Landscaping Tools: 34 Things Your Landscaping Business Needs in 2025

With the U.S. landscaping industry projected to reach $189.87 billion in 2025 and surpass $229 billion in value by 2030, there’s a significant opportunity for skilled professionals to establish their own businesses and capitalize on this expanding market.

But breaking into business ownership isn’t just about grit and good design sense. You must gear up with the right landscaping tools to get the job done while defining your brand, improving project speed, and enhancing your business’ ability to scale fast in a competitive market.

In this guide, we’ll walk through essential landscaping tools your business needs in 2025.

We’ll show you where to invest early, which next-gen tools give you a serious edge, and how software like Workyard can transform how you manage time, crews, and job costs from day one.

Your Core Landscaping Tools List

If you’re serious about launching a landscaping business, your tool setup can’t be thrown together with whatever’s lying around. Your gear needs to work as hard as you do and reflect the quality your business stands for. 

Below is a complete list of essential hand tools, powered equipment, and must-have extras that every landscaping pro should carry. These are the tools that win clients, boost efficiency, and help you scale with confidence.

Round-Point and Flat-Edge Shovels

Round-point shovels are perfect for digging holes, planting, and trenching, while flat-edge (square) shovels excel at edging, scooping, and cutting clean lines. 

Invest in forged steel blades and hardwood or fiberglass handles. They’ll last for years with proper care.

Garden and Leaf Rakes

A metal garden rake is ideal for leveling soil, spreading mulch, and prepping beds. Leaf rakes with flexible tines are designed for clearing debris without disturbing grass or delicate ground cover.

Mattock or Pickaxe

This is a must-have for breaking through compacted or rocky soil. If you’ve ever tried to plant in clay or dig in dried-out ground, you know how essential this tool can be.

Post Hole Diggers

For installing fence posts, signage, or mailbox supports, post hole diggers save time and effort over shovels and create cleaner, deeper holes.

Wheelbarrows

One wheel for agility, two wheels for stability—pick the style that fits your work. Use them for hauling soil, mulch, tools, and debris. Get one with a steel tray and pneumatic tires for max durability.

Pruners and Loppers

Hand pruners handle stems and twigs, while long-handled loppers cut through thicker branches. These tools are key for clean shrub trims, tree shaping, and garden maintenance.

Hoes and Hand Cultivators

These are great for weeding and aerating soil in tight beds or around delicate plantings. A sharp hoe will save you hours of frustrating bed cleanup.

Landscape Rakes (Leveling Rakes)

These wide aluminum rakes are essential for smoothing soil or gravel when prepping lawns, patios, or walkways. A clean grade creates professional results.

Planning, Measuring, and Layout Tools

Clients expect precision, and these tools help you deliver it on every job.

Measuring Wheel and Tape Measures

Measuring large areas with a wheel helps you estimate sod, mulch, or stone accurately. Tape measures (at least 25 feet) are still essential for layouts, cut lines, and install prep.

Marking Paint, Flags, and Chalk Lines

Mark plantings, sprinkler heads, or hardscaping lines before digging. Landscape flags help plan out spacing, while chalk lines give you straight visual references for pavers, edging, or garden beds.

Soil Test Kit

Knowing the soil’s pH and nutrient profile helps you recommend the right plants or turf, and fix issues before they become expensive call-backs.

Want to keep your designs, measurements, and estimates consistent across jobs? Use these free landscaping templates to standardize your process.

Essential Powered Tools

When you move from laborer to owner, speed, power, and consistency become your top priorities. These power tools help you deliver clean, professional results day after day.

String Trimmers (Gas or Battery)

String trimmers are essential for finishing edges around beds, fences, and hard-to-reach spots. Battery options are quieter and emission-free, ideal for residential jobs. Keep backup batteries on hand to avoid downtime.

Leaf Blowers

Cleanup is part of the job. Backpack blowers offer the power and runtime needed for big sites, while handhelds are lightweight and great for tight spaces or quick finishes.

Lawn Mowers

Choose a commercial-grade walk-behind mower for small residential lots, and consider a zero-turn mower if you plan to scale up to large lawns or multi-property contracts. 

Key features include adjustable decks, easy blade access, and extended warranties.

Hedge Trimmers

Get clean, even cuts on shrubs and hedges—something that sets you apart from the “mow and go” crowd. Use gas for all-day power or battery for quieter jobs and less vibration.

Chainsaws

These are essential for small tree removals, storm cleanup, and thick brush. A 14″ to 16″ chainsaw is a great all-around size for most landscaping needs.

Multi-Attachment Powerheads

One engine, many attachments. These systems (e.g., STIHL KombiSystem) let you swap out trimmer, edger, blower, and more, saving space in your trailer and stretching your dollars further.

Watering and Irrigation

Plant installs, sod jobs, and seasonal maintenance all require watering solutions, even if you’re not offering full irrigation services.

Commercial-Grade Hose and Adjustable Nozzle

This is essential for watering fresh plantings or washing down hardscapes. Choose a heavy-duty hose that won’t kink or puncture easily, and pair it with a nozzle with multiple spray patterns.

Hose Reel or Caddy

Clients and crews alike appreciate a tidy job site. A hose reel or caddy keeps your gear organized and extends the life of your hose.

Sprinkler Repair Kit

A simple irrigation kit with replacement heads, connectors, and PVC patches lets you handle small fixes without a subcontractor. Even minor repairs can win customer trust and upsell opportunities.

Pro-Level Extras

Once you’ve locked in the essentials, these next-step landscaping tools improve your efficiency and give your work a more polished, premium feel.

Mower Attachments (Baggers, Mulching Kits, Striping Kits)

These add-ons enhance the final look of your cut and show clients that your service goes beyond the basics.

Trailer Racks and Tool Organizers

A clean trailer setup saves time, protects your tools, and makes you look legit. Use blower racks, string trimmer racks, and line spool holders to stay organized and cut down on loading/unloading time.

Next-Level Tools for Scaling Your Services

Once your core landscaping tools are in place and cash flow starts to stabilize, the next big question is: how do you grow? 

Whether adding more profitable services, taking on larger jobs, or simply doing more in less time, the right tools for landscaping can unlock serious business potential. 

These next-level landscape tools are helpful and strategic assets to help you work smarter, charge more, and build a reputation for delivering pro-level results.

Sod Cutters

Essential for lawn replacement jobs, sod cutters remove existing turf cleanly and quickly, saving hours of labor compared to using a shovel. They’re especially helpful for landscapers offering lawn renovations or seasonal turf changes.

Dethatchers and Aerators

Lawn health is big business, and offering dethatching or core aeration services lets you upsell existing clients while standing out from mow-and-blow competition. 

These machines can often be rented early on. But owning one becomes a smart move if lawn renovation becomes a core service.

Stump Grinders

Tree and brush removal are lucrative add-ons to general landscaping. But clients will expect you to handle the whole job, including removing the stump. 

A small, wheeled stump grinder helps you finish the work neatly and upsell cleanup packages.

Mini Skid Steers and Compact Utility Loaders

These machines are game changers. They can dig, carry, trench, grade, and more, all with minimal turf damage. Brands like Ditch Witch, Toro Dingo, and Bobcat make compact models that fit in tight residential spaces but handle serious workloads. 

If you plan to install patios, large beds, retaining walls, or irrigation systems, this investment will pay itself off quickly.

Dump Trailers and Landscape Trailers with Ramps

Upgrading your trailer setup reduces job time and increases capacity. A dump trailer makes hauling debris, soil, or gravel way easier, while enclosed trailers or landscape-specific racks help you stay organized and protect your gear.

PPE and Safety Gear That Protects Your Business

Don’t overlook safety. Proper protection keeps your crew injury-free and signals professionalism to clients.

Safety Glasses, Work Gloves, and Ear Protection

These seem like basics, but consistent use builds your team’s culture of care and professionalism. Choose ANSI-rated eye protection, cut-resistant gloves, and comfortable over-ear hearing protection designed for long wear.

Steel-Toe Boots with Slip-Resistant Soles

Landscaping often means uneven terrain, wet surfaces, and heavy lifting. Good boots prevent injuries and reduce fatigue. Investing in comfort here saves on downtime later.

First Aid Kit and Fire Extinguisher (Mounted in Trailer)

A basic first-aid setup and fire extinguisher in your trailer ensures you’re prepared for emergencies and may help with insurance premiums.

Tech Tools That Separate Pros from Amateurs

In 2025, landscaping is no longer just about shovels and shears. Today’s most successful landscaping businesses blend craftsmanship with technology, using digital tools to streamline operations, improve precision, and deliver a more premium client experience. 

If you want to be seen as a modern pro, not just another contractor with a mower, these tech-driven landscaping tools belong in your setup.

Drones for Site Surveys and Design Planning

Drones aren’t just for photographers anymore. In landscaping, they’re becoming a handy tool for mapping out properties, estimating materials, and giving clients a bird’s-eye view of a design before the first shovel hits the ground.

• Use them to measure large properties quickly and accurately.
• Capture stunning before-and-after shots that enhance your marketing.
• Create aerial overlays for landscape design software or planning.

A drone with a 4K camera and built-in GPS (like DJI’s Mini series) can transform how you estimate jobs and pitch clients, especially on large or complex properties.

Laser Levels, Digital Tape Measures, and Smart Layout Tools

Accuracy saves time and money. Smart measurement tools help you lay out patios, fences, garden beds, or lighting plans with precision. No guesswork, no redos.

• Laser Levels: Get perfect grades for hardscaping, edging, or irrigation installs.
• Digital Tape Measures: Bluetooth-connected tools store distances and sync to mobile design apps.
• Smart Layout Systems: For large commercial projects, some teams use GIS mapping tools or augmented reality apps to preview layouts on site.
  

These tools for landscaping help eliminate layout errors and reduce manual measuring time, which is especially useful when working solo or with a small crew.

Battery-Powered and Smart-Integrated Landscaping Tools

Today’s high-performance battery-powered landscape tools are cleaner, quieter, and often smarter than their gas-powered predecessors.

• Battery mowers, blowers, and trimmers: Long-lasting lithium batteries, reduced noise, and lower maintenance costs make them perfect for residential areas. Check out battery mowers, blowers, and trimmers from EGO, DeWalt, Makita, etc.
• Bluetooth-enabled tools: Some brands now offer app-connected tools that track usage, battery health, and maintenance schedules.
• Fleet batteries and charging stations: For crews on the move, portable charging setups can power an entire trailer’s worth of gear.

These are eco-friendly business tools. Lower fuel costs, fewer breakdowns, and less noise translate into higher profits and happier customers.

Business Management Software: The Real Game Changer

If you’re still using paper timecards, text messages, and handwritten estimates, you’re already behind. Digital operations software helps you track jobs, communicate with clients, and manage your crew from your phone or desktop.

Here’s what to look for in landscaping software:

• GPS time tracking: Know exactly when and where your team works.
• Job costing and budget tools: Stay profitable by tracking labor and materials in real time.
• Scheduling and dispatching: Coordinate multiple crews with drag-and-drop simplicity.
• Client Relationship Management (CRM): Keep track of conversations, quotes, and follow-ups automatically.

If you’re exploring your options, check out these top landscaping apps so you can choose the one that fits your business best.

The Workyard Advantage: Time Tracking, Job Costing, and More

You’ve got the landscape tools. You’ve got the grit. But without the right system behind you, even the best gear won’t stop profits from leaking. 

That’s the kind of challenge Workyard was built to solve. It’s a field-tested, GPS-powered platform built for contractors who want to run smarter, tighter, and more profitable operations.

Workyard isn’t just another app. It’s the business tool helping new landscaping companies look and run like seasoned pros from day one.

GPS Time Tracking That Pays for Itself

Paper timesheets are unreliable. Manual text-ins waste your time. Workyard’s GPS time tracking shows exactly when and where your crew works.

• No more time theft or buddy-punching
• Automatic timesheets = faster, cleaner payroll
• Crews clock in via the app. That’s it.

You’ll recover hours (and dollars) every week. No spreadsheets required.

Real-Time Job Costing You Can Actually Use

Track labor hours by job, task, or worker automatically. Know what each job is costing you while it’s still in progress, not two weeks too late.

• Spot scope creep instantly.
• Price new jobs more accurately.
• Protect your margins without guessing.

Easy Scheduling and Crew Coordination

Ditch the endless group texts and sticky notes. With Workyard, you can assign jobs, schedule shifts, and share updates all in a clean, drag-and-drop calendar your crew can access on their phones.

• Job reminders go out automatically.
• Check-ins are GPS-verified.
• Everyone knows where to be and when.

See how it stacks up against other lawn care scheduling software on the market.

Built for Landscaping Businesses Like Yours

Workyard is built for contractors on the move, especially trades like landscaping, where time, location, and team coordination matter. It’s the tool for landscaping that helps you protect your profit and your time.

• Great for part-time and seasonal crews
• Works in the field or from your phone
• Grows with you, not against you

Final Thoughts

The right landscaping tools can set your business up for success. But it’s not about having the most gear. It’s about having the right tools, at the right time, with a plan behind every purchase.

Start with what fits your core services, and grow your kit as revenue and job types expand. Buy quality used gear from auctions or pro resellers (look for clean engines, solid handles, and minimal rust). 

For tools you won’t use often, like dethatchers or stump grinders, rent them until those jobs are consistent. And always track your purchases, not just for taxes, but to see what’s actually paying off. 

A spreadsheet works, but a contractor app like Workyard makes it effortless. If you want to grow a serious landscaping business, your tools, team, and systems need to work in sync. 

Workyard brings it all together with GPS time tracking, job costing, scheduling, and expense control in one simple platform. Start your Workyard free trial today and run your landscaping business like a pro.