business or take on larger commercial properties, you may also need an equipment trailer. Trailers give you extra space for hauling riding mowers, mulch, or even heavy equipment without overloading your truck. Based on listings from Lowe’s, equipment trailers usually cost between $500 and $2,300, depending on the size, brand, and features like ramps or reinforced frames.

Before you buy, assess your current workload and how much hauling you actually need to do. Overinvesting in heavy duty gear too soon can strain your budget, while the right-sized truck and trailer setup keeps things flexible and profitable in the long run.


Final Tips Before You Buy Landscaping Tools and Equipment

Professional landscapers who grow a profitable business know how to stay lean. Start with the tools that support the services you offer right now. Many new landscaping businesses make the mistake of buying gear they might use later but never actually need. Focus on high-quality landscaping tools that get daily use, save time on the job site, and help enhance customer satisfaction.

Also, keep in mind that costs do not stop with landscaping tools. There are other startup and operational expenses to plan for:

  • Business registration

  • Insurance

  • Marketing

  • Bookkeeping

  • Operational expenses

  • Transportation

Your tool list will grow over time, but starting smart keeps your business on solid ground.

If you are looking for landscaping tools and equipment, you can shop online. We carry products from trusted, high-quality brands designed for professional landscapers and lawn care companies. If you are located in Colorado or the surrounding areas, you are welcome to visit our store at 3961 County Road 114, Glenwood Springs, CO. We are always here to help you find the right tools for your next job.

 


Frequently Asked Questions

If you are still figuring out what to buy or how to get started, here are a few common questions that can help guide your next steps.

What kind of tools do landscapers use?

Landscapers rely on a mix of power tools and hand tools. The basics include lawn mowers, string trimmers, leaf blowers, shovels, rakes, and pruning shears. Depending on the work, they may also use trailers, wheelbarrows, or compact machinery.

What equipment do you need to be a landscaper?

Essential equipment includes a commercial-grade lawn mower, power tools like a trimmer and blower, and hand tools for digging and cleanup. You will also need safety gear and a truck or trailer to move tools and materials between job sites.

What is the best tool brand for landscaping?

There is no single best brand, but pros often go with durable, reliable names like Corona, Fiskars, and AM Leonard for hand tools. The most important thing is choosing tools that match your workload and are built for daily use.

Can I start a landscaping business with just hand tools?

Yes. If your services focus on garden maintenance, planting, or light cleanup, hand tools like rakes, shovels, and shears are enough to get started. You can always add more equipment as your business grows.

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