May 16, 2025

Maintaining Your Tools: Tips for Long-Lasting Performance

Great landscaping begins with the right tools; keeping those tools in tip-top shape is the key to achieving a beautiful, functional outdoor space. Whether you're a homeowner starting a weekend garden project or a professional landscaper managing commercial properties, your tools are an essential investment. Proper care and maintenance will allow your tools to provide reliable performance for years to come.

Here are our top tips to help you get the most out of your landscaping tools.

1. Clean your tools after every use

Think about it. Landscaping tools are constantly exposed to dirt, moisture and plant residue, which can lead to rust and decay if not cleaned properly. After each use, make sure you rinse off the soil and debris with a hose or wipe it down with a damp cloth. For tools with moving parts or blades, make sure to thoroughly dry them to prevent unwanted rust. At the end of the day, a quick clean will go a long way to help preserve your tool's life.

2. Sharpen the blades regularly

No one wants a dull blade. They make landscaping tasks even more difficult and lead to uneven cuts, damaging plants and wasting your time. Tools such as pruners, shears, lawn mower blades and shovels should be regularly sharpened to maintain efficient performance. It's best to use a sharpening stone or file to touch up the edge and extend the life of your cutting tools.

3. Oil and lubricate moving parts

Hinges, springs and blades on tools such as pruning shears, hedge trimmers and loppers need occasional lubrication to keep them moving smoothly and resist corrosion. A few drops of tool oil or a silicone-based lubricant should do the trick to help reduce friction and prevent rust buildup.

4. Inspect often for damage

Regular inspections are essential to help catch early signs of wear before they become even bigger problems. Make sure to check the handles for cracks, bolts for tightness and blades for chips or rust. Replace damaged parts or retire tools that can't perform safely anymore. Fixing tools probably aren't high on your to-do list, but would you rather replace just a small tool or buy a whole new tool? Inspect often so you won't have to replace your whole tool as often.

5. Store your tools properly

This might sound like a no-brainer, but we're saying it anyway. Storing your tools correctly is one of the easiest ways to extend their life. Keep them in a dry, sheltered place like a shed, garage or storage box to prevent moisture damage. You can even hang some tools on a pegboard or store them on a shelf to keep them organized and prevent unnecessary wear.

6. Protect them against rust

In addition to drying your tools thoroughly after every use, you might also want to apply a thin layer of linseed oil to the wooden handles or a rust inhibitor to the metal parts. This is something to keep in mind, especially if your tools are stored in a humid environment. Rust prevention is excellent for keeping your tools looking and performing like new.

7. Use the right tool for the right job

We've all been in a situation where we wanted to just get the job finished, so we improvised to get there. As tempting as it is, using a rake as a hoe or a shovel as a pry bar can lead to breakage or even injury. Plus, it'll probably take you twice as long to get the job done. With the right tool, the job will be easier, and your equipment will last even longer.

Conclusion

Quality tools deserve your time and attention. Clean, sharp and well-cared-for tools will perform better, making every job safer and more efficient. With proper upkeep, your tools can deliver dependable performance season after season. By preserving your tools, they'll return the favor and help you build and easily maintain your outdoor space.