Spring is here making it the perfect time to revive your garden after the winter months. Whether you’re maintaining an existing lawn or laying a new one, tidying up hedges or preparing flower beds, having the right tools on hand will make each task easier and more efficient. Below we outline key gardening projects, the equipment you’ll need and tips to achieve the best results.
Lawn Care and Maintenance
A well-maintained lawn sets the foundation for a great garden. Whether you’re keeping your existing lawn in top condition or laying fresh turf, the right approach and equipment will ensure the best results. Regular mowing helps to keep grass healthy, while edging along borders creates a clean, professional finish. If your lawn has bare or patchy areas, overseeding and feeding will promote thicker, healthier grass. For those starting fresh, removing old turf and preparing the ground properly is essential for a thriving lawn.
Recommended Equipment:
Lawnmower – Lawnmowers are essential for keeping grass at an even height, ensuring a neat, uniform appearance. At Tool Chest Hire we offer both electric and petrol lawnmower hire, providing options for grounds of any size.
Lawn Aerator – Lawn aerators create small holes in the soil to relieve compaction, improve drainage and encourage healthy root growth. They are especially useful for lawns that suffer from waterlogging or sparse grass coverage.
Turf Cutter – Turf cutters are designed to remove old turf efficiently, creating a smooth base for laying new grass. They are particularly useful when replacing a damaged lawn or preparing an area for landscaping work.
Tips for Best Results:
- Adjust your lawnmower blade to prevent cutting too low in early spring.
- When aerating, move in straight lines and overlap slightly to cover the entire lawn effectively.
- Use a turf cutter for precise and even removal of old grass, ensuring a smooth surface for new turf.
Planting and Flower Bed Preparation
Spring is the ideal time to prepare flower beds for seasonal planting. Turning over the soil and mixing in compost or fertiliser ensures that new plants get the nutrients they need. At Tool Chest Hire we stock a range of equipment for areas large and small.
Recommended Equipment:
Rotavator – Rotavators are designed to break up compacted soil, making it easier to plant flowers, vegetables and shrubs. They are ideal for preparing new garden beds or revitalising existing ones by improving soil aeration and drainage.
Hand Tools – Hand tools such as rakes, hoes and garden pruners are essential for precision gardening. Rakes help to level soil, hoes are effective for weeding and pruners allow for accurate trimming of smaller plants and flowers.
Tips for Best Results:
- Use a rotavator at a steady pace keeping the machine level for consistent tilling.
- Hand tools are perfect for detailed work in small areas ensuring delicate roots aren’t disturbed.
Tree and Hedge Care
Overgrown hedges and trees can make a garden feel unkempt. Regular pruning promotes healthy growth and enhances the overall appearance of your garden. There are a number of hedge trimmer options to suit different projects. Take a look at our pick below.
Recommended Equipment:
Hedge Trimmer – Hedge trimmers are powerful tools used for shaping and trimming bushes and shrubs. There are several models available, including petrol, electric and long-reach trimmers. Petrol hedge trimmers provide extra power for dense growth, while electric hedge trimmers are quieter and lighter. Long-reach hedge trimmers are ideal for maintaining tall hedges without the need for ladders.
Tips for Best Results:
- Use sweeping motions with the hedge trimmer, avoiding deep cuts into older wood.
- Never trim above shoulder height; use a step ladder or access platform if needed for safety.
Garden Clearance
Spring cleaning isn’t just for the indoors. Removing fallen leaves, weeds and other debris will keep your garden looking neat and healthy. Chipping or shredding garden waste is an excellent way to repurpose it for composting.
Recommended Equipment:
Chipper/Shredder – Chipper/shredders process branches, leaves and other garden waste into small chips or mulch. This makes disposal easier and provides useful material for composting or creating garden pathways. Electric models are suitable for smaller gardens, while petrol-powered options handle larger volumes of material.
Tips for Best Results:
- Feed smaller branches into the chipper first followed by larger ones.
- Never use your hands to feed material: always use push sticks for safety.
Landscaping and Larger Renovations
If you’re planning significant garden improvements such as laying new turf, creating pathways or levelling uneven ground, you’ll need robust equipment to get the job done efficiently.
Recommended Equipment:
Excavator (Digger) – Excavators are essential for digging trenches, levelling uneven ground and moving large amounts of soil. They are widely used in landscaping projects, whether for digging ponds, creating new garden features or preparing the ground for hardscaping. The Kubota K008-3 mini excavator is ideal for residential landscaping tasks. Its compact design allows it to fit through 700mm wide openings, meaning it can access a back garden through a standard width garden gate.
Plate Compactor – Plate compactors are used to compact soil, sand or gravel. This creates a stable base for laying turf, patios or driveways. They help to ensure a firm, even surface that prevents sinking or shifting over time.
Tips for Best Results:
- Familiarise yourself with excavator controls before starting work and operate with smooth gradual movements.
- For compacting soil, use steady even passes to create a firm base for your project.
Why Choose Tool Chest Hire for Gardening Equipment?
Located in Hammersmith, Tool Chest Hire offers an extensive range of gardening and landscaping equipment at competitive prices. Our hire tools are rigorously maintained for safety and performance and our flexible rental options ensure you have the right equipment for any job. For more information on our landscaping and gardening tool hire, call us at 020 8748 7912 or visit our website. Our team is always happy to help you choose the best equipment to get your garden ready for summer!