Author: Alex @ TLR

Alex is not a lawn care natural. He had to learn things the hard way. But after stumbling through his first few seasons of lawn care, he learned a lot. Mostly - what not to do. Alex has become one of the country's advocates of battery-powered lawn tools, quoted in the Washington Post among other highly visible publications. Alex started The Lawn Review with his friend Tyler - who you may see in some of the videos on this website - to help normal people like you understand how to take care of their lawn themselves with the best tools possible. Alex has thousands of hours of experience using hundreds of different lawn tools and has found exactly what to look for in each type of tool. He speaks with deep experience not only about the boring technical specifications, but what the tool actually feels like when you are using it, what to look for before you make a purchase, and how the lawn tool measures up when you factor in price.
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10 Tips for Mulching This Spring: 2024 Update

mulch guide for spring

Mulching in the Spring is one of the single best things you can do for your lawn. If you don’t mulch your garden beds, you’ve got issues: weeds, decay, dead leaves, and overall poor lawn aesthetics.

Don’t just dump it!

I’ve been mulching in the spring for years and, truthfully, I only ever did it as a chore when I was a kid or to help out my mom when I was in college. I didn’t respect how beneficial mulch is for my garden beds and my lawn. 

Now that I’m an adult (still a kid at heart 🙂 ), I’ve come to understand the value of mulching in the spring, before the heat comes in with the summer months. 

And P.S. If you prefer video, I made a Youtube video walking you through the entire process, which you can find here: STOP Letting Your Lawn DOWN! [DO THIS]

3 Benefits of Mulching in the Spring

One of the main benefits is making your yard absolutely pop with color. The contrast between the dark mulch against your green grass, vibrant flowers, and masonry of your home gives it that zing that neighbors can’t really put their finger on, but they know you have a lawn that’s a step above everyone else. It’s subtle, but a big difference.

Another major benefit is the insulation effect from mulching. Springtime is a very dynamic and volatile time of year when it comes to weather and temperature. My born and raised southern accented momma told me that, “Spring comes in like a lion and out like a lamb.” Meaning in the first half of Spring, you have a hot week, then a cold week, then a bunch of rain and its humid and then it’s dry and on and on it goes. It’s all over the place. By the time you get towards the back half of spring, it’s calmed down and a little more predictable.”

With all that volatility, your plant’s root systems can get damaged or not develop well if they aren’t shielded properly. Mulch provides the insulation needed to protect your plants so they can develop strong roots and absorb water and nutrients all throughout the year.

Lastly, as long as you’re not using the rubber mulch or rock, and you’re preferably using shredded, hardwood mulch, the organic material from the mulch will break down and provide nutrients to the soil. If you’ve ever driven up to a mulch yard in the morning, you can see massive amounts of steam rising from the mulch piles. When the organic material breaks down, it produces heat, which is the steam you’re seeing. This effect provides both heat for the night to protect the roots and nutrients to help the soil grow your plants.

10 Key Tips for Mulching in the Spring

I created this guide to help walk through all the tips that I’ve learned over the year mulching my garden beds dozens of times.

Tip #1: Get shredded, hardwood mulch from a mulch yard.

Or smaller bags from Lowe’s or Home Depot’s mulch selection. Try to avoid the rubber mulch or the kind that is just dyed. Usually they are only a quick fix and they lose a lot of the benefit and color within a 1-3 weeks of laying it down. Plus, sometimes the bags of mulch of those knock off types can be a little suspect.

As a bonus tip, if you don’t know how much mulch to get, here’s an equation. Measure the length & width of your beds in feet, multiply those together, then divide by 81. That number will be how many “yards” of mulch you need to cover your bed.

Tip #2: Mark your plants before setting down mulch

Before you start, mark your plants with little orange flags. Do this so you don’t end up dumping loads of mulch on your plants that are trying to grow up in the spring and end up suffocating them. If you ever watch some of these landscaping companies that look more like a NASCAR pit crew, they’re flying through the job when applying mulch. But if you look closely, a lot of times they’re just dumping wheelbarrows full of mulch onto budding plants and end up killing them. Don’t be a flower murderer. Be a tree hugger.

These flags come in handy.

Tip #3: Edge your yard & beds before mulching

Giving all your beds a clean and crisp edge will help contain the mulch, but give it the extra pop that’s intended with our mulch beds in the first place. My favorite tool the EGO Power+ MHC1502 Multi Combo Kit: 15 String Trimmer, 8-Inch Edger & Power Head.

I use this bad boy.

As a shameless plug, I load it up with The Lawn Review brand weed eater string.

Tip #4: Use Preen to kill and prevent weeds

Prevent weeds from popping through the mulch. This stuff is great, it’s weed control specifically for garden beds that keeps your bushes and flowers alive while getting rid of unwanted clovers, dandelions, and other weeds. I like to use it before I lay down the mulch so it has a better chance of getting down to the weeds roots and getting rid of them before they become a bigger problem. I typically do this once every six months, being in the Spring and Fall.

Me using preen in my garden bed BEFORE mulching.

Tip #5: Make a crown, not a mountain

When mulching around plants, trees, & bushes – if you make a mountain with your mulch, meaning it just piles up to your plants, you will cause water to run away from your plants and deprive them of water. Use your hand to create a bowl or a crown, where the water will sit in the bowl and drain directly downward and into the root system.

Tip #6: Don’t overdo it.

If you’re creating a new mulch bed, sure, put down 3-4 inches of mulch to get started. That’s not necessary on existing beds. That would be incredibly expensive, time consuming, and potentially hurt your plants. The plants need oxygen, and if you keep laying it on thick year over year, your plant’s roots won’t be able to get the oxygen they need. Existing beds should only need a fresh ~1 inch layer to do the trick. Use your judgment on this one. 

Tip #7: Pull weeds before you put down mulch

You don’t need to get every weed, but get the vast majority of them. You don’t want thick weeds and things popping up through your mulch. So get a clean canvas, pull the weeds, pick up any debris, big sticks, etc. before you get going.

Get rid of these BEFORE putting down mulch.

Tip #8: Load your wheelbarrow of mulch over a tarp

This makes cleaning up a breeze. After mulching all day, you probably don’t want to spend a ton of time just cleaning up a drive covered in dirt. Load over a tarp and you can easily dump the tarp into your beds.

The key to an easy clean up.

Tip #9: Don’t tread over the same turf when towing mulch

Even if it means taking the long route to where you’re going to apply mulch, you don’t want to walk over the same grass over and over and risk killing the grass when you use your wheelbarrow.

Never take the same exact path twice.

Tip #10: Work back to front with mulch

If you lay down mulch in the font, you’re then going to have to push the wheelbarrow or walk over the freshly laid mulch to dump it. Since it hasn’t had time to set, it can be harder to push over that. Plus, you don’t want to tread over your fresh layer. So go all the way to the back, dump it there, then work your way to the front.

Working back to front saves a lot of time and trouble.

Time to get mulching

There you go, 10 Tips for Mulching in the Spring. And hey, I threw in 3 benefits for you as a bonus… because I’m incredibly generous (and humble) like that.

I hope these tips help you cut down on costs, save some time in the yard, and most importantly, give you that curb appeal you desire. 

If you want more tips, tricks, tool reviews, DIY guides, etc., make sure to subscribe to our Youtube Channel where you’ll get our latest content. 

Til’ next time!

Why we created The Lawn Review

The reason we started the Lawn Review in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And they aren’t cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

We take testing lawn tools seriously.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

There’s tons of great resources out there for people who really like to nerd out on lawn care and get into the fine details and science behind lawn care. If that’s your jam, guys like Ryan Norr and Lawn Care Nut will be right up your alley.

As for me and most readers of this blog, we don’t need to know how the sausage is made. Just tell me which sausage (er.. Lawn tools) is best & how to use the sausage… (that’s what she said…? Idk, there’s an explicit joke in there somewhere)

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Ultimate Electric Weed Eater Buying Guide: 2024 Update

Electric weed eaters are the future. In fact, we are so confident in that that we’ve purchased probably ten of them here at The Lawn Review and used a dozen more. And yes, we’ve done some crazy stuff in our extensive testing – including cutting through a foam pool noodle to test it out. 

Needless to say, we are experts in all things electric and battery-powered weed eaters. We are oddly obsessed with them, so decided to put the findings of all of our rigorous tests into writing. 

Today, I’d like to walk you through exactly what I look for when looking for an electric weed eater to make it easier for you to buy when scrolling through the options. 

Bottom Line: One of my favorite electric weed eaters is the Milwaukee M18 weed eater. It has a strong motor, great battery system, and is really easy to use.

What we look for in an electric weed eater

After owning probably ten of these and testing out another 10-15, we’ve developed some strong opinions on what to look for in a weed eater. So, I am going to speak mostly from personal experience here, but will tell you how I would make one if I had a lab to make all this. 

Getting the right battery line in an electric weed eater

The very first question I ask when someone asks me what kind of weed eater to get is: “do you already own a battery-powered lawn tool?”. If so, my first recommendation is to start your search with the brand you already own. If you have a Ryobi 40V leaf blower, then I say start looking at Ryobi 40V weed eaters (I own both).

My Ryobi battery works with my blower and mower.

The reason I say this is because you can buy many lawn tools as “tool-only”, meaning you can buy it without the battery and save anywhere between $60-$100. It’s a no brainer to narrow the search to those right away. 

If this is their first foray into battery-powered tools – then I recommend brands I’ve had the most success with personally. The one weed eater I’ve been most impressed with and has the most gas-like power is my EGO 56V string trimmer. If they are looking for something on the lighter side, there are a number of smaller weed eaters from Black and Decker or others that are good alternatives.

Understanding power on weed eaters

Battery weed eaters have power measurements in a couple of ways: rotations per minute (RPMs), battery voltage, cutting swath, and string size. None of them are absolute in their measurement. For example, Milwaukee makes an 18V weed eater that I absolutely shred with and is powerful as all get out. Worx has a 20V weed eater that is small and relatively weak feeling. 

My EGO string trimmer has a decent cutting swath.

What I look for in power is mainly the cutting swath of the weed eater. This is the best indicator of power to me because even at lower RPMs, the greater the length of the string, the faster the tips are moving (its science). 

Gas powered weed eaters typically have 15 to 19 inch cutting swaths. Electrics range from 10 to 17 inches. Again, my EGO weed eaters are at the 15 inch range and even a couple of the Dewalt ones I’ve tried get up there.

Luckily, this isn’t something you need to overcomplicate. Look for about a 15 inch cutting swath and the required battery voltage to make it spin will follow. 

Feel and comfort is important when using a weed eater

An underrated quality in a weed eater, it is absolutely imperative that you find one that is comfortable to you. My neighbor has a super small, lightweight Ryobi weed eater that has basically no functionality. He has back pain and is about twice my age. 

I prefer a much longer, more powerful weed eater that I can use with a variety of attachments. I am well over six feet tall and younger. 

There is a huge element to personal preference in the feel and comfort category, but I can tell you what I do when I’m looking for a weed eater. I first check to see whether or not the weed eater has a D-loop handle. D-loop handles make it easier for me to grab and hold at multiple angles. Compare that to some weed eaters that have a foldable handle that isn’t adjustable and forces you to hold the trimmer a single way.

This is a D-loop handle, which comes on many weed eaters.

The other things I am checking for:

  • Whether or not there’s a variable speed trigger that gives me control of the speed
  • Molded grips that make holding on easier on the hands
  • Where the battery connects to see how weight will be distributed
  • How easy it is to change out the weed eater string / string trimmer line

All of these have an impact on my experience as someone using this tool. 

Attachment capabilities make weed eaters amazing tools

Please, please do not skip this section. Having a weed eater with attachment capabilities is an absolute game changer. It can turn your weed eater into a Swiss Army knife. Let me go further.

My EGO Multi Head string trimmer.

One of the first battery powered weed eaters I owned was the Ryobi 40V Expand-It. I still use it every now and then, but it has the ability to have a weed eater, blower, edger, and more attachments. Basically you can take them off and change them out without having to buy a full tool and battery system each time, saving me hundreds of dollars. 

My SKIL PWR CORE attachment system.

Some tools we’ve used in this lineup are my Ryobi but also the EGO multi-head we spent a lot of time testing and the SKIL PWR CORE weed eater system that I was not super impressed with when using.

My attachment capable weed eater system.

Motor types on electric weed eaters

Electric motors are different from gas-powered and definitely more simple. There are two main types: brushed and brushless. Brushed motors are the traditional electric tool motor and are fine, but most electric tool motors are being made with brushless motors now.

Compared to brushed motors, they provide more torque, run at a lower temperature, and are more durable. There’s a ton of science that goes into them, but when you see it advertised on a weed eater or really any other lawn tool – I recommend taking it seriously. They are legit.

Corded vs cordless weed eaters

Corded and cordless weed eaters are great alternatives to gas-powered string trimmers when it comes to residential use. The order of power is usually gas > battery > electric. The order of convenience is battery > electric > gas. Make sense?

My corded Black + Decker weed eater.

I’ve used a few corded weed eaters but generally try to avoid them because I don’t like being limited by an extension cord and always yank it around like I’m vacuuming. That being said, one major benefit to my corded weed eater is that I don’t have to charge a battery or anything. 

Cordless is definitely my preference and has tons of great options. If you’re going for an electric weed eater, I recommend using a battery-powered system that you can build your battery lawn tool set around. 

Gas vs electric weed eaters

When it comes to picking a weed eater, the first decision you’ll come across is whether or not to buy a gas-powered weed eater. They’re the incumbent – and ran the string trimmer world for decades. And just like cars, they still reign supreme for a lot of applications.

And I still have a gas-powered string trimmer.

Gas powered weed eaters have a few benefits when compared to electric weed eaters:

  • They generally have a larger cutting swath
  • Most gas weed eaters can fit thicker weed eater string
  • Gas string trimmers are easier to run for longer periods of time and don’t require charging
  • They often have a higher power output
  • When well-maintained, gas string trimmers can last many years

But battery-powered weed eaters have some advantages to gas:

  • No maintenance
  • No fumes
  • Way quieter
  • Super easy to start

In short, it comes down to your application. I would almost never recommend an electric weed eater to a professional landscaper. For my neighbors who often ask me which is better, I recommend them trying my battery-powered weed eater to see how satisfied they are with the performance.

Bottom Line: Our experience testing electric weed eaters

If you came up to me on the street and asked me what electric weed eater you should get, I would say it needs to fit these criteria: 15 inch cutting swath, brushless motor, D-loop handle, battery line with significant voltage and Amp-hours, and attachment capability. There are tons of those out there, but we really loved our experience with EGO. We don’t have an affiliation with them or anything – but have been so impressed by their multi-head system.

Common questions about electric weed eaters

Are electric weed eaters worth it?

Electric weed eaters are great tools for homeowners and with the right one, can last a long time. They are definitely worth it for home use.

What is the best electric weed eater you can buy?

In my experience, the best electric weed eater is the attachment capable EGO Multi-Tool.

Do electric weed eaters work well?

Electric weed eaters work very well for home use but are limited in commercial use.

What size electric weed eater do I need?

The perfect size electric weed eater for home use is anywhere between 14-16 inches of cutting swath.

How long do battery powered weed eaters last?

Battery powered weed eaters can last about 35-50 minutes depending on intensity of use.

How much does a battery weed eater cost?

Battery weed eaters can cost anywhere from $125 to $400 depending on the size, voltage, and quality of construction.

Why we started reviewing weed eaters

The reason we started The Lawn Review in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

We test lawn tools – for real.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something.

How to instantly improve your weed eater

Upgrade your weed eating game with the ultimate GrassKicker Weed Eater String! While weed eaters and lawn edgers are great tools, it’s not complete without the right string. Our specially crafted line is designed to enhance your weed eater’s performance and give you flawless edges around your yard and garden.

Don’t settle for subpar string that breaks easily and leaves ragged edges. Our team has scoured the market and combined the best colors, shapes, thicknesses, and materials to create a superior line that cuts more cleanly and lasts longer.

With GrassKicker, you can take pride in your perfectly manicured lawn and make a lasting impression on your friends and family. And who knows, your envious neighbors might just start dropping by more often! Don’t wait, elevate your weed eating game with GrassKicker Weed Eater String today! Click the link now to buy.

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Ultimate Early Spring Lawn Care Schedule: 2024 Update

Early Spring Lawn Care sets the tone for the entire year. If you’re trying to have top notch turf, there’s really two times of year that you really need to put the work in. That being early spring and late fall. Hammer these two times of year and everything else will be smooth sailing and gravy. 

Using a spreader is the best way to get the pre-emergent out there.

But miss these times or don’t do the right application and you’ll be fighting an uphill battle the rest of the year. You’ll be working ten times as hard to keep your yard green, thick, and without weeds suffocating your beautiful grass.

That may sound intimidating, but it’s really simple and just a few quick steps to help you set yourself up for success for the year. In this article, I’m going to take you through my process for early spring lawn care.

And PS – If you prefer video content, I put together a video walkthrough on what I do on my Youtube Channel.

Here’s our quick step-by-step early spring lawn care routine:

  1. Clear debris off of your lawn’s surface
  2. Prepare your equipment for the year
  3. Apply pre-emergent to prevent weed growth
  4. Water-in pre-emergent

Our Early Spring Lawn Care Schedule: Step-by-Step

If it is finally starting to warm up where you live and the snow is melting off your lawn – you’ve got work to do before the grass starts growing again. Below is our process for 

Step 1: Clear off any debris in your yard

The first step in your spring lawn care routine is to make sure your yard is ready to receive some of the pre-emergent, fertilizer, post emergent, and other products you’re going to lay down in the coming weeks.

Make sure to get that canvas blank.

To clear the canvas, grab a rake and scoop up any excess leaves that are laying on top of your yard. Make sure to pick up sticks, pine cones, dog doo, and whatever else might get in the way of your yard growing once things start germinating.

If it’s been more than 12 months since you’ve dethatched your yard, you may want to consider dethatching to pick up excess material on top of your soil. Some thatch is good, but too much can prevent your yard from taking up product.

Which leads us into step number tw0.

Step 2: Make sure your equipment is in top shape

Admit it. You’ve been there. You finally have one free weekend where you don’t have to be at a family function, or a holiday, or something else and you’ve dedicated a few hours to lawn care. 

Only to realize that you don’t have gas for your tools, you forgot to charge up your batteries, or you have some kind of maintenance issue. Now you have to spend more time or money (or both) fixing those issues or waiting for batteries to charge. 

Pop these blades off and sharpen them.

Obviously you can do all this before step 1, but I like to spend the first weekend in early spring cleaning up the canvas and checking the equipment, then actually using the equipment and applying the product the following weekend. You can sharpen your mower blades as well to make sure they’re ready to go.

If you have gas powered equipment, make sure you’re emptying out old gas (you should do this at the end of a season anyway, so hopefully it’s empty). If you have battery powered equipment, make sure those are charged up ahead of time. 

Step 3: Apply pre-emergent

This is arguably the most important step in this lawn care routine. That’s applying either a liquid or granular pre-emergent (PE). The timing of this step is crucial.

I’m in Tennessee, and in the south the biggest indicator when to apply PE is by looking at when you start seeing Forsythia buds. These pups tend to come out when it gets to around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the temperature when things start to germinate, bud, and grow for the new season.

Photo cred: HGTV

In anticipation of this, I like to lay down my pre-emergent a little before this time, when it’s around 50 degrees and climbing. 

The pre-emergent I like to use is Barricade by The Andersons. I really like this product because it covers a broad range of weeds and unwanted grasses that we’re trying to keep out of the yard so we have a nice, uniform, green lawn. It prevents pretty much everything we don’t want, but it also doesn’t have any fertilizer product in it.

In the early spring and late fall, we’re really not trying to promote any growth. That will happen organically as the season goes on. What’s important is just preventing the unwanted weeds from taking a stronghold in our yards.

If you’re unsure of how much to use, a cool and free online tool is measuremylawn.com. This uses satellites see your house, then you can draw a perimeter around your yard, and it will tell you how much acreage you have. Then all you have to do is read the bag of pre-emergent, fertilizer, grass seed, post-emergent, or whatever else to see how much you need.

Once you know the size of your yard and how much product you’ll need, use a simple broadcast spreader to set out your pre-emergent and get to walkin’.

Step 4: Water in the pre-emergent

Now that everything is cleared and you’ve set our your pre-emergent, the final step is to just water in your yard. If you have an irrigation system, just set out your pre-emergent before your next cycle. If not, you can either set out some sprinklers, or just do step 3 a day or so before you know it’s going to rain. Around this time of year, most parts of the country tend to get a lot of rain, so this shouldn’t be too hard to do.

Not bad!

Bottom Line: Using our early spring lawn care schedule

To summarize the 4 step guide for early spring lawn care, all you have to do is check your tools, prep your canvas, lay out pre-emergent, and water it in. 

Some tools you might need are a dethatcher (optional), a broadcast spreader, and maybe a sprinkler. Like I said before, I review lawn tools for a living and have done reviews on all of these products, so I’ve linked to each of our top articles reviewing these products too. 

If you found this article helpful, make sure to subscribe to our Youtube Channel for more lawn care DIY tips, exclusive offers on products, and get heads up on deals. 

Why we created The Lawn Review

The reason we started the Lawn Review in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And they aren’t cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

We take tool testing seriously.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

There’s tons of great resources out there for people who really like to nerd out on lawn care and get into the fine details and science behind lawn care. If that’s your jam, guys like Ryan Norr and Lawn Care Nut will be right up your alley.

As for me and most readers of this blog, we don’t need to know how the sausage is made. Just tell me which sausage (er.. Lawn tools) is best & how to use the sausage… (that’s what she said…? Idk, there’s an explicit joke in there somewhere)

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5 Lightweight String Trimmers That Make Trimming Easy

The best lightweight string trimmer that I have used is the Greenworks 40V 12 inch cordless string trimmer because it is durable, has a decent cutting swath, and is part of a large 40V battery system. Lightweight string trimmers are game changers for your neck and back.

It doesn’t have to be this way. My parents (senior citizens) and my wife (woman) love using smaller weed eaters because  they’re just easier. And they aren’t hardcore perfectionists like me who are obsessed with having heavy-duty tools. 

But anyways – I have gotten a lot of questions lately over on our Youtube channel about what the best lightweight weed eaters are, mostly from older women. Let’s break it down today!

Here is our list of best lightweight string trimmers:

  1. Greenworks 40V 12 inch Cordless String Trimmer
  2. Ryobi ONE+ 18V 10 in. Cordless Battery String Trimmer and Edger
  3. Black and Decker 14 inch String Trimmer
  4. WORX WG162 20V Cordless String Trimmer
  5. Sun Joe TRJ13STE Trimmer Joe 13” Weed Eater

5 Lightweight Electric Weed Eaters: Ranked

Many of these weed eaters I’ve gotten to use after borrowing from my neighbors, parents, or in-laws that told me how great they were. I’m taking into account my personal experience, my parents’ enthusiasm, and the specifications that make these the best.

1. Greenworks 40V 12 inch Cordless String Trimmer

We liked the Greenworks 40V 12 inch cordless string trimmer because it has much of the same performance as a big weed eater, but is noticeably lighter. Coming in at right at 9 lbs, this one is going to mostly feel like a bigger EGO string trimmer, but provide less fatigue (and less power).

We liked this tool because the Greenworks 40V battery series can be used with a ton of other Greenworks 40V products as well. There are a ton of those, including a big ole chainsaw, a bunch of their mowers, and more.

We have it here with their 40V mower that we got.

But for this string trimmer, I particularly loved the molded handle grip that takes even more force off of your fingertips. It also has a slightly bent D-loop handle that isn’t a fake plastic-y type of handle. Together, these make the 9 lbs feel even lighter. 

While this isn’t the highest performing weed eater – a cutting swath of 12 inches – it is definitely a good cutting swath for smaller yards without crazy amounts of thick brush. It’s a great weed eater for a homeowner with a generally well-maintained yard. I also really liked the variable speed trigger on this, which lets you have complete control over how hard you are trimming.

You can grab this one from the same place we did – Amazon – for a great price WITH a battery. 

2. Ryobi ONE+ 18V 10 in. Cordless Battery String Trimmer and Edger

So my neighbor has the Ryobi ONE+ 18V cordless string trimmer and I had spotted him using it one day when I went up and asked him about it. He recently had back surgery and was finally back to playing golf. He liked this tool because it was taking the weight off of his back and was extremely easy to use.

While it doesn’t look like much, this Ryobi string trimmer made it super easy for my elderly neighbor to get back to taking care of his yard, which I can definitely appreciate. At first glance, this weed eater doesn’t appear to meet any of the criteria I laid out below. It has a curved shaft (if you can call it that), it isn’t very adjustable, it’s got a tiny cutting swath – but man if it isn’t lightweight.

Looks a little goofy but it works and my neighbor loves it.

Coming in at 4 lbs, this may be the lightest electric weed eater on the block. Whoever designed this made sure that it was all about convenience – which is what so many of us care about anyways. It has these features as well:

  • Automatic line advancement meaning you don’t have to flip it over and pull out more line when it inevitable breaks off
  • The 18V battery that can be used with a ton of other Ryobi 18V ONE+ tools (like this backpack sprayer of theirs)
  • A dang 3 year warranty
  • An insane price

Look – this electric string trimmer isn’t all about power – and that’s fine. But I challenge you to find a lightweight, easier to use weed eater on the block. You can find this one a number of places, like Home Depot (where my neighbor got it) for a really low price.

3. Black and Decker 14 inch String Trimmer

The Black and Decker 14 inch corded electric string trimmer was the first string trimmer I ever owned. I did a full write up about it last week because I found it in my garage and got nostalgic. It’s ranking high up here because it lasted me about six years and could keep on going if I hadn’t upgraded it.

This one is super convenient because it has a handle that rotates that lets you go from trimming to edging – really quickly. I like the fact that it has a cord because it makes it both extremely cheap and I never have to worry about charging batteries. 

Either lightweight or I’m super strong (Answer: Both).

Another cool thing about this trimmer is that it can retract into itself and fold the handle up, making it fit into a space the size of a locker. It can easily hang on a nail in the garage. When using it, I can extend the trimmer, rotate the head, and balance it along a wheel to do some light edging work as well. 

This one got me through many years in my first home on a budget. You can check the latest price on Amazon here, but it is dirt cheap.

4. WORX WG162 20V Cordless String Trimmer

Next up is the WORX WG162 20V string trimmer. This one is battery-powered and WITH the battery comes in at 5.5 lbs and without the battery weighs 4.5 lbs. That is incredibly lightweight.

Here are some other things that we like about this trimmer:

  • 20V battery works with a ton of other Worx 20V tools
  • 12 inch cutting swath is slightly larger than a few of the competitors
  • Telescoping head lets you adjust the length of the trimmer or collapse it for easy storage
  • The head pivots for edging just like the Black and Decker above

One thing I don’t love about this trimmer, which is why it is ranking below the others, is that it only has a single speed. I like having as much control as possible (which my wife loves), so having a single speed really limits what I can do. In particular, it makes it hard for me to cut around delicate flowers without being absolutely surgical and/or wreckless.

A nice, simple, reliable, inexpensive string trimmer.

Either way, this is still a great, lightweight string trimmer and marketed almost exclusively toward women (just my observation!). But given the lightweight feel and the ease of use – it is also a great lightweight string trimmer for seniors. 

This one, like most Worx products, are found almost exclusively at Amazon – where the price is pretty ridiculous (low).

5. Sun Joe TRJ13STE Trimmer Joe 13” Weed Eater

One that definitely flies under the radar, the Sun Joe electric string trimmer and edger is nearly identical to the Worx one above. The main difference is that it has a slightly larger cutting swath at 13 inches and is a corded electric string trimmer instead of battery.

Weighing in at 5 lbs (and no additional battery to weigh it down further), this thing is on the list because it is featherlight. Oh – and it is also featherlight on the wallet. This thing is under $40. Yes, if you’re on a budget and looking for something light and easy – you aren’t going to do much better than this. 

Look familiar? Like the Worx one above with a paint job?

This is the ultimate string trimmer for people with tiny yards and aren’t snobby about their tools. Sun Joe is not big in the lawn care space (yet), so you aren’t going to be building out your full suite of lawn tools with them. We have the Sun Joe dethatcher and have used a few other Sun Joe tools and honestly – they aren’t bad.

So – what do you have to lose? 40 bucks? That’s like a dozen eggs these days.

Go grab it on Amazon right now before hyperinflation takes it to the price of a normal weed eater.

Why we created The Lawn Review

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

What to look for in a string trimmer

Cordless weed eaters come in all shapes and sizes. They aren’t highly complicated pieces of equipment, but they do have a few nuances. Here is how I see it:

Feel

Obviously this is subjective, but feel is everything to me. I have had weed eaters in the past where the handle is off to the side, making me torque my shoulders and back. With the ones on this list, feel is less important because they’re so dang light. It is hard to torque your back or shoulder when there isn’t a ton of weight working against you.

Motor 

Brushless motors are the best type of motors for electric lawn tools. They also produce more torque and less heat. They’re harder to find in lower-end lawn tools like the ones on this list. But if you can get one – it is good as gold and will last a long time.

Power Source

Depending on your situation, you may need to consider the power source. If you have a large yard with a lot of acreage, you may need gas to cover the whole area, while smaller yards (an acre or less) can get away with a battery or corded tool. These ones are all either battery or corded electric. If you get corded, just make sure you have a nice extension cord.

Curved vs Straight shaft

I always, always, always prefer straight shafts. They are so much easier to use and control. Curved shafts are better for smaller areas that require “mowing”, whereas straight shafts are better for precision and clean lines.

Bottom Line: Lightweight weed eaters

Y’all the good thing about these lightweight weed eaters is that they all get the job done and are lightweight on the wallet as well. The toughest choice you’ll make from this list is whether or not you want a battery or corded electric string trimmer.

Either way, your back will thank you for the featherweight tool and your lawn will look as good as new.

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Toro Power Sweep Blower Reviews: 6 Years Later

The Toro Power Sweep comes from a household brand known for creating top notch tools for landscaping, lawn care, and other home equipment. Oh yeah, and the sales to back it up – including one from me who bought this a few years ago for my first house.

But does this budget conscious product live up to the powerhouse name?

The Toro Power Sweep boasts nearly 1,300 reviews on Home Depot with an average 4.7 out of 5 star rating. Not too shabby for a $60 blower. This is the main reason I bought it back when I was a lawn tool noob.

At first glance, this puppy seems like a great buy. Lots of reviews, high rating, low cost. What’s not to love? 

This was the first blower I ever owned. When I was a new homeowner, not making a ton of money, and needed to purchase several tools on a budget, this was an easy decision. But that was nearly 6 years ago. So does it hold up? 

Let’s get started:

Toro Power Sweep 160 MPH 155 CFM Review

You’re standing at Home Depot (or maybe shopping online) and want to figure out whether or not this thing is garbage. Well – its been sitting in my garage since 2017 and I still use it every week – so here are my thoughts.

Mine is obviously the older model but still works great.

CFMs and Power

CFM is basically the performance of the blower when combined with MPH. How efficiently does it move leaves and debris around?

I gotta be honest, while the Toro Power Sweep served its purpose for me when I was on a budget, it comes clocking in at only 155 CFM. For comparison sake, EGO has two blowers that boasts 765 CFM & 650 CFM. Nearly 5 times as powerful! And I’ve been using this thing for six years! 

At 160 MPH, you’re still getting good speed but it’s in a concentrated, flat nozzle instead of a large, round nozzle. If you put a large, round nozzle on this blower it would basically be a hair dryer.

It’s a classic case of you get what you pay for.

Yes, it’s cheap and serves its purpose. But if you live in the Southeast like me, you spend a lot of time blowing leaves in the yard. You blow the yard, then turn around and it seems like there’s a fresh layer of leaves laid everywhere.

Looking back, I think I would have bit the bullet and spent more money to save time in the yard.

However, if you live in Texas, Arizona, or other areas where you don’t have a lot of trees and just need to blow grass clippings or debris out of your garage, this blower is still a great value.

Usability & Reliability

A big positive for the Toro Power Sweep Blower is that it’s very lightweight. It’s only 4.6lbs and since it’s not that powerful, it won’t have a lot of pressure pushing against your shoulder to keep it steady. 

This can come unplugged if you don’t use the anchor back there at the top.

On the reliability side of things, like any other corded blower, as long as you have access to an outlet, you have power. However, if you have a large yard with a lot of acreage, you’ll need a very long extension cord to be able to cover your entire yard. 

Not to mention, most people’s preference now is to cut the cord and go battery powered when it comes to electric tools. At this point in my life, there are few things more annoying than accidentally pulling the extension cord out of the wall and untangling the cord.

But then again – I’ve used it for six years and haven’t had any issues with reliability. It just won’t die. There’s also a great Toro Ultra 3-in-1 blower like this that is awesome.

Cost and where I bought this blower

This blower comes in at a whopping $59 from Home Depot which is hilarious. Much like the Costco hot dog, the price on this thing is somehow immune to inflation because that’s how much I paid for it back in 2017.

Simple to use – just a single button.

My Experience: Toro Power Sweep Review

Drum roll please….. It’s a strong maybe. 

If you don’t have a lot of trees that drop leaves and don’t have a large yard, then this is a great buy and it’s super cheap.

BUT…

If you have a large yard or (not and) you live in an area where it’s raining leaves everyday in the fall, pass on this one and get something stronger, like the EGO 765 CFM Blower.

They’re more expensive, but you’re buying your time back. 

And what’s the point of spending time working on your immaculate lawn if you don’t have enough time to sit back and enjoy it at the end of the day?

Why we created The Lawn Review

The reason we started the Lawn Review in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And they aren’t cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

Yeah, we’ve review a lot of blowers with our face.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

Toro and Innovation

Something that many of you may be scratching your head around is….what is Toro? They’ve been around since 1914 and started out by building the top engine for US farm tractors during the industrial revolution. ‘MERICA!!! 

Shortly after, in 1922, they started specializing in golf course fairway care equipment, and fast forward 100 years, they naturally branched into home lawn care equipment.

One of the greatest GOATS of all time.

Needless to say, Toro has been around quite a while, has established itself as a top seller in the marketplace, and has found a niche in electric lawn tools. 

Check out our review of a popular battery powered Toro Mower here.

They offer low price, medium-to-high quality products that….work. Toro is super popular in some of the big box stores like Home Depot. 

What to look for in an electric blower

Cordless blowers come in a bunch of shapes and sizes but there are two basic things you need to understand:

CFMs on blowers

Cubic feet per minute. This is a measure of air output on the blower. Higher CFM = more power, but not necessarily more miles per hour. High CFM with a wide nozzle = lower MPH. High CFM with a narrow nozzle = high miles per hour. Ideally, you want both a high CFM with a narrow to medium nozzle for most residential jobs.

Usability

What is the point of having a blower if it is hard to use? Have to get one that is lightweight, easy to start, and has some functions that make your life easier. One thing I look for here is how the weight is distributed. I also look for things like variable speed control, sound, and how easy it is to reach or change controls like cruise control.

Reliability

It’s important to have reliable equipment – hands down. For homeowners, having a blower that can easily start and requires minimal maintenance is key. The engine doesn’t get as much use as a professional landscaper, so hopefully doesn’t require the same maintenance schedule. For professional landscapers, you need to have a blower that starts quickly and isn’t a headache requiring frequent tinkering and minor replacements.

These are three things you need to pay attention to when looking through the specifications. 

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5 Battery Chainsaws For Residential Use + 1 Surprise

Battery chainsaws are some of those tools I didn’t expect to be as powerful as they are. When I think about chainsaws, my mind immediately goes to the tree removal services that are dangling way up in the air with a super powerful gas chainsaw tethered at the hip.

But not all chainsaws are like that. For example, where I live in North Carolina, we get hurricanes that fell trees left and right. Just about every neighbor of mine has a chainsaw for the inevitable storm that takes down one of our Bradford Pears or Oaks. 

Let’s get started with our list of the top battery chainsaw for home use:

The biggest surprise that I want to add to this list: the Wild Badger Cordless Chainsaw

Battery Chainsaws For Homeowners: Ranked

Let’s jump right into our ranking of the best battery chainsaws for home use with our number one pick.

Greenworks Pro 80V 16 inch cordless chainsaw

The Greenworks PRO 80V 16 inch cordless battery chainsaw is the best battery powered chainsaw for home use. It has the ultimate combination of power, durability, battery life, and price.

We chose the Greenworks Pro 80V chainsaw after using it head-to-head against our Stihl MS251C chainsaw – where it won handily against a gas powered counterpart.

Here are a few things we loved about this chainsaw:

  • Brushless motor – which is an absolute must in any of these 
  • 80V battery can be used in a bunch of other tools – like their 80V lawn mower
  • 120 cuts per charge (with 2.0 Ah battery) – also helps you know when you’re getting low
  • Equivalent power to a 42cc gas engine (where most gas chainsaws are)
  • Electronic chain brake reduces risk of kickback by shutting off if kickback occurs

It has a great length at 16 inches that is going to get through just about any tree that gets knocked down around your home without being so big that you can’t handle the small stuff.

Here’s our 18 inch.

We also love that you can save BIG money on this tool if you already own a Greenworks battery. While some of the others on this list, you’re looking at spending well over $300 – this one is on sale on Amazon right now for about $200. If you get the tool-only version, you’re looking at significantly less.

You can’t get that with some of the bigger names – both a great tool and the extensive usability with other lawn tools that run the whole spectrum. 

Nice little safety feature on this one.

Around the home and in the yard, this is pound-for-pound the best battery chainsaw money can buy. 

EGO Power+ 56V 18” electric chainsaw

What can we say? We are suckers for EGO products because they rule. They hands down have the best feel when using them and just about every tool they make is on par with gas-powered tools (like their EGO 765 CFM blower).

So obviously, they knocked it out of the park with their 18 inch battery chainsaw. It is by far the best analog to a gas powered chainsaw on this list – mostly because it has a crazy powerful motor, a big ole battery, and super long bar. 

At 18 inches of bar length, this is probably a little too much power for the average homeowner – but if you already have EGO products you might as well get it. At a 45 cc gas equivalent displacement measurement, this thing is true gas-like power (which I think is EGO’s motto). 

A few other bells and whistles include bright LED light, which is actually helpful for chopping down a fallen tree early in the morning, a brushless motor, a tool-free chain tensioning system, and a 5.0 Ah battery.

The 5.0 Ah battery here is definitely going to add a little bit of weight to this already large tool. It does offer up to 300 cuts (tested on a 4×4), which is more than you’ll ever need most likely. 

The good news is – if you already have the battery, this tool is about $100 cheaper than if not. You can grab it on Amazon for a reasonable price here.

Ryobi ONE + 18V Brushless 12 inch Cordless Battery Chainsaw

On the lighter side of things, Ryobi’s ONE+ 18V Brushless 12 inch cordless battery chainsaw is a great tool for smaller jobs. If you are just taking down the occasional branch here and there or cutting up a little bit of firewood – this thing is perfect.

The best part is that the Ryobi ONE+ series has a TON of 18V tools you can use both in your lawn, but also your garage and even inside your house. The reason I chose this cordless chainsaw to be on our list isn’t because it’s the most powerful, but because it is the easiest. 

Small and mighty.

This is one of the best battery chainsaws for women (according to my wife) because it is lightweight and really easy to use around the yard. 

Not only is it great for around the yard – but it comes with a dang brushless motor, a 4.0 Ah battery and can still cut up to a 20 inch diameter.

This is an incredible product for the size and may be pound for pound be one of the best chainsaws on this list considering the voltage.

This Ryobi chainsaw can be found at Home Depot for a great price.

Dewalt 60V Max 16in. battery chainsaw

Dewalt is a bit of a lurker in the lawn tool space because they simply aren’t well known.The folks you trust with your power tools in the garage or workshop are the same ones making these lawn tools. And they’ve been making brushless motor, heavy-duty products for years. So why not trust their Dewalt mower or Dewalt weed eaters?

We did a full review of the Dewalt 60V Flexvolt chainsaw here that you should check out if you want to learn more about this product. But here are the highlights:

  • Dewalt 60V battery can be used with a ton of other Dewalt 60V tools
  • Big 16 inch cutting length
  • Brushless motor
  • All the safety features you’d want
  • Easy to start and put together
  • Automatic oiler

It looks and feels just like the EGO and Greenworks one, but doesn’t come with the same breadth of tools as the others – so sadly it is down further on this list.

Photo courtesy of Home Depot (linked below).

But this battery chainsaw is perfect for anyone who is a Dewalt loyalist or already owns the 60V battery. It is also available at Home Depot for a reasonable price.

Stihl MSA 120 C-BQ electric chainsaw

The Stihl MSA 120 C-BQ we also did a long form review about. And honestly we nailed it. But it is growing on us. We’ve deepened our research on it and had some bad first impressions that got us started off on the wrong foot.

For starters, Stihl makes incredible tools and is known for their chainsaws. But the transition to battery is a really tough move for a brand like Stihl because they have everything to lose. The motors are completely different, so how are you supposed to copy the quality that you’ve had for years in gas-powered over to battery?

And they just can’t do it. So sadly, they aren’t meeting the expectations of their gas counterparts. That isn’t to say that this is a bad chainsaw – heck we put it on the list for a reason.

Using the gas one myself in this picture.

The Stihl MSA 120 is a fine chainsaw that has all the bells and whistles you could want – and even a brushless motor. Stihl did a good job keeping most of the body intact with this chainsaw.

Stihl’s battery chainsaw isn’t all bad.

But Stihl just doesn’t have a big presence in the battery world yet so you can’t do a whole lot with these batteries in terms of using them on other tools. So if you are going to buy a one-off battery powered chainsaw, you don’t get the value from this one that you do on some of the others. For that reason, it falls down to the bottom of our list. 

For background, some of the other brands like Greenworks STARTED as a battery company. They understand the battery process and electric motors like the back of their hands. Then they started building tools around it. Stihl is starting from the other side and quite frankly hasn’t caught up yet. I do think at some point they will get more even in terms of quality, but not sure if they can ever be perceived as leaders in the battery space. 

Frequently asked questions about battery chainsaws

We are going to keep adding to this list as we get questions from readers and viewers of our Youtube channel – so feel free to ask away!

How long will a battery chainsaw run?

Battery chainsaw run time is totally dependent on the voltage and the amp hour of the battery (mostly the amp-hour). The higher the Amp hours, the longer it will run. 

This obviously depends on the type of cutting you’re doing, but many measure the run time in terms of number of cuts – which I’ve seen range from 100 cuts to 300 cuts. Make sure to check that out before you buy one.

Are battery chainsaws any good?

Yes – they work very well for residential purposes but still have a long way to go for professionals.

The main reason I don’t recommend battery-powered for professionals is that your battery can die and leave you in a bad spot. Up in a tree, almost finishing a precarious cutting job and boom – you’ve got to reset and have a dangerous tree swaying around above you.

Do battery chainsaws need oil?

Yes, battery chainsaws need oil for the chain. Most come with an automatic chain oiler that will keep it nice and oiled for you.

One thing to note is that battery chainsaws with automatic oilers need to be stored flat so that the oil doesn’t drip out all over your garage (I learned this one the hard way).

Is an electric chainsaw powerful enough?

Electric chainsaws are powerful enough for homeowners looking to cut firewood, chop up a tree that fell down, or saw through thick branches. 

As mentioned earlier, I don’t recommend electric chainsaws for professionals. Not because of the power, but because of the battery run time. 

Why we started The Lawn Review

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

We take tool testing seriously.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

What to look for in a battery chainsaw

Battery chainsaws for home use are nuanced machines that in many ways differ from their gas counterparts. Let’s break down what we look for in one of these bad boys.

Bar length

The length of the bar is the length of the cutting area. Generally, the larger bar means more cutting ability. If you’ve ever used a hand saw for example, you know that you don’t just go really fast back and forth with a small section of the saw. The proper way to use a saw is to move it the entire length of the saw in a controlled manner.

You can think about that similarly with bar length. More cutting area = more cuts that are going to happen which means the faster the job gets done.

Battery run-time

I can’t think of a battery powered tool that is more important to have a solid run time. If you are in the middle of chopping down a tree, it could be extremely dangerous to run out of battery. Make sure to opt for a battery with not only higher voltage, but more importantly higher Amp-hours. Amp-hours are important in determining the amount of battery run-time.

Usability and safety

Again, these are probably some of the most dangerous tools that you will use. Make sure it has safety features like kickback prevention, a safety mechanism, and is easy to use. Chainsaws that are difficult to handle, put you in awkward positions, or don’t feel natural will be the reason an adverse event occurs.

Make sure to pick it up and put your hands on it first – I’d rather use a dull chainsaw that was comfortable than a sharp one that felt uncomfortable.

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Black & Decker 14-inch String Trimmer Review: 2024

The Black & Decker 6.5-Amp, 14-Inch String Trimmer was the first string trimmer I ever owned. Put simply, this weed eater gets the job done while still being a super budget friendly and lightweight tool.

In all it’s condensed glory!

Black and Decker String Trimmers are nearly a household name. I mean who doesn’t own a Black and Decker product? Even my two year old son has a toy Black and Decker tool box!

But there are so many options with Black and Decker trimmers that it is nearly impossible to compare. 

Bottom Line: The Black and Decker 14 inch trimmer is one of the best lightweight and light duty string trimmers on the market at a ridiculously low price on Amazon.

Jump ahead:

Black & Decker String Trimmer, 6.5-Amp, 14-Inch: My Experience

Black and Decker sell a million weed eaters. How did I pick this one? Well, I just scrolled on Amazon and found a cheap one. I had a really small yard when I first bought it, so I wasn’t looking for anything fancy (and couldn’t afford fancy).. I’ve changed and now like really fancy things (but still can’t afford them).

The Black and Decker 14 inch trimmer is easy to use

This Black & Decker string trimmer feels natural to hold. Whether you prefer to hold the handle from the side or from the top, this features a twist and lock mechanism for your preference. I usually go from the side so I can use it for edging.

The twist and lock mechanism.

It’s also very light weight at only 5.3 pounds, so your arms won’t get too tired holding it. For comparison sake, many gas powered weed wackers are over 10 pounds plus the weight of gas in the tank.

Lastly, this tool features a small plastic wheel that you rest on the ground while edging the curb. This helps guide you to keep a straight line for perfectly edged grass.

The little wheel that helps me edge.

One thing I love about it is the automatic feed spool feature, which will automatically send out more trimmer lines when you start to run low. The feature itself is cool, but the actual weed eater string in the replacement spools is super cheap. I knew that when I bought it, but you can’t do a great job edging your lawn without a thicker string.

This all may seem like great features… but it’s not all sunshine & rainbows. More on that in the price & value section below.

Black and Decker’s 14 inch trimmer is corded

This particular tool isn’t battery-powered, but is a great corded electric string trimmer. While it isn’t going to provide you the same portability that a battery powered string trimmer provides, it gives you reliable power without being concerned about the battery charge. As long as your house has power, you have power. Your only concern with this will be making sure you have a long enough extension cord to cover your yard.

The 6.5 amp motor isn’t as strong as a lot of the gas powered string trimmers on the market, but most of our readers don’t need the biggest and baddest on the market. At some point, there’s a diminishing return for how much you pay. My personal opinion, if you’re buying a string trimmer to clean up your edges and trim close to your home, you really don’t need too much more than what this tool offers.

If you have dense brush, a larger yard, or just love power – there are some great gas powered weed eaters from ECHO or even Stihl that will get you there.

The Black and Decker 14 inch String Trimmer is cheap

While this Black & Decker string trimmer has some great features, I wouldn’t feel good just making you seem like it’s everything you need for under $60. Yes, it’s very cheap, which made it a good option when I was young, didn’t have a lot of money, and was a new homeowner acquiring a lot of tools at once to take care of my yard.

But it’s true what they say… you get what you pay for.

The locking mechanism comes undone fairly easily, causing the shaft might twist and turn while you’re trying to get clean edges… which means not clean edges. 

The small plastic wheel is nice, but it only works well if the locking mechanism is working to keep it twisted at the right angle. Otherwise, it will just fall over or the friction from the wheel will pull it back. In general, the locking mechanism is definitely a “loose lock.” Like one of those annoying doors in your house where the deadbolt doesn’t quite fit into the door frame. 

It’s either really light or I’m really strong.

But once again, this puppy is only going to run you $60 (at the time of this writing) and it’s tough to beat that price. Mine lasted me for years, so I was certainly willing to overlook a few annoyances to save a lot of money. 

The Final Verdict: Black and Decker string trimmers

The Black & Decker 6.5 amp, 14-inch String Trimmer is an excellent lawn tool. It’s incredibly budget friendly, does what a string trimmer is supposed to do, without all the unnecessary bells and whistles that usually make tools “look cool” but don’t add to performance.

If you’re on a budget and don’t mind dragging a cord behind you, this is the string trimmer for you. You can grab this one on Amazon for a really good price.

Why we review string trimmers

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

We take tool testing seriously.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

What to look for in a string trimmer

Cordless weed eaters come in all shapes and sizes. They aren’t highly complicated pieces of equipment, but they do have a few nuances. Here is how I see it:

Feel

Obviously this is subjective, but feel is everything to me. I have had weed eaters in the past where the handle is off to the side, making me torque my shoulders and back. Bad. You are going to be using this often and for a long time, so make sure it is comfortable.

Luckily, with corded weed eaters you don’t have a battery or gas tank that adds extra weight – but you do have to pull the cord around with you.

Motor 

brushless motors are king here. They are longer lasting and more durable. Brushless motors also produce more torque and less heat. With Black and Decker having a more “budget-friendly” line, you may not be able to find this without spending the big bucks. EGO weed eaters, Milwaukee’s M18 weed eaters, and some Ryobi weed wackers all have brushless motors.

Power Source

Depending on your situation, you may need to consider the power source. If you have a large yard with a lot of acreage, you may need gas to cover the whole area, while smaller yards (an acre or less) can get away with a battery or corded tool.

Curved vs Straight shaft

I always, always, always prefer straight shafts. They are so much easier to use and control. Curved shafts are better for smaller areas that require “mowing”, whereas straight shafts are better for precision and clean lines.

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3 Satisfying Pressure Washer Surface Cleaners for Driveways

The best pressure washer surface cleaner for most homeowners is the Greenworks Universal Pressure washer cleaner because it is inexpensive and should fit just about any electric pressure washer. If you need to go bigger, there are other options I have ranked below.

For most folks, a simple attachment to your existing pressure washer is enough to get the job done. There’s nuance to picking a surface cleaner out (which is why we wrote this article), but first know that you need a pressure washer to get the job done. 

We have written extensively about electric pressure washers and gas pressure washers (see each link for more), so once you’ve nailed that, then let’s pick out a surface cleaner.

Jump ahead:

Pressure washer surface cleaners: Ranked by Type

If you’re doing a pressure washer job, there’s a huge variety in how much power you need. The range is somewhere between getting pollen off your deck and removing extreme chemicals from  the side of the highway.

A nice electric pressure washer we’ve reviewed from Greenworks.

So let’s break down the best types of surface cleaners for each job.

A normal pressure washer surface cleaner for homeowners

For light duty cleaning, we are talking about cleaning off back decks, front porches, and small driveways and sidewalks with a surface cleaner. This is where most residential folks fall. And most residential folks are using an electric pressure washer like one from Greenworks or Ryobi.

If you have one of those, you’re in luck. Most electric pressure washer brands have their own surface cleaner attachments they sell separately. They also happen to be universal, so you can pick whichever one you like best despite it being from another brand.

If you’re going to grab one, check out the Greenworks Universal Pressure Washer attachment. I like this one mostly because of the price (generally super low on Amazon). For me, this thing  will only get used 1-2x per year so I don’t feel like shelling out a hundred bucks.

Greenworks universal surface cleaner

Some great things about this pressure washer surface cleaner are that it has an 11 inch cleaning width that is great for smaller jobs and is universal – so works with any pressure washer.

The one downside is that it is pretty light (yes, that can be a downside) and only works with a maximum of 2000 PSI on a pressure washer. Again, this is going to be for light duty jobs so that PSI range isn’t too much of an issue. Because of both the width and the pressure limitations, you’ll have to move slowly and steadily with this one – but it will get the job done.

Strong pressure washer surface cleaner for commercial use

For commercial use, like professional driveway cleaners and folks that clean up playgrounds and office parks, I recommend two things that are different from the residential.

The first is a much wider cleaner and the  second is the ability to have much higher PSI. If you have never heard of Simpson pressure washers, then you probably haven’t been paying attention. They make some really powerful gas pressure washers that use Honda engines, which are reliable and strong.

Simpson also makes a really good universal scrubber that is 15 inches wide, has steel construction, and is designed for higher power pressure washers. The PSI range on this one comes with a minimum of 3000 PSI (the necessary amount to get the internal hoses spinning) and a maximum of 3700 PSI. Perfect for a gas powered pressure washer.

Simpson’s is a bit wider.

I also like that it is over double the weight of the Greenworks attachment used for residential purposes. You’ll see a lot of different pressure washer surface cleaners on Amazon and other places that all look the same. The Simpson brand name on this one actually means something. 

You can grab this one online for a ridiculously good price on Amazon.

Best all-around pressure washer surface cleaner

The best all-around surface cleaner comes from a brand named Karcher – which isn’t a very big brand but puts out a few good products and a dang good surface cleaner. This one is the baby of the Simpson and the Greenworks surface cleaners, with the versatility of both.

The Karcher Universal Pressure Washer Attachment has a 15 inch width just like the commercial one, but is designed for a larger suite of pressure washers. There’s a range of 2600-3200 PSI on this one, meaning it can be used with most gas and electric pressure washers. 

It still has a universal attachment, but also has some additional products you can get along with it – like an extension wand that stops you from being completely bent over the entire time you’re cleaning.

Karcher rocked it with this one.

I picked this one because Karcher is a reputable brand and this item is super popular. It is popular because it’s so versatile. When my son inevitably starts a pressure washing business, this is going to be the first thing I give to him as an investment. He can use it for residential jobs and decide whether or not he wants to invest in something bigger and badder as time goes on.

It also has a reasonable price and goes on sale very frequently at Amazon.

Bottom line: Surface cleaners 

Surface cleaners for pressure washers are awesome tools that make your washer way more versatile. One of my friends used to own a pressure washer business and its wild to think that he didn’t use one of these back in the day – he just got up real close with his washer and took a few hours. Yikes!

Why we started The Lawn Review

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

We love testing tools.

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

What to look for in a pressure washer surface cleaner

When you’re looking to buy a pressure washer surface cleaner, it’s a bit of a confusing process. A bunch of brands make them, they all look like big hockey pucks, and there isn’t really much of a difference. 

Oh, but there is.

Width

Width is an important element because it means everything for saving time on the pressure washing job. The wider, the better (up to a point). When you start getting into the 15 inch and above range, you start getting into commercial territory. These are the guys on Youtube that pressure wash driveways in like 2 minutes and claim to be extremely rich. 

Most of us don’t need all that. But if you do, go wide and get a super powerful pressure washer that can handle it. The rest of us are good with under 15 inches of width.

Maximum and minimum PSI

Some of the pressure washer surface cleaners have a maximum PSI. When you get into the wider surface cleaners, you’ll start to see a minimum as well. These surface cleaners work by having two spinning nozzles inside that move really really fast and require a certain amount of pressure to keep going. 

For the smaller ones, too much pressure will cause them to break. Make sure to match the surface cleaner PSI to the PSI on your pressure washer.

Weight

Weight is important because these can put you in a weird situation. Pressure washer surface cleaners exert a significant amount of pressure downward onto the concrete. If you remember those physics nerds, they always said something about equal and opposite reactions.

Featherweight surface cleaners actually will lift up off of the ground and make the job harder to control. I actually look for a bit of weight that can hold the cleaner in a straight line and use all the downward force on the concrete, not me. 

GPM vs PSI on pressure washers

GPM stands for gallons per minute. GPM measures how quickly water is leaving the end of the electric pressure washer. PSI stands for pounds per square inch and is a measure of pressure that is being applied out of the electric pressure washer.

Testing the PSI on a pressure washer

If this is confusing to you, you’re not alone. In reality, if you are looking for power, you want both. They work hand-in-hand to deliver water from the machine at a high rate and effective and efficient volume.

For reference, a pressure washer can have a high PSI but a low GPM, meaning it is able to have a high pressure but generally not over a large area. Having both a high PSI and high GPM means that it’s coming out fast and it’s producing a more effective stream.

Likewise, you can also have a low PSI and higher GPM. This is a good ratio for cleaning cars because you get a lot of water at a safer pressure.

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3 Convenient Trailers for Hauling with Your Lawn Mower

Trailers on lawn mowers are underappreciated tools that let you turn a normal lawn tractor into a straight up do-it-all beast. My favorite trailer for lawn mowers is the Agri-Fab 750 lb trailer because it can hold a huge load and is inexpensive.

Could use bigger tires, but is great and dirt cheap.

Yes, there’s a reason they’re called tractor trailers – many tractors originally served as the ultimate vehicle. Fortunately, folks like Ford bailed us out and gave us the F150 straight from heaven. 

But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for a good old trailer for your lawn mower. These are great for hauling hay, mulch, feed, salt, or anything else across your property. Luckily, there are a ton of options and plenty of buying options – many of which you can get delivered straight to your house.

Let’s explore the best trailers for lawn mowers:

  1. A tow-behind dump cart
  2. A sweet multi-purpose lawn mower trailer
  3. A super heavy-duty lawn mower trailer

Ranking the best lawn mower trailers

Because all of these are such different trailers with different uses, it’s hard to compare them equally. So we’ve gone ahead and broken them down by category – with the ability to purchase online and even have them delivered. Pretty dang cool. Let’s get started.

One of these can help get the job done.

If you’re looking for some good lawn tractors, check out Husqvarna!

Best lawn mower tow behind dump cart: Agri-Fab 750 Pound

If you’re looking for an old-fashioned dump cart for your lawn mower, this is going to be the best lawn mower trailer for you. When it comes to moving mulch, seed, water, or other things – this is the classic trailer that you have in mind.

A few things we love about this tow-behind dump trailer:

  • Made in America (USA #1)
  • A universal trailer hitch that fits any lawn tractor
  • Steel bed with 750 lb capacity and 12 cubic feet
  • Big pneumatic (air-filled) tires
  • A really convenient foot lever that lets you pump up the dump cart and tip it back

It’s really convenient that it can fit any lawn tractor and carry quite a bit of mulch, hay, or whatever else you need to haul around. 

The best part is you can order this online and have it shipped straight to your house. This one is for sale on Amazon for a really good price and is pretty easy to put together.

Best multi-purpose lawn mower trailer: Gorilla Carts 2-in-1 Convertible handle

Now this lawn mower trailer has me scratching my head. I honestly don’t understand how it is able to pull off such a ridiculous payload, but here we are. What struck me about this 2-in-1 Gorilla Cart was why on earth anyone would NOT buy it? Everyone needs a good yard cart (they’re 1000x better than a wheelbarrow) and if you ever need to hitch it to a lawn mower or ATV – then you’re set. 

The handle on this dump cart not only allows you to pull the cart behind you on the four pneumatic tires, but serves as a lever to pump the back of the cart up for dumping. Oh – and it also hitches to a dang lawn mower. 

But I glossed over something here – this has 4 tires on it, making it really easy to transport and takes a massive amount of weight off of your shoulders if you are hand-pulling it. It also keeps the cart flat when being towed.

This thing is the gardener’s dream.


Another huge benefit is that you can unlatch it from the mower and keep pulling it by hand if you need to take it the last mile by yourself. With traditional lawn mower trailers, you are out of luck.

This one is really crazy as well because it has multiple purposes and functions, a huge 1200 lb capacity, and is an insane price on Amazon, where it has over ten thousand 5 star reviews. Holy cow…

Best heavy duty lawn mower trailer: MotoAlliance Impact 1500 lb 

So this one is really designed for ATVs and UTVs, but has the same hitch as a lawn mower and can easily be towed by most zero-turns with big engines. This one made the list because it most closely resembles a normal trailer but will take you places a normal trailer can’t go.

The MotoAlliance Impact has a 1500 lb capacity and 15 cubic feet. We love that it has a huge bed and steel construction but also love the super wide tires that help it go over concrete, snow, or really anything else. It is a huge tire upgrade from the other two options on this list and it shows.

It also has big side rails that can hold in hay bales or anything else, but are also removable for dropping in trees or brush. One of my good friends has one of these at his lake house for hauling wood and uses an old ATV to pull it around. It does a great job and has been worn down for a long time. 

I love the removable side rails on this one.

While it is super heavy duty for a lawn mower trailer, it still comes in at a decent price. You have to do some assembly if you buy it online, but it is well worth it. 

You can grab it on Amazon for just under $500.

Lawn mower trailers: The bottom line

If you have a lawn tractor and want to use it for things besides just cutting the grass – turn it into a multi-use vehicle and grab a trailer. This is one of those simple pleasures in life that made me smile when I got to turn my mower into a little truck. 

This is super helpful if you have bagged mulch from Lowes or somewhere else. Simply rack and stack and haul off to the nearest bed.

Why we review lawn tools

The reason we started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

We take this tool testing stuff seriously!

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

What to look for in a trailer for a lawn mower

When we check out a new trailer for our riding mower, we have a few things we make sure to check out. While some of it may be obvious, these trailers are different from the ones you use with your truck. Here’s how:

Weight capacity

This one is pretty obvious. You want your lawn mower trailer to be able to hold enough weight to get your job done, but not leave you on two wheels spinning in the mud. Most of the lawn mower trailers hold under 1,000 lbs – not because they will fall apart but because they will burn  out your lawn tractor.

Dimensions

Mower trailers vary a bunch in size, with some being basically wheelbarrows to some looking like they could tow a boat. Don’t get any more than you need by spending a lot of money. You can always make multiple trips.

Usability

Make sure to grab a trailer that functions in ways that are helpful to you. I’ll get more into it later, but some of these can be used for multiple purposes outside of just a lawn mower trailer. Get more bang for the buck instead of buying a lawn mower trailer and a yard cart.

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Greenworks 80V Electric Mower Reviews: My Experience

My Greenworks 80V Mower is a bit of an enigma. I love Greenworks and they make great products, so I am scratching my head a bit.

My 80V mower is a beast. Basically the same amount of power as my gas Honda mower with the convenience of battery. 

But it also had a few problems. A battery that didn’t work. A really hard time trying to back it up when in self-propelled mode. 

Today – I will break down our brutally honest (as always) thoughts about this mower.

Jump ahead:

How I tested out this Greenworks 80V mower

I got this Greenworks mower sent to me by the folks at Greenworks (they don’t pay us or anything). After assembling it, I went straight out into my yard and played with every function on it as I took it to my tall fescue.

I tested out the battery run time, the bells and whistles like self-propelled functions, how it did with my grass, and finally how it compares to my gas mower and other battery mowers I’ve used.

Basically, I put this thing through the dang GAUNTLET and documented it all on my YouTube channel – check it out!

Greenworks 80V Mower: Feature review

The Greenworks 80V mower is one of the most confusing I’ve ever reviewed. There are some features that are great and I really love. Then there are some that leave me scratching my head and wanting to ask Greenworks, “What were you thinking?” or “Did you even take this through quality control?”

It reminds me a lot of Thanksgiving dinner. We’re all happy to be there and enjoy time with family… but once I’ve been hanging around each other for a few hours, and my crazy uncle has had a few too many Miller’s, it just starts turning into nonsense. 

Looks great on its face!

That being said, the big question is if this one gets the TLR stamp of approval or denial. Without further adieu, here’s the review of the Greenworks 80V Mower:

Ease of use on the Greenworks 80v mower

Starting off with the ease of use, I really like the feel of this mower.

Most electric or battery powered mowers have a hard plastic deck, which can feel fragile and low quality. Greenworks chose a 21” steel deck, like most gas-powered mowers, making it much more durable. Because of the heavy steel deck, I never felt like I was being jostled around my yard as I was going over bumps & divots while mowing. 

I also like that it is featured with a cruise control speed setting. For some of our readers, this is a key feature if you have a hilly yard and want some assistance from the mower pushing up hills. It’s also great to go at a slower pace when I’m going through damp or thick grass to make sure I get a quality cut and prevent the mower motor from overworking. 

Easy to figure out!

As for the downsides… Greenworks is a great partner, but we’re not going easy on them. One of the most frustrating things about this mower was that the bottom flap on the backside would roll under the mower and prevent it from rolling backwards and the back tires wouldn’t roll at all. This caused me to pivot a lot more and tore up my yard in several spots.

Seems like something is wrong with the back tire.

Then there were several times where I would turn on the turbo button and it would cut off. I still can’t figure out what was going on, but it’s frustrating that a key selling feature wouldn’t work at all.

Power output: Greenworks 80V mower

I really loved the brushless motor on this. If you’re not familiar with brushed vs. brushless motors, brushed motors require a brush in the internal components of the motor to convert the energy from the battery to the energy in the motor. Brushless motors typically use magnets for this process. Long story short, it simply means there is less friction to convert the energy, which means less energy to produce power, less wear & tear on the motor, and longer lasting batteries. Anytime I see “brushless” on a tool, it’s typically the better performer.

A nice comfortable handle helped me feel better.

On top of that, when I hit the turbo button, this bad boy hits 3200 RPM!! Impressive for a battery powered mower, since that’s comparable to most gas-powered mowers performance.

Battery life of the 80V battery on Greenworks mower

Because this Greenworks battery powered mower has a steel deck, I anticipated the battery life would be lackluster. After all, it would make sense that more power would be needed to move a heavier mower. I was pleasantly surprised to get about 65 minutes of run time, giving it an edge over other brands like Ryobi & Ego. This is one of the best run times for battery mowers. I have a little under a half acre, so this was plenty of run time for me. 

Pretty cool to have both.

If you have a bigger lawn the handles have an indicator to show how much battery life you have, which can help you plan out if you’re going to need additional batteries (I always like to grab extra batteries anyway, just in case).

This is supposed to automatically switch over..but didn’t!

That being said, one of the major downsides was that this mower is supposed to automatically switch to the second battery when the first one dies. That didn’t happen. I had to take out the battery, pop it back in, and restart the mower. So a key feature and selling point of this Greenworks mower was a total bust.

Price and value

When looking at any mower, it’s going to come down to the overall cut quality. When we combine ease of use, power output, battery life, and performance, the cut quality was top notch and I was satisfied with how my yard looked at the end of an honest day’s work in the lawn.

The price, at the time of this writing, is $629. Which can be on the pricier side of mowers, but it does come with a 4 year limited tool & battery warranty. That can be a great perk, knowing that I am getting a tool that Greenworks will replace for the next 4 years.

Why we I started The Lawn Review

The reason I started this website in the first place was because we had so much trouble trying to find reasonable, understandable, honest reviews for lawn equipment. And it’s not cheap! After hours and hours of research, trying products and returning them, and messing up our yards – we started this site. 

We take tool reviews seriously!

As people who had to learn the hard way, we want you to know exactly what you are signing up for before you purchase a piece of equipment. That’s why we are committed to providing honest, easy-to-understand reviews that mean something. 

What to look for when buying a battery-powered lawn mower

If you’re looking for a new battery powered mower, you need to make sure you understand what things matter on the mower. You will get hit with a lot of technical specifications and people throwing acronyms at you.

Below are my main criteria when buying a mower.

Battery-powered mower brand quality

Quality is going to be super important here. Just about everyone is in the electric mower game these days and there are a ton of junky mowers out there. Avoid anything from a weird brand on Amazon that takes 9 years to ship. It is probably being 3D printed in a Laotian bathroom. Go for brands that have consistent quality and focus on the details, not just flashy colors.

Some brands I trust off the top of my head are: Greenworks, Milwaukee, Makita, Toro, EGO, and Kobalt. SOME Ryobi mowers, although myself and others have had some problems with reliability. Brand quality matters, but it’s also important to look at the specs on each.

Luckily, Greenworks is on this list so we are in good shape!

Metal where it matters: the deck 

Most electric mowers are plastic-y. Probably to reduce the weight of the mower so that the battery can get you further, but it feels cheap. Make sure to get metal where it matters – namely the deck. The deck is the part that covers the blades. Don’t get plastic here – a rock can rip through it.

Battery interoperability.

A ten dollar word used here, but really just make sure to buy a mower with a battery that is compatible with other electric tools. You’ll see a bunch of these brands that have battery lines that work with a ton of tools. Milwaukee, Makita, and Dewalt are all great options because you can use them for all lawn tools AND power tools – saving you a ton of money on extra batteries.

If you have more questions, check out our guide to electric lawn mowers, where we break this down into a lot more detail.

The Greenworks 80V series is a good one – including their awesome blower.

Self-propelled or not

Self-propelled mowers are lawn mowers that slowly crawl forward when mowing the lawn. They propel forward the mower, taking off a lot of the “pushing power” required by traditional push mowers.

Self-propelled mowers are ALWAYS more expensive because they have the additional power and functionality that makes life easier. They have their place, but because of the cost can often seem not totally worth it

Our Review: Greenworks 80V Mower

Does this get the TLR stamp of approval?

Reluctantly, I’m going to give this a yes. Like 55% approval rating. Barely making the cut (pun intended).

Though there are some downsides (battery not switching, not rolling backward, turbo cutting off), I think the pros outweigh the cons. The battery life is top notch, I couldn’t ask for better cut quality, the steel deck made it easy to handle, and the warranty is a great add-on to make my money stretch for at least 4 years. 

If you’re in the market for a mower this season, the Greenworks 80V Mower is a great choice and can be found on Amazon or at Costco.

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