10 Must-Have Landscaping Tools for Northern Wisconsin Homeowners
10 Must-Have Landscaping Tools for Northern Wisconsin Homeowners Discover the 10 essential landscaping tools for successful landscaping in Northern Wisconsin's unique terrain. Equip yourself for the challenges of dense soil and extreme weather
Matt Peterson
10/8/20253 min read


🧰 10 Essential Tools Everyone Needs for Landscaping in Northern Wisconsin


Landscaping for Northern Wisconsin Conditions
If you live in Barnes, Drummond, Gordon, or Solon Springs, you already know — landscaping here isn’t like anywhere else. The soil is dense, the seasons are extreme, and the terrain keeps you on your toes.
Whether you’re building a new garden bed, fixing drainage, or clearing leaves before the snow flies, having the right tools makes all the difference.
At Peterson’s Outdoor Solutions, we’ve spent years working with the Northwoods ground — the kind full of roots, rock, and grit — and these are the 10 tools we recommend every property owner have on hand.
1. Shovel (Round-Point and Square-Point)
Your go-to for digging, edging, and moving material.
Round-point for breaking compact clay soil.
Square-point for leveling, spreading gravel, and cleaning up edges.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep both styles in your shed — you’ll need each for different parts of your property.
2. Garden Rake
Perfect for leveling soil, collecting debris, and spreading mulch.
Metal tines hold up to rock-heavy ground.
Ideal for prepping flower beds or new seed areas.
🔗 Learn more on our Landscaping page about soil prep and mulch installation.
3. Pruning Shears & Loppers
Healthy trees and shrubs start with clean cuts.
Shears for small branches.
Loppers for thicker limbs (especially after heavy snow or ice).
💡 Tip: Trim trees in late fall or early spring to reduce stress and promote healthy regrowth.
4. Wheelbarrow or Garden Cart
Moving mulch, gravel, soil, or firewood? You’ll use this more than any other tool.
Dual-wheel designs offer more balance on uneven terrain.
Look for steel or heavy-duty poly builds for durability.
🔗 Visit our Firewood Delivery page to see how we deliver and stack locally sourced wood for your yard.
5. Garden Hoe
Essential for breaking up hard soil and weeding.
Wide-blade hoes for large areas.
Narrow-blade hoes for tight garden beds.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a hoe to mix compost into soil before planting — it helps nutrients absorb deeper.
6. String Trimmer (Weed Eater)
Perfect for cleaning up edges around patios, paths, and fences.
Gas-powered for larger properties.
Electric or battery-powered for smaller yards.
🔗 Learn how we maintain crisp edges and clean borders on our Lawn Care page.
7. Heavy-Duty Gloves
Protection and comfort go hand in hand.
Leather gloves for handling rock and lumber.
Rubber-coated gloves for wet or cold conditions.
💡 Tip: Always keep an extra pair — one for dry work and one for wet cleanup days.
8. Landscape Fabric & Edging Tools
Keep your flower beds clean and professional-looking.
Fabric suppresses weeds while letting water flow through.
Edging tools define clean lines between lawn and mulch.
🔗 Visit our Services page for ways to manage runoff along your borders.
9. Leaf Blower or Lawn Vacuum
Save hours of cleanup time in both spring and fall.
Gas models handle large lots with heavy leaves.
Electric blowers are quieter and better for small yards.
💡 Tip: Use your blower to clean out garden beds before winter — it helps prevent mold and rot.
10. Snow Shovel & Ice Melt Spreader
In Northern Wisconsin, these are non-negotiable.
A durable snow shovel saves time during storms.
An ice melt spreader prevents slippery walkways and driveways.
🔗 Check out our Seasonal Services page for professional snow removal and winter prep options.
Why the Right Tools Matter in Northern Wisconsin
Your yard is exposed to everything — spring rains, summer heat, fall leaves, and heavy snow. Using the right tools:
✅ Keeps your property healthy and safe.
✅ Saves time and effort year-round.
✅ Protects your investment in your home and land.
At Peterson’s Outdoor Solutions, we use professional-grade tools and equipment for every job — the same gear we recommend to local homeowners.
💬 Need help choosing or maintaining your landscaping tools? Contact us anytime — we’re happy to share advice or handle the heavy lifting for you.
📞 Call/Text 715-688-9990
📧 Email: petersonsoutdoorlife@gmail.com
🌱 Learn more: Peterson’s Outdoor Solutions Services
Serving Barnes, Drummond, Gordon, and Solon Springs with local care, craftsmanship, and real Northwoods grit.