Category: Lawn Tool Tips

Tips for taking care of and selecting lawn tools for your yard.

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The Best Places to Store Your Lawn Mower (2024)

store lawn mower

The best place to store your lawn mower is a garage or shed, but if you don’t have those you can get creative and still keep the mower safe.

I like to live dangerously.

You have to have a lawn mower to stay on top of your grass. But there just simply isn’t a good place for it. It won’t fit in your garage – can you leave it outside? Can you put it in a shed? Under a deck? INSIDE?!

Many people are so annoyed by trying to find a solid spot for their mower they just give up and hire a landscaper – losing thousands of dollars per year in the process.

But those of us that have been around a while know a few tricks. Thankfully, technology has changed, too. So let’s break down the best ways to store a lawn mower.

Jump ahead:

Lawn Mower Storage Ideas

Storing a lawn mower has several nuances. First, we need to examine the type of lawn and be realistic. If you have a massive zero-turn mower, this thing is going to need its own garage space or at the very least a well-protected carport. Many zero-turn mowers can be up to five feet across – and those are just the blades. You won’t find a good outdoor location for this and will want to keep it well protected from the elements. Most sheds won’t do either. Landscapers can get by with keeping them on the backs of trailers during the summer, but these need dedicated indoor space during the winter.

Not easy to store this lawn mower..

Lawn tractors have similar requirements, but can sometimes be stored between cars in a well-spaced out garage. Many folks with large yards also have a lot of garage space and can make use of it for stashing a 3 foot wide mower. 

Push mowers are the trickiest. With smaller yards come fewer places to store things. But let’s see what we can do. 

Best Place To Store A Lawn Mower

Hands down, the best place to store a lawn mower is in the garage. The garage offers a decently insulated, dry area for storage. While it’s a total luxury, it hands down will be the best way to keep your mower from rusting, fading, or exposing the plastic parts to extreme temperature volatility that would result in cracks.

Personally, I have mine in the garage in the back corner and pull my truck a few inches away from it each time. It is a tight squeeze, but I make it work to keep the mower protected. 

If you don’t have the space for a mower to take up a portion of your garage, think again. There are many mowers these days (battery-powered) that allow for you to fold the mower in half and have it in a much smaller space in your garage. 

The fact of the matter is that this will still take up at least 20-24 inches of width, with somewhere between 12-16 inches of length. 

If you don’t have the space, then let’s move outdoors.

Sheds are great storage spots for lawn mowers

If you don’t have a garage, your next best location to store a lawn mower is in a shed. If you have one already, great. If not, we can help out. Here’s what to look for in a shed for storing lawn mowers.

  • Well-insulated
    • You want your shed to be able to keep out most of the elements. While it won’t do much to protect against temperature, having one that is waterproof will really help prevent rusting. It’s also important to keep the shed close to your house, in a shaded location. This will allow it to stay somewhat protected from the elements and keep it relatively cool.
  • Secure
    • Get a shed for your lawn mower that locks! Lawn mowers can cost upwards of $1,000 – don’t invite thieves by keeping it wide open for the whole world.
  • Flush with the ground 
    • You will have a hard time getting your mower in and out of a shed if you have to lift it or somehow get it over a big lip in the entrance. I say this because you are pushing a machine with a blade. You don’t want the blade getting caught on ANYTHING. Get a shed that is flush to the ground  that allows you to easily wheel it in and out. 
  • Something with rack space
    • Don’t just get a lawn mower storage shed. Get a shed that you can use with a bunch of things. We recommend getting a storage rack for your other lawn tools to go with it.
now THIS is some premium shed space

So what’s the best shed for lawn mowers?

We found a lawn mower shed that has all the things you’re looking for. I did some annoyingly extensive research on sheds (you’d be surprised) and found one on Amazon that comes at a pretty great price point and has all the things I’ve mentioned.

The Rubbermaid Resin Weather Resistant Outdoor Storage Shed is pretty slick.

Actually looks kinda upscale.

It comes in a ton of configurations, but honestly the 5 ft by 2 ft version will work for basically all push mowers. I’d say 95% of push mowers are below 22 inches, so the 2 ft version can easily accommodate them without taking up too much space.

Here’s what we like about it:

  • Weather resistant
    • It’s in the name. Has a pretty dang durable outer surface that provides serious protection but is also thin enough to not be bulky. 
Thick but not bulky – nice!
  • Durable
    • Not just to weather, but looks really durable and will avoid scratches. The big bad wolf will likely not be able to blow this house down.
  • Well-designed
    • Just about perfectly flush with the ground allowing you to roll the mower right in. Is not an eyesore in the backyard, either, with a decent design. It also has a nice spot for a lock, so keep the thieves at bay.
  • Many functions
    • Has a lot of different attachments you can add into the inside for whatever you want stored.
Many things can be stored in here.

All-in-all, we think it is the best outdoor shed for lawn mowers. You can grab it on Amazon right now for a really good price – it looks like it stays on sale.

Best Place to Store Mower Outdoors

Okay – you don’t have a garage and a shed is out of the question right now – what do you do?

You still have options. Depending on where you live, you might be able to get away with outdoor storage as a temporary solution. 

If you have to store your lawn mower outdoors, consider these things:

  1. Try to keep it dry
    • Keep your lawn mower dry at all costs. Not only can you avoid rust, but also avoid water building up in places that it shouldn’t be. 
    • Tuck it close to your house, underneath your deck, on top of a patio, whatever – but make sure to keep it dry.
    • Additionally (or alternatively), throw a tarp over that sucker. Obviously it doesn’t have to be big, but something to keep it from getting directly drenched will help.
  2. Try to keep it shaded
    • Heat can do silly things to equipment – causing plastic parts to expand, the color to deteriorate, and overall wear down your mower. 
    • You can use the same methods of keeping it dry to keep it shaded.
  3. Keep it in a non-grassy area
    • Sounds counterintuitive since the mower is used to being in the grass, but giving the blades some breathing room can help keep the blades sharpened and also prevent rusting. 
    • Move it onto a gravel or mulch section where something is not making constant contact with the blades. 

Those are our tips. Good luck, Godspeed, and save up for a shed, please. Don’t have the money? Start mowing some lawns for money.

Alternative Storage Ideas for Lawn Mowers

Still looking? Seriously? 

Okay, we’ve got some outside of the box and new ways to store lawn mowers that don’t involve garages, sheds, or the great outdoors. 

We are talking about the great indoors.

Yep.

A lot of these electric mowers nowadays can fold in half like a dang lawn chair and weigh under 50 lbs. 

No, you may not want to store it inside all the time, but during the winter – definitely.

The Toro Lawn Mower stores upright like this and doesn’t have gas that can leak.

Here’s how:

  1. Give it a nice and complete spray down. Not only do you want to get rid of any bugs, but you want to get all the caked on grass completely off of the blades of the mower.
  2. Hand dry the blades quickly after to prevent rusting (be careful).
  3. Fold it in half.
  4. Bring it inside for the winter.

Did we just blow your mind?

You can check out our electric mower guide here for some recommendations.

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 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. 

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EGO Split Shaft vs Straight String Trimmer (Explained)

EGO string trimmers come in all shapes and sizes. And while each is their own special snowflake, you still have to take one home at the end of the day. So which will it be?

You have a ton of options in front of you, but now you have to pick between a split shaft and straight shaft string trimmer. 

So how do you pick? 

Let’s weigh out the pros and cons to both, keeping in mind you’ll need this trimmer for a specific purpose – and the audiences for both are way different.

Let’s get going!

EGO String Trimmers: An overview

EGO string trimmers are quickly becoming the go-to choice for both residential and commercial users. And it’s no wonder why… These devices are highly effective at removing unwanted growth, whether it’s weeds in your garden or overgrowth on your commercial property. But what really sets EGO string trimmers apart is their innovative design. Unlike traditional weed eaters, EGO string trimmers use a powerful battery that provides extended run time and consistent power.

As a result, you can get the job done faster and easier, without having to worry about running out of gas or dealing with messy oil changes. In addition, EGO string trimmers are backed by a 5-year limited warranty, so you can be confident that your investment will last. Whether you’re a professional landscaper or a weekend gardener, EGO string trimmers are the smart choice.

EGO String Trimmers: Split vs. Straight Shaft

Okay, let’s settle this. A lot of confusion around this. Some of you may have seen the EGO split shaft or you may have heard it called the EGO hinge shaft.

A nice looking split shaft. Is that good? Bad? Something else?

Either way, we need to get to the bottom of it.

EGO String Trimmer Shaft Differences

EGO string trimmers come in both carbon fiber and aluminum shafts.

When I think of carbon fiber products, I think of them as generally lighter. This is not the case, however. The aluminum shafts versions of these string trimmers are about 7 lbs. The carbon  fiber shafts range from 7.5 to 12 lbs.

The key difference in carbon fiber and aluminum is that the carbon fiber trimmer shafts are more geared towards commercial use. Why? Because commercial landscapers are throwing stuff in the truck and speeding to the next site. They want the durability that a carbon fiber shaft offers. 

A straight shaft! Typically used on commercial landscapers trucks.

What’s the difference between the split shaft and the straight shaft on the EGO trimmer?

The main difference is that the split shaft can fold in half before it is fully assembled, whereas the straight shaft comes in one, long piece.

In fact, the split shaft is never meant to be folded in half again after initial assembly. This is likely for storage or shipping reasons with certain retail stores.

Don’t let this impact whether or not to buy a straight vs split shaft string trimmer. Ultimately, they are both the same and offer no material difference in functionality. Sadly, this trips a lot of people up.

So it’s not a multi-tool power head?

Nope, EGO does offer a separate multi-tool power head, but the split shaft, or hinged shaft, is NOT that. 

The multi-head!

The EGO power head can be purchased separately and has the following attachments:

  • Extension
  • Edger
  • Hedge Trimmer
  • Pole Saw
  • String Trimmer
  • Cultivator
  • Bristle Brush
  • Rubber Broom


This is definitely convenient, especially if you consider purchasing a trimmer and blower combo kit.

The string trimmer attachment!

So what’s the best EGO string trimmer?

For residential use, I would probably grab the EGO Power+ 15” string trimmer with powerload.

This one has a really nice, wide cutting swath. I also like that it has a brushless motor, variable trigger speed, and powerload technology (basically helps you reload replacement trimmer lines really quickly.

Up close to the head.

It has a carbon shaft just like the commercial ones, which means it will last quite a while. 

And to break the stigma, this one actually has a split shaft. Shows you how much I am not concerned about that feature.

You can grab the EGO POWER+ 15” string trimmer on Amazon for a nice price!

If you already own the 56V battery, you can get the tool-only version for an insane price on Amazon as well.

The Best EGO Weed Eater String

We developed our own weed eater string using dozens of different strings with an EGO weed eater. It absolutely rocks and turned our EGO weed eater from good to great. Check it out below!

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. 

How we spend our Saturdays.

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 cordless 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.
  • Motor – brushless motors are king here. They are longer lasting and more durable. Brushless motors also produce more torque and less heat.
  • Batteries – Not as much a concern with the EGO products as they all run off of the 56V battery line.
  • 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.
Yikes! Curved shaft!

Otherwise, make sure to get a full kit if you don’t have any of the EGO batteries. If you do already have some 56V EGO batteries, grab the tool-only version to save a good chunk of change.

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Ultimate Electric Lawn Mower Buying Guide: 2024 Update

Electric lawn mowers are new to the residential lawn care scene and have a lot of buzz. I think electric mowers in many cases are the better option for homeowners than gas mowers – and I have used and tested DOZENS.

But they also cast a lot of doubt. No way they can be as strong as gas mowers? Or do as good of a job?

Well….let’s sort this out once and for all. Here is your definitive guide to purchasing an electric mower.

Why should you trust us? Well, we were quoted in the Washington Post for this exact topic.

Let’s get started:

What to look for in an electric lawn mower 

When looking to purchase an electric lawn mower, you need to make sure you understand what things matter. You will get hit with a lot of technical specifications and marketing tactics. Totally forget them and focus on the things that impact you. Below are my recommendations:

Best electric mower brands

Quality is going to be super important here. 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.

One of our favorites from Ryobi (yes, we took this picture)!

Here are some of my favorite brands:

  • Greenworks: Greenworks electric mowers have awesome quality. While they aren’t as popular as some of the other brands, they have some of the absolute highest quality and power of ANY lawn tool company – gas or electric. We compiled a list of the best Greenworks mowers for you.
  • Ryobi: Ryobi electric mowers are also great. While they tend to be “lighter duty”, they are often inexpensive and have batteries that can be used with over 1,000 other Ryobi tools – which is a huge win for storage and wall space. We put together the 7 best Ryobi mowers here.
  • EGO: Another relatively new entrant to the market, EGO has blown up. They are super popular at Lowe’s and thus super popular in half of your neighbors’ garages. We have a YouTube review of the EGO 56V mower that you can check out here.

Get a metal cutting deck on your electric mower

Most electric mowers are plastic-y. Probably to reduce the weight of the mower so that the battery can get you further, but it can also feel fragile.

We at The Lawn Review always recommend a metal deck when possible. Decks are the area that cover the blades where the engine sits. Having a metal deck allows for protection against flying rocks, sticks, and other things that could rip up your mower if they get caught under there.

Greenworks 80V has an awesome metal deck.

While we recommend a metal deck, this may not always be possible for those with smaller mowers. If you have a tiny yard and a small electric mower with a plastic deck, just be sure to clear out your yard before you get started.

Batteries are critical on electric mowers

 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. Ryobi has this, so does Dewalt, and so do some of the Greenworks products. This will save you garage clutter and plug space.

One thing I love about my Ryobi blower is that I can quickly pop off their 40V mower and put it on my trimmer and my edger. This saves me a lot of time and only takes up one plug on the wall.

Dealt has an extensive 20V line.

Worst case scenario: you have 4 different tools with 4 different batteries. Where do you charge them all? Where do you store them all? This requires some sort of stand and then an extension cord and a whole mess. Just simplify your life.

Stick with one brand and one battery type and move across the product line.

Check out our guide to commonly asked battery questions for mowers and other tools.

Self-propelled electric mowers use batteries faster

I used to be a major hater of the self-propelled function. But that was plainly ignorant.

While I still don’t personally love or have a need for a self-propelled mower, there are plenty of people that do. For example, elderly folks, those with arthritis, and those with hilly or slanted yards can majorly benefit from this.

With self-propelled mowers you just have to be aware of a few things.

  • You are going to drain battery at a faster rate. Think about it – the mower is doing the walking! Not you! So it is going to burn through some juice in the battery. If you can help it move along, you can add a few minutes on, but overall you will lose a good chunk (30-40%) of battery by having this feature going. Sadly, this may result in having to stop to charge the batteries. Yikes!
  • You will pay more for self-propelled mowers. Flat out. This feature adds $100-$150 to the cost of a mower. Self-propelled functionality creates a few more bells and whistles needed on the mower that tack on quite a bit of cost.

Frequently asked questions about electric lawn mowers

Had to include a section here for FAQs. I get a text from at least two people each day with one of these questions, so thought I would start compiling them for your benefit!

Are electric mowers powerful enough?

For the majority of homeowners, absolutely yes.

If you are a commercial mower or you have 2+ acres, I would probably stick with gas – for now. Electric mower technology is accelerating rapidly and some of the big dogs are coming out with some insane new battery-powered zero-turn mowers.

How long will an electric mower last?

Electric mowers should last 5-7 years – just as long as gas-powered mowers but with less maintenance.

What is a brushless electric lawn mower?

A brushless motor on an electric mower uses magnets instead of friction to power the motor. This technology makes for a quieter, cooler, more durable motor.

This one is brushless!

Are brushless lawn mowers better?

Yes, they are much better technology that greatly extends the life of your motor.

How big of an electric lawn mower do I need?

The size of the electric mower should be fit to your yard. For most yards under 1/4 acre, under 20 inches is fine. For 1/4 – 1 acre – consider a 22 inch or wider mower.

Is it worth getting a battery-powered lawn mower?

This is a loaded question, but I’ll do my best. If you are the type of person who loves getting their hands dirty and doing oil changes, filter changes, spark plug replacements, and all that (and trust me there are plenty of you!), then you may want to stick with a gas push mower.

If you like a nice-looking yard, but would rather move on to the next project, then an electric mower is perfect for you. Quiet, easy to maintain, no hassle, and no emissions. Plus – almost always easier to store.

Do electric lawn mowers need oil?

Nope!

Are electric mowers powerful?

Yep! Most electric push mowers are equally as powerful as their gas counterparts.

Another one of our favorite from EGO.

Which is better – gas or electric lawn mower?

My common rule of thumb for the average consumer: electric is better for smaller yards and gas is better for bigger yards.

My reasoning for this is mostly related to charge times related to electric mowers. You may have to stop and charge batteries multiple times with an electric mower, but not for a gas mower.

Are electric mowers lighter than gas mowers?

Yep! Basically no exceptions here.

How long does a battery last on a battery powered mower?

You can expect most batteries to last 45 minutes to an hour. Some features may decrease battery life, like self-propelled functions.

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 testing to extreme measures.

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.

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Ultimate Lawn Tool Battery Guide (+ My Favorite)

We get so many questions about battery powered lawn tools, but most are all about one thing: the battery. 

The different lawn tool brands that make battery powered equipment are growing every day – but the questions about their batteries continue to grow with them.

Today, we’ve put together a guide of frequently asked questions to serve as a resource for anyone interested.

Ryobi Battery Guide: Common Ryobi Battery questions

As a Ryobi fan, I get a ton of questions about their batteries. Here are some of the best reviews we have done of Ryobi products.

How long does the Ryobi 40V battery last?

The Ryobi 40V battery life is dependent on a few things but will be most dependent on the type of tool. Battery life is going to get run down by the power output required of the tool. A lawn mower is likely going to eat through more battery than a cordless drill. So here is a quick guide

  1. Ryobi 40V mower run time: 45 minutes
  2. Ryobi 40V blower run time: 60 minutes
  3. Ryobi 40V trimmer run time: 90 minutes

These will vary greatly – for example if you have a particularly thick mowing job, this number could drop from 45 to 30 minutes. Likewise, if you are using self-propelled features you may see a similar drop.

How to remove the Ryobi 40V battery from the blower?

Easy! Simply press down on the gray tab, grab the top of the battery, and slide out. I have a GIF below that shows how you put it in. 

See how I slide it in there?

Remember to hold down the gray tab the entire time you are removing it and you should have no problem sliding it out.

Check out our Ryobi 40V blower post here.

How long does it take to charge a Ryobi 40V battery?

I’ve experienced Ryobi 40V battery recharge times varying from a little over an hour up to 3 hours. While the battery life is displayed in ¼ increments, it’s hard to tell if you have one left whether you are at 1% or 30% battery remaining. 

The 40V 4Ah Ryobi battery.

Do Ryobi batteries fit Greenworks tools? Are Ryobi and Greenworks batteries interchangeable?

C’mon now – you didn’t think these corporations would make it this easy! No! They are not. You would have to either buy a battery for the other tool, or if you already have a battery, buy the tool-only version (which comes without a battery).

Are all Ryobi 18V batteries the same?

If they are a part of Ryobi’s 18V One + (which I think they all are), then the battery will fit in all tools that use that battery. Part of the wonderful design of this series of batteries.

Can you leave Ryobi 18V or Ryobi 40V batteries on the charger?

This is not recommended as it can shorten the span on your battery life. Without getting too technical, I would say take it off the charger once it is fully charged. 

Check out our guide here that compares Ryobi 40V and Ryobi 18V trimmers.

EGO Battery Guide: Common EGO battery questions

EGO makes some really cool lawn tools and has been exploding! Check out some of our EGO battery powered lawn tool posts here.

Are all EGO 56V batteries interchangeable?

Yes, all EGO 56V batteries work across all of their 56V tools. This is a huge benefit to EGO products. You may see different Ah (amp-hours), all with the same 56V. Each one of these 56V batteries will work across all tools.

The battery has a nice indicator light!

Can EGO 56V batteries stay on the charger?

Generally with Lithium-Ion batteries, leaving them on the charger is not recommended. While it will not cause them to explode, it could result in reduced battery life to leave the batteries on the charger well past when they have reached their full charge.

How long does the EGO 56V battery last?

This totally depends on the number of Amp-hours of the battery. Higher Amp-hours means longer run time. Similarly, the more exhaustive and power-dependent the tool, the less time it will run. For example, a mower will require more power to operate than a string trimmer.

Do all EGO products use the same battery?

They are all compatible with 56V batteries and can technically all take the same battery, however EGO makes levels of Amp-hours with their batteries.

Nice looking battery TBH.

How long does it take to charge EGO 56V battery?

EGO put together a great guide below, but with a standard charger, it looks like this:

  • 2.5 Ah EGO battery takes 50 minutes to charge
  • 5 Ah EGO battery takes 100 minutes to charge
  • 7.5 EGO battery Ah takes 145 minutes to charge
  • 10.0 EGO battery Ah takes 190 minutes to charge
Better than I could do!

Are Greenworks and EGO batteries interchangeable?

Sadly, no – they use different voltages.

Greenworks Battery Guide: Common Greenworks battery questions

Greenworks makes awesome tools. Check out some of our favorite Greenworks posts here.

Are Greenworks 60V and 80V batteries interchangeable?

Greenworks battery!

Unfortunately, no – these are not interchangeable.

How long does Greenworks 60V battery last?

Depending on the project and tool, you can expect this battery to last for 40-45 minutes.

How long does it take to charge Greenworks 60V battery?

The charging time for a Greenwork 60V battery is about one hour – making it top of class for a standard charger.

Are Greenworks 80V batteries interchangeable?

Yes! Greenworks 80V batteries are interchangeable with other Greenworks 80V compatible tools.

Nice battery!

Are Greenworks and Kobalt 80V batteries interchangeable?

No! Sadly, they have different fits for each brand and do not work together in this way.

Kobalt 80V battery slips right in here.

Dewalt Battery Guide: Common Dewalt battery questions

Let’s kick off the Dewalt Battery FAQ! Check out some of our Dewalt posts here.

How long do Dewalt 20V batteries last?

This varies wildly by the type of job, but for a power drill can last several days whereas a Dewalt leaf blower can last about 45 minutes.

Where you would slide the battery for their blower.

Are Dewalt 20V batteries interchangeable?

Yes, all Dewalt 20V batteries work with all Dewalt 20V products.

Are Dewalt 20V and 20V MAX batteries interchangeable?

While it seems confusing, the answer is yes. The MAX notates a more efficient battery system, meaning you will get more juice for the squeeze.

Is it okay to leave a Dewalt 20V battery on the charger?

Actually, yes. Dewalt chargers have a “maintenance mode” that allows them to remain on the charger until you’re ready to get to work. 

Summary of findings

While all of these innovators in the battery-powered lawn tool space, rest assured that most batteries are the same. While voltage and Amp-hours can be confusing, a general rule of thumb is that most last for about 45 minutes for lawn tools. 

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 go to extreme lengths.

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.

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Mulch Sale at Home Depot: 2024 Sale Dates (5 for $10)

The Mulch sale at Home Depot is the best time of year to go pick up some bagged mulch. They have massive racks of mulch all over the place in their garden facility, plus an entire parking lot out front with pallets full of mulch. 

When is Home Depot’s Mulch Sale in 2024? 5 for $10?

The Vigoro Mulch Sale usually happens on Easter Sunday weekend. I think we will get another sale on or around Easter from Home Depot in 2024, which is March 31st, 2024. This is one of the best times to grab Mulch – the Spring.

My favorite thing to do is place an online order for pick-up, then avoid having to go in and pay. Way easier that way.

There is also an EarthGro mulch sale that happens around the first of May every year – wait for 5/1/2024 for this mulch sale at Home Depot.

What about the 4th of July Mulch Sale at Home Depot?

There will likely be a Home Depot Mulch Sale on July 4th and again on Labor Day in 2024.

The July 4th Mulch Sale at Home Depot is for Vigoro Mulch and is $.60 off per bag, leaving them at about $2.98 per bag.

The Mulch Sale at Home Depot varies, but often has 5 bags of mulch for $10. 

Interested in Lowe’s mulch sale? Check out our Lowe’s mulch guide.

Which Mulch to buy at Home Depot

Why so many different types of mulch?

Which one should I get?

All that and more is explained below.

Mulch 101: Know before you Depot, Home Depot

In its most basic form, mulch is just anything you spread over the top of soil. It can be organic or synthetic matter, both can serve the same and different purposes. Some of the main reasons for applying is to spruce up the landscape, retain soil moisture, maintain and improve soil health and reduce weeds. There’s not much better than a freshly mulched landscape in my opinion. 

As mentioned earlier it can be organic or synthetic, though most people tend to go the organic route. Organic material usually comes in the form of shredded hardwood of some sort along with some manure, compost blend, and grass clippings. Inorganic can be rubber, plastic or some other weird thing the scientists have come up with this year. 

If you’re looking for a great guide for how to lay down mulch, check out this article.

For the purposes of this article, I’m not going to go over every possible mulch composition but will stick to the heavy hitters found at most Home Depot’s around the country.

Home Depot Mulch Buying Guide

Home Depot really only has a few specific brands of Mulch. Vigoro and EarthGro are darn near universal at Home Depot, so I will start with those, but my store carries Garden Logic so I will cover that, too. 

Vigoro Mulch reputation

Vigoro mulch is a do-it-all mulch that does its job. Basically, Vigoro comes in all different colors and even has a rubber form.

But let’s start with their shredded mulch. Most of you are here because you are buying a shredded mulch because that’s what normal people do.

Shredded mulch that comes in a bag is inexpensive and primarily serves to cover soil and prevent weed growth. 

When it comes to picking a color, do what matches your home the best. 

EarthGro Mulch reputation

EarthGro is a Scotts product, which means they mean business in the lawn care game.

I personally use EarthGro’s brown shredded mulch for my backyard and the black shredded mulch for my front yard (because I like to party). 

I chose EarthGro because I trust Scotts quality, the mulch is local (they pull it from in-state mulch providers), and because it was almost the same price as Vigoro. 

Check out our Scotts Turf Builder review here.

Garden Logic mulch reputation

Garden Logic is a newer brand of mulch that I haven’t seen at Home Depot until now. They have different mulch blends depending on the type of wood. 

They don’t seem to offer colored mulch at my Home Depot, but they do have all natural materials and you can select the type of mulch you want by the tree. 

If you are a gardening nerd, this is probably something you love.

I am a cheapo who just wants it to look okay, so I go with EarthGro :).

Vigoro 2 cu. Ft. Bagger Premium Brown, Black, and Red Wood Mulch at Home Depot

Vigoro mulch describes themselves as a 100% premium wood mulch. A benefit to this mulch is that it comes with a 12-month color guarantee, so you can rest assured that your lawn will continue to have its curb appeal for a year.

You can get this mulch in red, black or brown.

One benefit to Vigoro mulch is that it comes in 2 cu. Ft bags, making it the larger of the two between Vigoro and EarthGro.

Vigoro Premium Red Mulch

I typically see red mulch in commercial properties like outside of restaurants, shopping centers, parks, or alongside roads. For this reason, I don’t like to use red at my house.

For some people, red makes a lot of sense.

Not my cup of tea.

Vigoro Premium Black Mulch

I like black mulch because it ties the front of a house together very well. It generally more closely matches the soil, and can add a contrast to any garden bed. For me, this makes our shrubbery and flowers at the front of our house and by our mailbox pop. 

Gets the job done.

Vigoro Premium Brown Mulch

Brown mulch is also great for houses that have non-brick color. For example, a light blue or white wood-paneled house can look really good with brown mulch. 

I use brown mulch in my backyard because it fits in well with our deck coloring.

A bag that makes you wanna slap it.

Vigoro premium mulch cost

At its base price, Vigoro mulch is about $3.67 per bag, or $1.33 per cubic foot. 

Mulch does go on sale at Home Depot during a certain time of year, which I will get to later.

EarthGro Brown, Black and Red mulch at Home Depot

Again, I use Earthgro at home because they are locally made, albeit a little bit more expensive than Vigoro.

One thing I like about Earthgro and their black and brown mulch is that they don’t have any construction debris, the bags never seem to break, and they also come with a 12-month color advantage. 

Earthgro Brown Mulch

Earthgro’s brown mulch is definitely a deep shade of brown. The shredded mulch offering they have fits in well to my backyard, as about a third of our backyard is just mulch. 

Since I have a brownish-reddish deck color, the brown compliments the color. The black mulch would contrast too sharply. 

I buy between 30-40 of these bags each year to spread in my backyard and it always seems to do well despite my crazy dog’s efforts to trample around in it. 

What we use in our backyard.

Earthgro black mulch

The black mulch works great in my front yard because we have a lighter colored brick house. We also have a rolled brick walkway that leads to our front door. Because of this brick combination, I wanted a mulch that would contrast deeply with the lighter pink color of the brick.

Black mulch does a great job of contrasting our bushes and flowers with the rest of the house, making them stand out to passers by. 

We re-mulch our front yard every 18 months or so with Earthgro, so I think their 12 month color advantage can take you further than you imagine. 

Classic contrastic mulch.

EarthGro red mulch

I don’t have much experience with Earthgro’s red mulch, namely because I try to avoid red mulch in residential properties. 

A lot of folks use red mulch around their home and love it. I am just not one of those people and don’t live in one of those climates. 

Red is great for commercial spaces.

Earthgro mulch cost at Home Depot

Earthgro bags cost the same as Vigoro bags, at about $3.67 per bag. Earthgro does only come in a 1.5ft bag, so the price per cubic foot goes up to $2.44 per cubic foot. 

Vigoro Bagged Recycled Rubber Mulch

Vigoro also offers recycled rubber mulch in two colors: brown and red.

Now I know what you’re thinking, rubber mulch? But it does have its benefits.

Rubber mulch has the same weed-preventing benefits as regular shredded mulch, but it does not attract any bugs like ants or termites. 

Unlike traditional wooden products, Vigoro rubber mulch does not decay and can actually reduce the risk of allergies as well.

Rubber mulch goes great in places like playgrounds, swingsets, or other outdoor play places for kids, too. 

My favorite part, you don’t have to mulch annually. 

Rubber mulch comes in smaller bag, is much more expensive, but only requires one initial upfront investment to cover you for 12 years.

Vigoro rubber mulch cost at Home Depot

Vigoro rubber mulch comes in 0.8 cubic ft bags, costing $6.97 per bag. This comes to just over $8.71 per bag. Wow. It seems like a big investment, but you actually can save money over the course of a few years by not having to replace mulch annually.

Not bad!

Garden Logic and Gardener’s Pride Mulch at Home Depot

Garden Logic and Gardener’s Pride appear to be the same brand, but I have never seen them before so its hard to say. 

They have the same design on the package, but different names depending on the type of mulch.

Nevertheless, they have some good stuff – and it’s cheap!

Let’s review.

Garden Logic Pine Bark mini nuggets

Garden Logic’s Pine Bark mini nuggets are great for smaller areas, like a little garden bed. They tend to be lighter and more airy. These also work well for indoor plants and outdoor potted plants. 

Because they are light and airy, they don’t do as great of a job with weed control or locking in moisture, but tend to rot much less.

These are very aesthetically pleasing, but in larger beds can wash out pretty quickly because of their size.

2 cubic foot bags of these are selling for about $3.47 or $1.75 per foot.

Great for small spaces.

Garden Logic or Gardener’s Pride Hardwood Mulch

The Garden Logic Hardwood mulch is a typical shredded mulch blend, identical to what you would find in a Vigoro or EarthGro bag of mulch.

This is your standard bag of mulch that contains a mixture of wood and usually some sort of dye to give it a rich, brown color. 

This will spread easily and is great for larger yards or garden beds. 

At $3.67 per 2 cubic foot bag, it is pound-for-pound identical to Vigoro mulch. 

Standard classic.

Garden Logic or Gardener’s Pride Cypress Mulch Blend

Cypress blends are interesting to me because I don’t see them around where I live. But they do have a lot of benefits, namely their natural tendencies.

Cypress blends are pure shredded cypress wood and typically come without any coloring added. They can appear bland in some contexts.

If you’ve ever gone through a nature trail or any outdoor path, these are typically covered in this type of mulch. It is much cheaper and gets the job done, though without the deep coloring. 

At $2.97 per 2 cubic foot bag, these will only cost about $1.49 per cubic foot – making them one of the most affordable mulches on the market. 

All natural.

How much mulch do I need?

Check out this mulch calculator for more info.

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Best Wheelbarrows at Lowe’s: Our Buying Guide (2024)

Lowe’s is a great destination for all things yard tools. But before you get excited with your new lawn haul from Lowe’s, make sure you have a way to move it when you get home.

Arial view of me using one of these wheelbarrows.

Namely, a wheelbarrow. You absolutely need one for your backyard if you are moving rocks, dirt, grass clippings, or really anything. 

Before you go grab the cheapest one off the rack, make sure you know what to look for in a wheelbarrow from Lowe’s.

Wheelbarrows for sale at Lowe’s: Which is best? 

Lowe’s wheelbarrows are about what you would expect. They have a pretty wide variety, including a few brands that you can only get at Lowe’s, like Kobalt. 

Let’s check out the huge selection you have to pick from, one-by-one. 

True Temper Wheelbarrows from Lowe’s

True Temper provides some of the highest-quality, top of the line wheelbarrows at Lowe’s. Let’s check them out. 

True Temper 8-cubic feet Poly Wheelbarrow with Dual wheels

The True Temper 8 cubic feet poly wheelbarrow with dual wheels is a big boy. One of the largest wheelbarrows available at Lowe’s, this thing can haul.

One downside of massive wheelbarrows is that when they are full, boy are they heavy.

To help offset that load, this wheelbarrow has 14.5 in pneumatic tires. Pneumatic is just a fancy way of saying they have air in them. 

This is one of the most expensive wheelbarrows at Lowe’s, but for good reason. It is going to help you get your job done the quickest.

Two wheels, full hearts, can’t lose.

True Temper 6-cu ft Wheelbarrow Flat-free tires

The True Temper 6 cu ft wheelbarrow with flat-free tires is pretty sweet. Although smaller than the 8 cubic feet wheelbarrow, it has a few premium bells and whistles that make it sweet. 

I like the comfort grips on this True Temper wheelbarrow. The typical wooden handles can get your hands pretty raw after a few uses.

I also like the flat-free tires on this, which are usually made of solid rubber. There is nothing worse than getting a dang flat tire on your wheelbarrow, essentially making it useless.

This is my favorite True Temper wheelbarrow, although I do wish it had a second set of wheels. The dream wheelbarrow from this group would be one with two flat-free tires and comfort grips. A hybrid of these first two.

Basic, with modern upgrades.

True Temper 6-cu ft Steel Wheelbarrow

The steel 6 cu ft wheelbarrow from True Temper is by far the most basic wheelbarrow offered, but also the most inexpensive. 

While simple in design, this is the classic wheelbarrow. Functionally, it operates exactly like the more expensive wheelbarrows, but without any of the features.

If you are a new homeowner or someone looking just for a run-of-the-mill wheelbarrow, this is your best bet. 

You can get the quality of True Temper with the affordability of a drink in New York City. Yep, this is for sale for about $50. 

The classic red wheelbarrow.

Craftsman Wheelbarrows at Lowe’s

Craftsman, also known as CRAFTSMAN, is a big name in all outdoor equipment, so it is sort of a no brainer that they have wheelbarrows.

Craftsman offers a steel wheelbarrow as well as a Poly wheelbarrow, which is basically a super hard plastic. 

Craftsman 6 cubic ft steel tray wheelbarrow

The Craftsman Steel wheelbarrow offers six cubic feet of capacity for heavy materials. It has a single air-filled (pneumatic) tire along with steel handles. This is definitely one of the more basic types of wheelbarrows.

While it looks similar to the basic True Temper steel wheelbarrow above, it does come with some additional features. The first of which are steel handles instead of wood, allowing for slightly easier handling and maneuvering.

It also has some metal rods that come down from underneath the steel tray, providing a bit more reinforcement.

Basic wheelbarrow

Craftsman 6 cubic feet wheelbarrow (poly)

This Craftsman wheelbarrow is definitely a modern upgrade, and at only a slightly higher price point than  the steel wheelbarrow.

The Poly Tray is lighter weight, allowing for more of your effort to go towards moving materials, not moving a big steel tray.

Another huge plus in this Craftsman wheelbarrow is that it has two wheels in the front, meaning side-tipping is extremely difficult. 

This wheelbarrow is a big upgrade and I definitely recommend it over the simpler steel version.

The two wheels make this bad boy sturdy.

Kobalt Wheelbarrows at Lowe’s

Kobalt is one of those in-house brands that you can really only find at Lowe’s. They definitely have some great equipment, but again – they can only be found at Lowe’s. 

Let’s check out some of their wheelbarrows, which are surprisingly affordable.

Kobalt 7 cubic feet steel wheelbarrow with flat-free tire

Remember the big fat-free phase? Well Kobalt has reinstated that with its new flat-free tires. Wow, time is a flat circle.

Anyways, the seven cubic feet wheelbarrow is their “best seller”, with two flat-free tires in the front that will not ever run out of air and will keep your wheelbarrow perfectly balanced. It does have a steel tray, meaning it will be slightly more expensive than some of the poly competitors in the market.

Love the tires.

Kobalt 6 cubic feet steel wheelbarrow with flat-free tire

A simpler version of the 7 ft version, the 6 cubic feet steel wheelbarrow is slightly smaller and comes with a single flat-free tire.

A single tire is not the end of the world, but does require a bit more focus when using. To avoid any tippage, you have to make sure not to overload the steel tray.

Sadly, steel trays are pretty heavy and limiting for how much you can load in there without tipping. I definitely recommend the two wheeled version to keep yourself upright.

Modern spin on a classic.

Marathon 5-cubic ft Poly Wheelbarrow

The Marathon 5-cubic ft Poly Wheelbarrow is way underrated. Maybe one of the highest value wheelbarrows out there, it often is overlooked because, well, it looks like it was made for Grandmas.

But Grandmas are smart! This is a 5 cubic ft wheelbarrow,making it one of the smallest offered at Lowe’s. But it comes with two air-filled tires that help balance the maximum load of 300lbs.

One thing I love about the Marathon wheelbarrow is that it has a single handlebar across the front, making carrying and maneuvering way easier than those crazy wooden grips. It is definitely the most ergonomic wheelbarrow we have reviewed on here so far. 

Grandma = a good thing.

Nature Spring 5 cu-ft wheelbarrow

The Nature Spring 5 cubic ft wheelbarrow is…well…it looks familiar. Basically it is identical in almost every way to the Grandma wheelbarrow above.

The only noticeable difference is that it has a foam handle wrap around the handlebar.

Otherwise, it is about twice the price. Yikes. If this is a must-have, then go for it. Otherwise, go with the Grandma one (Marathon) above.

Expensive Grandma = less good.

Folding wheelbarrows at Lowe’s

There are a few unique wheelbarrows at Lowe’s that can fold or be easily compressed for storage purposes. Let’s break them down.

Bosmere 3.25 cubic feet Folding Poly Wheelbarrow

This wheelbarrow is definitely different. While likely the least sturdy and most likely to fall and anger you deeply, it is also the lightest. This wheelbarrow is built for light work.

The Bosmere folding wheelbarrow can fold in half and be easily stored. It also has some cool features not found on other wheelbarrows, namely some storage pouches on the back for small tools and other items. 

While I wouldn’t trust this with anything except for leaves and grass, it can definitely come in handy if you aren’t moving big heavy stones.

Watch out for strong breezes!

Creative Outdoor Folding Garden Wheelbarrow

The Creative Outdoor Folding wheelbarrow can easily lay flat on the ground with lightweight material. The big plus of having a wheelbarrow like this is that it is easy to rake or sweep items into for quick disposal.

Picture the dust bin of all dust bins, ready to take in a huge pile of whatever and be easily picked up and rolled into another pile. 

These have a nice canvas material that make them durable for all terrain. Another plus is the ease of storage.

Got some good features here!

Allsop 6 cubic feet Steel Wheelbarrow

Not sure why this is called a steel wheelbarrow since the only steel on it is the handle. But this wheelbarrow is another folding wheelbarrow similar to the one above (except about twice the price). 

It does not seem functionally different in really any way. If you are looking for a folding one that lays flat, go with the one above (in my opinion). 

Same-same, but not different.

Best Wheelbarrow at Lowe’s

So this is a tough question. There are a lot of things to like about each wheelbarrow, but if we had to pick one, it would be the Kobalt 6 cubic feet steel wheelbarrow with two flat-free tires.

This has everything we appreciate in a wheelbarrow – a large tray, steel handles and support (not wood), two tires, and tires that are never going to be flat. 

Check it out at your local Lowe’s!

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 have a lot of experience 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. 

We also wrote a comprehensive review of Mulch at Lowe’s as well.

My experience with wheelbarrows

If you are anything like me, you grew up with a simple metal wheelbarrow with a halfway inflated front tire that flipped onto its side every time you went to pick it up.

And then later on you evolved to one of those big plastic wheelbarrows with two legs. Which seems great, but when you try to move it you can only waddle like a penguin or scrape your achilles tendon into oblivion.

If you cannot tell, I have had a hate-hate relationship with wheelbarrows my entire life. Until now.

What to look for in a wheelbarrow

When purchasing a wheelbarrow or yard cart, I try to look for things that don’t hurt me. Let me explain:

  • Load reducing features: Anything that will use leverage to make the load feel lighter and not destroy my hands and back.
  • Multiple functions: Because if you are going to take up space in the garage, you darn well better do more than just haul dirt.
  • Tires that don’t go flat: These are super important for steering, supporting weight, and providing a safe experience.
  • Sturdy: One rule here – don’t fall over.

Guys its a wheelbarrow – this shouldn’t be hard. Do not hurt the operator and you are in the top decile of wheelbarrows on the market.

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4 Best Lawn Mowers for Under $200: 2024 Update

Cheap lawn mowers are the staple for every new homeowner that doesn’t really care about their lawn, but needs to keep it short. Luckily, you don’t have to drop $600 for a crazy nice mower.

Mowers are relatively simple machines – they require blades that can spin and cut the grass. Heck – they don’t even need gas or batteries, some of them can just be powered by elbow grease. Before you break the bank trying to keep up with your neighbors (their grass is always greener), check out our list of mowers for under $200.

**Spoiler: we recommend the Sun Joe MJ401RE corded electric mower that can be found for mega sale here.**

Best lawn mowers for under $200

Remember those old push mowers with the spinning blades? Can you imagine using those? If you can’t, then you should try harder because this is your price range. You may spend a tad more and get one that plugs in.

Me buying a mower on Amazon.

American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14

If you ever got bored at your grandparents’ house and went surfing through their shed, you may have dusted off a manual reel mower. Yes, these used to be the dominant residential mowers back in the 40s and 50s, but times have changed – for some people.

The American Lawn Mower Company makes the classic reel mower still – and it is actually pretty popular. It has over 9k reviews on Amazon and comes in well below our $100 price point. 

When you think of inexpensive lawn mowers, you are thinking of a reel mower, of which we will review a few of today.

Check out the positives and negative of the American Lawn Mower Company 1204:

Positives:

  • Quiet
  • Inexpensive
  • Adjustable height
  • Foam handles

Negatives:

  • Slightly smaller frame
  • Things can get stuck in the reel (true of any reel mower)

It is super popular on Amazon for a reason (I suspect nostalgia) and on sale for those interested.

The nostalgic, childhood favorite.

Sun Joe MJ500M

One of my personal favorites in this space is the Sun Joe MJ500M 16-inch manual reel mower.

Here are a few positives and negatives of the Sun Joe MJ500M

Positives:

  • Reputable brand
  • Removable grass catching bag
  • Adjustable cutting height
  • Price (can find super cheap used ones)
  • Decent width
  • Environmentally friendly

Negatives:

  • Plastic wheels
  • Wobbly handles

The good thing is that this is 100% emissions free :). And it has no battery or anything that can clutter up your garage. 

If you’re looking to save a quick buck and aren’t afraid to use a little bit of muscle, check it out for a super low price on Amazon – Sun Joe MJ500M.

Greenworks RM1400 Reel Lawn Mower

The next best (in my opinion) manual mower is the Greenworks 14-inch Reel Lawn Mower RM1400. This is almost identical to the Sun Joe MJ500M listed above, but is slightly more narrow. A more narrow blade width simply means you will have to do more passes in your yard. 

Some things I like about the Greenworks RM1400:

Positives:

  • Great company
  • Removable grass catching bag
  • Adjustable cutting height
  • Environmentally friendly

Negatives:

  • Plastic wheels
  • Not super sturdy handles
  • Narrower
  • Slightly more expensive than Sun Joe

Greenworks is a great brand and very well-trusted in this space. If you want to boogie outdoors and use this mower, you can find it on Amazon for a great price.

Give your child the gift of upgraded nostalgia.

Sun Joe MJ401E-RM

One thing I love about Amazon is that it has a renewed/refurbished store. If you are one of those who returns about 50% of your purchases to Amazon and wonder, “what happens to it?”, then here is your answer. It gets cleaned up and sold for a discount. 

That’s what is happening here with the MJ401E-RM. It is usually a little over our price point of $100, but can be purchased on the cheap if it is refurbished.

Although it has the appearance of a large tortoise, this is a nice electric mower that will be able to tackle a decent-sized job. Sun Joe is a great brand and this is a wonderful all-around mower. 

Things to love about the Sun Joe MJ401E-RM

Positives:

  • Easier to push than a manual mower
  • Comes with a nice little bag
  • Lightweight, easy storage
  • No gas fumes
  • Easy to start

Negatives:

  • Corded, so requires an extension cord
  • Plastic decking which is less durable

This is honestly a great, great deal and can be found on Amazon for super cheap right now.

Looks like a turtle but totally rocks.

Summary: Super cheap lawn mowers are still around

Well, there you have it folks. These are going to be the best bang for your buck and some of your only options if you are looking to save a buck. You can do a great job with any of these mowers, but if I had to pick one – I would probably go with the Sun Joe electric mower. The price point is just too good considering it isn’t a manual reel mower. 

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. 

How we test our 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.

Expectation setting

Before we start envisioning a crisp, cool afternoon while crafting a beautiful lawn, let’s check in with reality. When you buy an inexpensive mower, you are paying for the pieces, not the power. You are the power! So cross off self-propelled, riding mowers, or zero-turn mowers from your list. These mowers are going to be the dial-up of the lawn care world. 

The proper attire for mowing the lawn.

You are going to get a cheap piece of lawn equipment – and that is fine! You aren’t paying for a lot! But before you open up the wallet for just anyone, let’s find the one that is right for your needs.

Interested in what other tools cost? Check out our cost guide.

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7 Best Blowers for California’s Zero Emission Policy

If you have not heard the news, California is banning all gas-powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers starting in 2024.

Whether or not you agree with this ban is not important, but making sure you have the “approved” tools is. 

These will be phased out slowly over time, but our inclination is that this will never get overturned for as long as California votes blue.

About the Gas-powered blower ban in California

Now that Governor Newson has solved global warming, you are going to have to retire or sell your gas-powered blower. Sadly, gas powered blowers are generally the most powerful and efficient tools for blowing leaves, grass clippings, and more. 

Let’s start with a reality check: gas blowers can simply not be replaced. From a power perspective, many electric blowers can come close. Unfortunately, they will not have nearly the durability or run-time that is afforded by gas powered blowers. 

With gas-powered blowers, anyone can simply refuel the gasoline and continue on with their job for hours. Battery replacements are going to continually slow down people with larger yards. The hardest hit will be commercial landscapers who are going to have to protect their equipment and set up some sort of mass-battery charging station. They will likely burn through batteries pretty quickly, especially when managing places like golf courses.

Electric and battery powered alternatives

For many residential homeowners, the gas ban will likely not be of impact. For neighborhoods with small lots, it may actually be quite the benefit. Gas blowers are loud and do emit some level of air pollution. 

Most residential homeowners in California today have smaller leaf blowers that are either corded or cordless (with a battery). These are great for small jobs around the house, but for realllllly moving leaves and grass clippings over larger areas, you are going to need the power afforded by a gas powered blower.

Have hope – there are some electric and battery powered blowers that can give you hope. And to be frank – they are going to continue to improve and innovate in this space to hopefully replace the gas powered blowers we have come to know and love. 

Let’s review some of the best blowers for Californians!

The 7 best blowers for Californians

Before we dive into the definitive list of the 7 best blowers for Californians, let’s review some quick definitions:

  • Brushless – a type of engine that does not rely on friction for generating power. This engine type uses magnets for a longer lasting, more efficient power generation. 
  • CFM – 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.

Okay – I think we can get started now.

7. Toro 120MPH 605CFM 60V max brushless blower

The Toro 120MPH 605CFM 60V Max brushless blower is a great blower for most residential properties. As I mentioned earlier, this blower has a high CFM but relatively low MPH. So let’s dissect why this is happening. 

The Toro 120MPH 605CFM blower has high air output, but lower MPH. This is due to a wide nozzle that pushes a wide area of air at a lower speed. These types of blowers are great for people moving lighter objects (dry leaves, dry grass clippings) across a large area. For those with large backyards, this is a great tool for getting all of the leaves from one side of the yard to another without too much difficulty. 

Decent!

While I can’t find this specific blower in stores in California, you can check out a super similar one on Amazon.

6. Dewalt 125 mph 600CFM Flexvolt blower

The Dewalt 125 MPH 600 CFM Flexvolt blower is very similar to the Toro 120MPH 605CFM blower. While they are almost identical in power and function, we chose the Dewalt product over the Toro product because the Flexvolt battery pack is more versatile.

Dewalt’s Flexvolt battery system can fit a number of other battery-powered lawn tools to help declutter your garage and consolidate batteries. Similar in function to the Toro blower, this one has a wide nozzle that will blow large streams of air at a moderate-to-low speed, best suited for larger yards.

The FlexVolt blower is for sale on Amazon and while pricy, is pretty slick. You can check out our favorite Dewalt blowers here.

To read more about our review of this blower, check out our full review of Dewalt Blowers.

5. Dewalt 125MPH 450 CFM 20V MAX brushless blower

Okay – getting a little repetitive here, but the 125mph 450CFM blower is sort of like the other Dewalt and Toro blowers, this one has the same air speed, but lower air power output. 

I like the Dewalt 125mph CFM 20V MAX brushless blower for a few reasons. The first reason is that this engine is brushless. This means that it will have a longer life, won’t get super hot, and will hold a better battery life. 

Nice!

The next reason I love this blower is that it has a 20V battery. Similar to the Flexvolt battery that has cross-functionality with several different tools, the 20V battery is almost ubiquitous among Dewalt products. They have over 200 products that you can use with this battery, making it a clear winner for saving time and money. 

The last reason I like this blower is that it has a more narrow nozzle. For me, I prefer more narrow nozzles because they provide a focused stream of air. This takes care of wet grass, wet leaves, and all the other things that are super annoying and stick to your deck or driveway.

You can get this bad boy for a steal on Amazon (it actually just had a price drop).

To read more about our review of this blower, check out our full review of Dewalt Blowers.

4. Ryobi 40V 155MPH 300CFM Jet fan blower

Love this blower! I bought it recently and have absolutely loved it. It is super light, super duper easy to assemble, and relatively inexpensive. Because I have other Ryobi 40V tools, it is simple for me to just swap out the battery and keep going from tool to tool.

This blower has pretty high speeds despite a lower CFM, meaning it has a nice, more narrow nozzle that can get all of the wet pine needles and leaves stuck to my deck.

Me assembling the 155mph Ryobi 40V blower.

I have used a few other Ryobi blowers before and frankly, they kind of sucked. Ryobi has really stepped up their game with these new 40V blowers and dominated this space.

Me sliding on the nozzle.

I got this one off of Amazon because the price was insane for the amount of power and I already had the battery.

To read our full review of this blower, check out our Ryobi 40V blower comparison post.

3. Greenworks PRO 170mph 700CFM 80V handheld leaf blower

The Greenworks PRO 170mph 700CFM 80V blower is a beast. I mean look at those numbers. If you wanted to replace the power of a gas blower, heck even a BACKPACK blower, this thing can do it. And the most impressive part is that its handheld.

I picture using this blower like a child using a firehose. I will turn it on and it will launch me to Pluto. Greenworks has a great reputation and this is honestly one of the most powerful handheld blowers in the universe.

One DOWNSIDE to this bad boy is that Greenworks is simply not established enough to make the battery-change worth it. Unless you are a Greenworks loyalist, you will have to create an additional space in your garage for this plug and charger.

Kind of a trippy picture, but this blower is slick!

Its pretty expensive, but you can get the tool-only version below on Amazon if you already have a Greenworks battery.

2. Ryobi 40V brushless 190mph 730CFM Whisper series

Okay, I am going to just put my cards on the table. I love this blower. Nay, I am obsessed with it. And I will tell you why. 

Simply a beauty. Behold.

Close your eyes and what do you hear? Maybe a humming of your computer or some children playing outside. Maybe you are in the car and there is a slight vibration. 

All of those noises are about as loud as this blower. It is so quiet, so powerful, and an incredible innovation. On top of all of this, it has a Ryobi 40V battery which is highly interoperable with other Ryobi tools AND….is brushless. This thing is the greatest GOAT of all time.

To read more, check out our full review of the Ryobi 40V blower series and comparison post. 

1. Ryobi 40V Whisper Series Cordless Backpack blower

I couldn’t not make this the number one battery-powered blower for Californians. This is a battery-powered backpack blower. Basically a jet-pack. 

From a specs perspective, this only packs 145MPH 625CFM, but has all of the functionality you will remember from your backpack blower.

Basically this will make your backpack blower jealous. This thing also runs off of a Ryobi 40V battery, and is very inexpensive relative to other backpack blowers. 

You will recognize the offset handle, trigger, and cruise control that comes with most other backpack blowers like Husqvarna and Stihl. While it won’t deliver the same power, it will be the most familiar. 

Look at that!

This one (tool-only) is on Amazon for a pretty low price (most backpack blowers are $500 – $600).

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. 

How we test 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 the future holds for lawn equipment in California

I don’t know. But what I do know is that battery powered lawn equipment has grown by leaps and bounds over the past ten years. Now that the government has given a strict deadline for the retirement of these gas powered tools, innovation will yet again arise.

Don’t see a blower on this list? Feel free to recommend one for us to review. 

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Lowes Mulch Sale: 5 for $10 Sale Dates in 2024

Mulch at Lowes can be an overwhelming sight. Heck, they’ve got more options than Wall Street on their racks. Seriously, my wife and I went a few weekends ago and I was shocked at the amount of choices they had.

Lowes Mulch Sale Dates in 2024 (5 for $10)

The Lowes mulch sale is when bags of mulch go on sale, usually 5 bags of mulch for $10. This is your time to buy a ton of mulch online, pull your car up, and have someone load all the mulch you need this year for a well discounted price.

You can easily order the mulch online, then swing by Lowes to pick it up.

When is the Lowes 5 for $10 mulch sale in 2024?

The Lowe’s Mulch sale should start on March 31st, 2024 which is Easter weekend. For the past three years, the Lowe’s Mulch 5 for $10 sale has started on Easter weekend.

Lowe’s also has a 5 for $10 sale every year again during Memorial Day weekend (May 27th, 2024), then July 4th and Labor Day.

Wanna check out Home Depot’s mulch sale? Follow this link for the Home Depot Mulch Sale guide.

How to find the right Mulch at Lowe’s

Let’s cut through some of the chaos and help you pick the mulch that is right for you. 

Mulch 101: What to know before you go to Lowe(s)

In its most basic form, mulch is just anything you spread over the top of soil. It can be organic or synthetic matter, both can serve the same and different purposes. Some of the main reasons for applying is to spruce up the landscape, retain soil moisture, maintain and improve soil health and reduce weeds. There’s not much better than a freshly mulched landscape in my opinion. 

As mentioned earlier it can be organic or synthetic, though most people tend to go the organic route. Organic material usually comes in the form of shredded hardwood of some sort along with some manure, compost blend, and grass clippings. Inorganic can be rubber, plastic or some other weird thing the scientists have come up with this year. 

For the purposes of this article, I’m not going to go over every possible mulch composition but will stick to the heavy hitters found at most of your local Lowe’s. 

Before you start mulching, make sure you have a good understanding of exactly how to mulch your garden beds.

Rubber mulch: Wait, what?

We don’t know, but people who hate mulching every year love it. Is it good for the environment? Probably not. Is it good for your Sundays? Probably.

NuScape Rubber Mulch Nuggets

As the name suggests, NuScape Brown Rubber Mulch Nuggets are shredded or chopped 100% recycled rubber. This is great for commercial landscaping, playgrounds or schools that don’t want to have to deal with the mess and hassle of remulching every year. 

According to NuScape, this product is fade resistant for up to 12 years (with a warranty!). Reviews on Lowe’s website vary on the validity of that but somewhere in the 8 to 12 range is a safe bet. Another “pro” of this mulch is that it won’t attract bugs that can be damaging to existing landscapes. 

A major con to rubber mulch is that it won’t provide the soil enriching properties that organic mulch provides. If you don’t care about that then this is a great product and comes highly recommended on Amazon and Lowes. 

At $6.98 per 0.8 cubic feet bag ($8.73/cu ft) this is way more expensive than regular mulch in the short term but provides savings in about 2 years due to not having to re-mulch. 

Gotta give the rubber bag a smack!
Up close and personal with the smaller bag of mulch.

Preen Mulch at Lowes

Preen mulch offers a variety of colors and is one of the higher-end mulches available. Check out their mulch with weed preventer below.

Preen Mulch with Extended Control Weed Preventer

Preen is one of my favorite products to apply to my garden/landscape. It saves me hours (perhaps days) of weeding time come spring and summer. That stuff works. It won’t kill existing weeds but it does prevent seeds from germinating so it takes a few years for it really to start kicking in. 

When I saw Preen made a mulch with herbicide included, I was so pumped. Had I known this product existed when I mulched this past year I would’ve definitely used it. (Maybe not red though.) It comes in russet red, chestnut brown and midnight black. All the colors come with a 12 month guarantee. 

I prefer chestnut brown around my house, but often see folks with Midnight Black as their color of choice in their garden. Russet red is typically used more with commercial properties like schools and restaurants.

This product will run you about $4.98 per 2 cubic feet ($2.49/cu ft) so it’s pricey but the convenience of it being in bags and with Preen included makes this very enticing. 

Russet Red sounds sophisticated, but I prefer chestnut brown.
I wonder if they have enough mulch.

JET BLACK mulch

The JET BLACK mulch really wants you to know what color it is. Let’s review what there is to like (or dislike…) about this mulch at Lowe’s

JET BLACK Black Hardwood Mulch

A bang for your buck offering from Jet Black, this black hardwood mulch is what it is. Not super high quality stuff but it’ll get the job done (at least in the short term). If you’re looking for a quick spruce up of the landscape for a party or something, then this mulch is for you. 

However, most reviews I’ve seen of this product say it will be extremely washed out after about a week or so. This is dyed mulch that doesn’t appear to last very long. A washed out mulch bed is almost as bad as no mulch bed at all in my opinion. This mulch offers no sort of warranty or guarantee and there’s a reason why. They’d run themselves out of business. 

I purchased this for the front of my house a few years ago, and it did start to grey pretty quickly. I would be prepared to re-mulch often if this is the mulch you go with. 

At $3.78 per 1.5 cubic foot ($2.52/cu ft), this mulch isn’t really that affordable. I’m honestly really struggling to find why you’d give this stuff a try.

Hard to miss the Jet Black mulch bags at Lowe’s
Check out how many bags of mulch you will need using our calculator below.

Premium 2-cu ft Black & Red Hardwood mulch at Lowe’s

If you want a laugh go read the reviews of this stuff on another site. Several people said there is literally nothing premium about this stuff other than the price. Just based on the reviews and pictures I’ve seen online of this, it looks like booty (in a bad way). No thank you. Some poor guy bought 140 bags of this and said it completely ruined his landscaping. 

Astoundingly, it actually comes with a 1 year color warranty. I’m not sure how they gauge whether or not the color lasted a year or not but that’s up to them I suppose. I honestly wouldn’t want the red to last in my landscaping that long anyways.

At $3.68 per 2 cubic feet per bag ($1.84/cu ft), this stuff actually isn’t super expensive. So if you do not care what your yard looks like, or want to do something affordably, you certainly can try a few bags of this. But I’d personally try it in the backyard first and see what you think. 

If it passes the test, go pick up some more. What you do NOT want to do is order over 100 bags and then try to return it. That would not be fun. 

The borderline offensive bag.
What you will see when you walk into Lowe’s.
Grab a bag if you feel so inclined.

The Evergreen Mulch collection at Lowe’s

The Evergreen Mulch at Lowe’s comes in a ton of different forms and is a high-value natural mulch. Check out their different products below, then use our calculator to figure out how much to buy.

Evergreen 3-cu ft Natural Brown Pine Bark Nuggets

An option slightly different than the ones previously discussed, pine bark nuggets. No, I’m not talking about Chick-Fil-A nuggets. Pine bark nuggets come packed with nutrients just like shredded hardwood does and because of its larger surface area, lasts for years and years. This stuff is absolutely fantastic for walk paths and playgrounds that get a lot of wear and tear. If you don’t use rubber mulch for that stuff then I’d highly recommend you go this route. 

This mulch doesn’t come with a guarantee though. However, from the reviews I’ve seen it doesn’t appear that you’ll really need one. Aside from a few reviews complaining about bugs in the bag, everything else has looked great. 

The Natural Brown Pine Bark Nuggets from Lowe’s will run you $4.58 per 3 cubic feet ($1.52/cu ft), so much more affordable than the shredded hardwoods we’ve reviewed earlier. 

Pine bark nuggets – make sure to get the nuggets!
The distinctive orange stripes on the nugget version.

Evergreen 3-cu ft Natural Dark Brown Pine Bark Mulch at Lowes

A more traditional mulch offering from Evergreen the natural dark brown pine bark MULCH. Important to note, this is different from the Evergreen Natural Brown Pine Bark Nuggets reviewed above, this will be more fine, like a traditional mulch. However, not quite as fine as shredded hardwood mulch so this will have longer usage similar to the nugget variety discussed earlier. The reviews look favorable to this as well. 

Evergreen also doesn’t offer a warranty on this pine bark mulch either. However, the reviews look favorable to this as well so I wouldn’t worry about that. Honestly, this stuff looks really good. Based on my test at Lowe’s and the reviews online, I like this stuff. It functions similarly to other mulches and is MEGA affordable.

This bag is priced the same as the nugget variety so it’s a matter of personal preference here. At $4.58 per 3 cubic feet per bag ($1.52/cu ft) this isn’t going to break the bank. But it might break your neighbors hopes and dreams of having the best lawn in the neighborhood (Suck it, Jerry!).

Evergreen MULCH, not nuggets
Brown bag at Lowe’s is the mulch, not the orange.

Evergreen 3-cu ft Natural Brown Hardwood Bark Mulch

The Hardwood Bark Mulch product from Evergreen has me confused. Some bags appear to be great while others look awful. It must be the way Evergreen processes their mulch. Some reviews look like this is straight sawdust while others look like super high quality stuff. So buyer beware. If you can, spot check a few of these bags before you bring them home. 

The bags are opaque so you’ll have to rip open a few to see what they look like but worse things happen in transit for these things so I wouldn’t worry about it. If you can get a few good bags of this I’d recommend this because when it’s good it’s GOOD. 

Again, no warranty/guarantee here but if you can handpick your bags then you should be in good shape. 

This variety is a bit more affordable than the other options from Evergreen. This bag is $4.28 per 3 cubic feet ($1.42/cu ft). 

The elusive green bag.
The good stuff!

Evergreen 3-cu ft Brown Cypress Bark Mulch

Similar to other mulches, cypress mulch offers weed preventing, moisture retention properties and nutrients to the soil and plants in your landscaping. Cypress is unique in that it doesn’t spread apart like other mulches though. It kind of sticks together and doesn’t run out in big gully washers (I love that word) – basically heavy rains – like other mulches do. Also, the cypress tree population has been decimated over recent years so if you’re environmentally conscious, I’d look elsewhere. 

Yet again, no warranty from Evergreen. Similar to the other options, check the bags periodically before you take them home. If not, you may be stuck with an undesirable product. 

Priced the same as the Evergreen pine bark options, $4.58 per 3 cubic feet per bag ($1.52/cu ft) this is another affordable option. I’d give this a shot if you experience heavy downpours or are worried about washouts. This mulch might give you a better hold than other options. 

The fashionable purple cypress mulch blend.
The Cypress Mulch blend fat stack.

Oldcastle Premium 2-cu ft All Natural Cedar Mulch at Lowes

Ah the smell of cedar. Brings me back to bonfires by the lake at my buddies house. One of the greatest smells of all time in my opinion. So this mulch really caught my eye. I’d love to have my landscaping smell and look wonderful. However… The reviews for this product go in many different directions. Some people love this, some people claim this has completely ruined their landscaping. So another buyer beware! 

No warranty or guarantee here and apparently Oldcastle’s product quality varies greatly between batches so make sure you take a peek inside before you take these home. 

The aromatic cedar option will run you $4.58 per 2 cubic feet ($2.29/cu ft). This is a little more expensive than the Evergreen options but not quite as much as the Preen. I’d go with the Preen for a slightly more effective product in my option. 

The Aromatic Cedar mulch at Lowe’s naturally repels insects.

Scotts Nature Scapes Color Enhanced 2-cu ft Deep Forest Brown & Classic Black Mulch

If you know anything about lawn care then the name Scotts should ring a bell for you. This is the top of the top of mulch at Lowes. Looks like they’ve ventured into the mulch space as well. Scotts touts this mulch as using regionally sourced trees so you’ll be supporting local by using this product! Every tree used in this mulch comes from a maximum of 150 miles away. So this product should be giving your plants and soil something that they’re used to. At least I think that’s what the logic is.

The customer reviews appear to be similar to other mulches in that consistency is something that is a bit of a challenge here. Make sure you inspect your bags before you bring them home. If you get a good bag or run then you’re in good shape for a high quality product. 

Scotts does offer a 1 year color warranty so if you’re not happy with the color after 9 months, you can pick it up and return it or maybe get your money back. I’m sure after 9 months, if you’re like most people, you’ll either apply a new bag or it’ll be winter and you don’t care anyways. 

Scotts Nature Scapes mulch comes in at $3.98 per 2 cubic feet ($1.99/cu ft). This is a relatively affordable option for a brand name product like Scotts. 

The brown Scotts Nature Scapes mulch at Lowe’s
The Best Mulch from Scotts Nature Scapes.

Lowes Mulch Sale: Cost per bag summary

Mulch at Lowe’sPrice Per Cubic FootCubic feet per bagCost per bagColor Warranty?
NuScape Rubber Mulch Nuggets$8.730.8$6.98Yes
Preen Mulch with Extended Control Weed Preventer$2.492$4.98Yes
JET BLACK 1.5-cu ft Black Hardwood Mulch$2.521.5$3.78No
Premium 2-cu ft Black & Red Hardwood$1.842$3.68Yes
Evergreen 3-cu ft Natural Brown Pine Bark Nuggets$1.523$4.56No
Evergreen 3-cu ft Natural Dark Brown Pine Bark Mulch$1.523$4.56No
Evergreen 3-cu ft Natural Brown Hardwood Bark Mulch$1.423$4.26No
Evergreen 3-cu ft Brown Cypress Bark Mulch$1.523$4.56No
Oldcastle Premium 2-cu ft All Natural Cedar Mulch$2.292$4.58No
Scotts Nature Scapes Color Enhanced 2-cu ft Deep Forest Brown & Classic Black Mulch$1.992$3.98No

How much mulch do I need for my yard?

Easy! Use this tool to calculate exactly the amount you need.

Lowes 4th of July Mulch Sale

Lowes is having a 4th of July mulch sale in 2024 where you can grab three bags of mulch for $10. Not as great of a deal as it normally is during the beginning of the year, but not bad!

We will keep an eye out for any other Mulch sales around the holidays, but things really start to slow down in the gardening space in the Fall.

Check out our tips for mulching in the Spring that we’ve learned over a decade of yearly mulching.

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Lawn Equipment Costs and Statistics: 2022 updates

Many people seeking to understand various lawn tools need a frame of reference for cost and power comparisons across types of lawn equipment. In this post, we will reference all types of residential lawn equipment to gather a reference resource for all savvy shoppers. Let’s get started!

Looking to update these numbers for 2023 lawn care costs? Click here!

Jump ahead:

Statistics about push mowers

When it comes to push mowers, there are really three main types of power sources:

  1. Battery-powered push mowers: These mowers are powered by a battery and can be easily re-charged and stored. Battery-powered mowers are typically less expensive, easier to store and maintain, and better suited for small yards.
  2. Gas-powered push mowers: These mowers are gasoline-powered and rely on refills, just like a car. Gas-powered push mowers tend to last much longer than electric mowers, but require yearly maintenance.
  3. Corded electric push mowers: Corded push mowers tend to be very similar to battery-powered mowers, except require a long extension cord for power. Be careful not to run it over with the blade!

The average cost of push mowers in 2022

Push mowers range in cost depending on how they are powered, the size of their engine, and the width of their cutting deck. Push mowers are one of the most popular types of mowers because most folks have relatively small yards.

As the rise of townhomes have grown, the small little yards associated with them can be easily taken care of with a small electric mower. Sun Joe offers a ton of these, but also has competition with Greenworks, Ryobi, and a handful of others.

Battery powered mower cost 2022

The average cost of a battery-powered push mower in 2022 is about $300, but can range from $75 – $550 depending on size and features.  

Some of the battery powered push mowers we have reviewed are:

The Greenworks cordless mower is very popular.

Interested in other electric mowers? Check out our list of Top 13 Best Electric Mowers for Small Yards in 2022.

Average cost of a gas push mower in 2022

The average cost of a gas-powered push mower in 2022 is about $250, but can range from $170 – $400.

Some of the gas-powered push mowers we have reviewed are:

The Troy Bilt TB160 was my first mower and still runs like new.

Average cost of an electric mower in 2022

The average cost of a corded electric push mower in 2022 is about $150, but can range from $70 to $200.

The average cost of a riding mower in 2022 (Lawn Tractor + Zero-Turn)

Riding mowers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The two you will recognize the most are lawn tractors and zero-turn mowers. 

Lawn tractors vs. zero-turn mowers

Lawn tractors tend to have a steering wheel where the engine sits between your legs. Zero-turn mowers have levers that help steer the mower. 

Lawn tractors are best for yards that are between ½ of an acre and 1.5 acres. Zero-turn mowers are great for those with 1.5 acres and above. 

Lawn tractor costs in 2022

The average cost of a lawn tractor in 2022 is about $2,300, but can range between $2,000 and $4,200.

Most lawn tractors sit right around the $2,000 to $3,000 range, but some newer electric lawn tractors can cost over $4,000.

Lawn tractors vary in price depending on their engine horsepower and their cutting width. As you would expect, larger engines and larger cutting decks increase the price of the lawn tractor.

Some of the lawn tractors that we have reviewed are:

The Cub Cadet XT2 is so hot right now.

Zero-turn mower costs in 2022

The average cost of a zero-turn mower in 2022 is about $4,500, but can range from $2,900 to $5,300. Zero-turn mowers range in price depending on the features and the size of the mower. 

Commercial zero-turn mowers can run as high as $10,000 in 2022. 

Some popular zero-turn mowers that we have reviewed include

The Ariens IKON XD52 is an absolute unit.

The average cost of a lawn service in 2022

The average cost of a lawn mowing service in 2022 is about $60 for lots < 10,000 sq. ft.

The average cost of a lawn mowing service for yards between 10,000 sq. ft and ½ acre is about $100 in 2022. 

The average cost of a lawn mowing service for an acre is $150-200 in 2022. 

As a reminder, lawn service usually comes every week or every other week during peak season. These costs can add up extremely quickly, making do-it-yourself lawn mowing easily the most affordable option.

Leaf blowers: A 2022 guide to cost and choice

Leaf blowers come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from some that seem to have the power of a hair blower to others that can send a sailboat across the Atlantic. When it comes to leaf blowers, there are three main types: handheld electric, handheld gasoline, and backpack blowers. 

Handheld electric blowers are slightly more expensive than gas blowers and are often the least powerful. There are a few exceptions, but these hold true. 

Who should buy an electric blower?

Electric blowers are great for those looking for quick, small jobs around the yard. This would include blowing out the garage, blowing off the driveway or back deck, or collecting leaves for a smaller yard. 

Electric blowers have a huge upside in that they are very easy to start and maintain, only requiring a charged battery to begin the work

Average cost of an electric leaf blower in 2022

The average cost of an electric leaf blower in 2022 is $175, but can range from $70 to $350 depending on the quality. 

Some of our favorite electric leaf blowers include:

The Ryobi Brushless Whisper blower is a beast.

Who should buy a gas leaf blower?

Handheld gasoline blowers provide a step up in power, but often require air filter changes and other minorly inconvenient maintenance. Gas blowers are great for people who have up to an acre or so of land and feel comfortable walking around and using the blower. 

Likewise, gas blowers are great for folks who receive a significant amount of leaves, regardless of lawn size. Gas blowers can help move leaves off of your yard much more quickly and will leave less wet leaves stuck behind.

Average cost of a gas leaf blower in 2022

Gas blowers cost about $150, but range from $100 – $250 depending on size and power. 

One of our favorite handheld gas blowers that we have reviewed is the Husqvarna 125B. This blower has an attachment on the end that can provide a super concentrated stream of air, with the ability to blow anything away.

We also love the Stihl BG 86 C – check out our video review on YouTube!

The cool flat tip on the Husqvarna 125B.

Who should buy a backpack blower?

Backpack blowers are the most powerful, expensive, and loudest blowers on the market. These are made popular by commercial landscapers, but anyone with an acre or above could majorly benefit from these.

Backpack blowers provide very high amounts of power and come with the added comfort of straps, advanced features, and an easy to use handle. 

Average cost of a backpack blower in 2022

Backpack blowers will run you about $350 in 2022, but can range from $250 to $750 depending on the size and power.

Some of our favorite backpack blower reviews include:

The Stihl BR600 is a beast and you look like a teenage mutant ninja turtle when you wear it.

Trimmers or Weed Eaters costs in 2022

Trimmers, lovingly known as weed eaters, are tools used to cut grass precisely. These are often used in harder to reach areas, to clear brush, or to fine tune the edges of a property.

Trimmers come in both gas and electric powered forms, with electric becoming more popular. Electric trimmers are very easy to use, but can be less powerful. A plus side to electric trimmers is that they often come with multiple interchangeable heads, allowing for edger, blower, and hedge trimmer attachments to all fit the same body.

Gas trimmers provide relentless, reliable power and are often used by those with bigger yards and of course, commercial landscapers. 

Average cost of an electric trimmer in 2022

Some of our electric trimmer reviews can be found here:

I have the Ryobi 40V trimmer….and I do not like it.

Average cost of a gas trimmer in 2022

The average cost of a gas trimmer in 2022 is about $180, but ranges from $150 to $430 depending on power and included attachments.

Some of our favorite gas trimmer reviews are below:

The ECHO SRM 225 has a powerful trimmer head.

Pressure washer costs in 2022

Pressure washers come in two major forms: gas and electric. Electric pressure washers tend to have less power and lower reliability. Gas pressure washers are more powerful and can get extremely pricey.

Who should buy an electric pressure washer?

Electric pressure washers are great for people who are doing lighter jobs. The perfect person to buy an electric pressure washer is someone looking to clean their windows, their car or boat, or garage door. 

Electric pressure washers are less expensive and relatively easy to use. If you are looking to blast away all of the grime from your long driveway, electric pressure washers will not be the best choice for you.

Average cost of an electric pressure washer in 2022

The average cost of an electric pressure washer is about $190, but ranges from $60 to $300 depending on power and size.

Some of our favorite electric pressure washers include:

The Sun Joe SPX3000 is one of the hottest pressure washers on Amazon.

Who should buy a gas pressure washer?

Gas pressure washers are great for all of the same reasons as an electric pressure washer, but can also remove paint, blast dirt and grime off of old surfaces, and more. 

Gas pressure washers have serious power, but are also pretty loud. They will be more reliable, but also require a little bit of maintenance.

Average cost of a gas pressure washer in 2022

The average cost of a gas pressure washer in 2022 is about $400, but can range from $250 to $1,000 depending on power.

Some of our favorite gas pressure washers include:

The Dewalt 3400 PSI pressure washer provides intense power.

Dethatcher costs in 2022

Dethatchers are lawn tools that pull up thatch, or dead grass, from the bottom of your yard. Thatch forms over time and can suffocate your soil, leaving poor conditions for your healthy grass to grow.

Many people dethatch their lawns before they aerate and seed in the fall. Dethatchers have grown in popularity. They are often electric, corded devices that replace the traditional dethatching rakes. 

Dethatchers typically come corded, meaning you need a long extension cord to operate them in your yard. They are not a danger to your cord like a normal mower, but actually have small metal tines. The tines stick out (kind of like the metal springs in a chip bag clip), and kick up the thatch from the soil.

Average cost of a dethatcher in 2022

The average dethatcher will cost about $150, but ranges from $130 to $200 depending on the width of the machine.

Two of our favorite dethatcher reviews are below:

The Sun Joe Dethatcher is one of the hottest lawn care items in 2022.
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