13 Tools You Should Always Rent Instead of Buying for Gardening

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Gardening is one of those activities that brings peace to the soul, but let’s face it, if you aren’t careful, it can also drain your wallet. The costs between seeds, soil and tools can add up quicker than you can say “homegrown tomatoes.” How can you cut cost? Tools! The truth is, not all the gardening tools you have need a permanent place in your shed. If you rent some tools, you save cash.

Renting gives you the ability to use the right tools without having to buy or maintain them long term. So, let us look at some wise tool choices that are better borrowed than bought.

Rototillers

Breaking new ground? Your best friend when prepping large patches of soil is a rototiller. And once the ground has been prepared, you probably won’t need it again until spring at the earliest, or perhaps not at all. Rent one for the weekend and save yourself hundreds of dollars. Moreover, they’re heavy, bulky, and not exactly garage friendly.

Aerators

Is lawn looking a little compacted? Poking holes in the soil with aerators can breathe life back into dirt by improving air flow and water absorption. These machines are lifesavers for revitalizing a struggling yard, but let’s be honest: most people only aerate once a year. Aerators are easy on your pocket and your storage space if you rent one.

Wood Chippers

With a big pruning project or storm cleanup, a wood chipper can make mulch out of those branches a lot faster than you can say ‘mulch madness.’ Unless you’re regularly clearing large properties, owning one is like keeping a tiger as a pet—exciting but utterly impractical. Rent it, chip away at it, and move on.

Stump Grinders

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Have you got a pesky tree stump ruining your garden vibes? In no time, a stump grinder will make it go away. The catch? If you never need it again, you probably won’t need it for years. These machines are expensive and require a large amount of space; so, they’re ideal machines for a short term rental.

Post Hole Diggers

Maybe you want to build a fence, or plant trees, or install a clothesline? The job can be a breeze with a post hole digger. If you don’t plan on making a living as a fence installer, it’s a no brainer to rent this tool for the weekend. Why buy something you’re only going to use so little?

Sod Cutters

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Laying fresh sod or transforming your lawn is a great way to refresh your yard, but a sod cutter isn’t a tool you’ll pull out too often. Renting lets you finish your project without having to add an expensive, single purpose machine to your stable.

Power Washers

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Power washers are a great tool for getting patios, walkways and outdoor furniture into the best shape possible. However, these machines usually acquire dust in between uses. If you don’t need a power washer year round, it is kinder to the wallet and your storage situation to rent one for your seasonal cleanup.

Trenchers

Want to install a sprinkler or run some outdoor wiring? They dig precise narrow, deep lines. Unless you’re running a landscaping business, there’s no need to buy one. A rental will do the job for you and save you the expense.

Leaf Vacuums

Are fall leaves piling up faster than you can rake? A leaf vacuum can be a great short work to cleanup, and one you won’t need year round. Renting means you don’t have to commit to the purchase and upkeep of another big machine you’ll only use for part of the season.

Tree Pruners

A pole pruner or powered tree trimmer is what you need when that towering tree needs a trim. Unless you’re moonlighting as an arborist, it’s smarter to rent. And rented tools are more likely to be in better condition than any that are lurking in a shed.

Lawn Rollers

Was it to level bumpy grass or press down fresh sod? A lawn roller can give you that perfect picture perfect lawn. Since it’s so rarely used though, it’s better to rent than to buy one and have it sit in storage space.

Garden Tillers

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If you have a large garden, a garden tiller is good for loosening soil, but you don’t need one for a small garden or containers. Renting gives you a lush garden with no commitment to owning a heavy, expensive machine.

Brush Cutters

A brush cutter is a lifesaver for cutting through the overgrown weeds or thick brush. If your yard doesn’t regularly resemble a jungle, it’s better to rent one for the occasional big deep clean.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.