Whilst it’s good to have your hardworking favourites in the garden shed, there are many pieces of equipment that are only used once or twice a year. When you need them, you need them, but large garden tools can be expensive, take up storage space and require maintenance.
Hiring garden equipment is a great alternative. It allows you to get the job done efficiently without the upfront and ongoing expense. Here are 9 garden tools that are usually better to hire than buy.
1. Lawn aerator
A lawn aerator removes small plugs of soil to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the grass roots. Most lawns only need aerating once a year, so buying a machine rarely makes financial sense. This is a great tool for dealing with compacted soil and improving drainage. It will revive a tired lawn and have it looking tip-top in no time.
2. Lawn dethatcher
Over time, lawns develop a layer of thatch (dead grass and debris) that can block water and nutrients. Most lawns only need dethatching occasionally, making hiring a smarter choice. If you are renovating your lawns or preparing them for overseeding, it is worth hiring one for a day or so.
3. Topdresser
Hiring a topdresser to apply topdressing material like sand or soil to turf is one of those things that seems optional, until you see the difference it makes. Top dressing adds a thin layer of nutrient-rich material over your lawn. This process enhances soil structure, boosts microbial activity and improves nutrient availability. Over time, your grass grows thicker and healthier from the roots up.
4. Rotary hoe
A rotary hoe breaks up soil and mixes in compost or fertiliser, making it much easier to prepare garden beds. These machines are powerful and expensive, but most home gardeners only need them when starting a new garden or renovating beds. If you are preparing veggie patches or completing a landscaping project, they will break up hard soil so that you can mix in fresh organic matter.
5. Stump grinder
After a tree is removed, the remaining stump can take years to rot naturally. A stump grinder quickly grinds it below ground level. It is a specialised machine that the average homeowner may only use once or twice.
6. Power hedge trimmer
If you have large hedges or tall screening plants, trimming them manually can be exhausting and time-consuming. Professional hedge trimmers are much more powerful than small household models, making large trimming jobs much quicker. Hire a power hedge trimmer for large hedges, privacy screens and seasonal gardening maintenance.
7. Plate compactor
If you’re installing paving, garden paths, or turf, a plate compactor helps create a solid, level base. This tool is essential for landscaping projects, but is rarely used after the project is finished.
8. Post hole digger
Whether you’re installing fencing, trellises, or pergolas, digging multiple post holes by hand can be slow, difficult, and blister-inducing! This tool will save you hours of hard labour. They are also great for digging holes when planting established trees.
9. Wood Chipper/Mulcher
If you’ve done heavy pruning or tree trimming, a wood chipper can turn branches into useful mulch. These machines are large and expensive, but extremely useful during big garden clean-ups. They make light work when disposing of branch cuttings and are a great way to recycle green waste.
At Greenstar Hire, we provide top-quality equipment rental solutions for home gardeners. Save yourself time and money by only investing in the tools you use every week. We can help with the rest. Get the job done with Greenstar Hire! Book here.
