18 products landscaping professionals rely on for perfect lawns and gardens

CNN

11-05-2025

If you're looking to build your lawn or garden from the ground up, it helps to lean on expert advice before investing in complicated or expensive gardening tools that might not suit your unique terrain.
While caring for your yard can look different for everyone — factors like climate, soil quality, light and nutrient absorption can all influence your home's landscape needs — certain gardening tools are widely considered universally beneficial or economical. (Hint: One of our experts' super user-friendly recommendations will only set you back about $15.)
Whether you're looking to refine the aesthetics of your landscape or enjoy the fresh produce of your labor, we tapped the pros to find out exactly what they use to enhance their gardens and lawns for an outdoor space worth showing off.
Corona Compound Action Bypass Loppers
Noelle Johnson, horticulturist and author of 'Dry Climate Gardening,' has spent the last decade relying on this pair of loppers to prune thicker shrub branches and perform minor tree trimming. 'The long handles allow me to reach the interior of plants without getting scratched by branches, and the blades can be sharpened and are replaceable,' she said. 'I have newer loppers, but this is the one I use because its performance is superior.'
Martha Stewart Japanese Stainless Hori Knife
'A hori hori is my absolute must-have during gardening season,' said Amy Enfield, senior horticulturist at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. 'It's a great all-purpose hand tool. I can use it to remove weeds, divide plants, cut roots and dig small holes when I'm planting in the garden beds.' Her favorite model, this one from Martha Stewart, features both serrated and straight edges for a range of weeding, cutting and planting needs.
Garden in Minutes 4-by-4-Foot Garden Grid Watering System
This watering system is 'the time-saving solution every gardener needs," according to gardening expert Shawna Coronado. 'This pre-assembled irrigation system simply drops into your garden bed and connects directly to your water source, eliminating the complicated setup typically associated with garden irrigation," she said. She also noted that the grid design helps maintain proper spacing when planting. 'I particularly appreciate how it delivers water directly to the plant roots, reducing water waste and preventing foliage diseases caused by overhead watering," she said. "It's truly a set-it-and-forget-it solution that ensures consistent watering even during busy periods.'
Aimerla Foldable Garden Kneeler Seat
Comfort is essential for long days in the yard. That's what makes this multipurpose kneeling pad and bench one of Enfield's gardening essentials. 'When I need to be near the ground to plant, pull weeds or finesse mulch around plants, it provides a cushion for my knees, and the handles are an added bonus to help me get back up when I'm done,' she said. 'I can also flip it over and it becomes a seat, which is great for getting closer to the plants when harvesting or deadheading flowers without adding more stress to my back by bending over.'
CobraHead Original Weeder and Cultivator
'The CobraHead Original Weeder and Cultivator is the versatile hand tool I reach for most often in my garden,' Coronado said. 'With its uniquely shaped forged steel blade and recycled plastic handle, this ergonomically designed tool transforms the most tedious garden tasks into quick, efficient work. It excels at precision weeding, creating seed furrows, breaking up compacted soil and even transplanting small seedlings,' she said.
Coronado called out numerous features that make it a total win, no matter your gardening needs. 'The curved 'finger' shape allows you to get under weeds to remove them completely with roots intact, preventing regrowth," she said. "Its comfortable handle reduces hand fatigue during extended use, while the durable construction means this will be your trusted garden companion for years to come. I've found it particularly useful for working in tight spaces between established plants or in rock gardens where larger tools can't reach.'
Agfabric 50% Shade Cloth
As the summer heat approaches, you want your younger plants with small root systems to have the best chance at survival. That's where this expert-approved shade cloth comes in. 'Shade cloth can be placed directly on plants to provide protection and then reused the following year if needed,' Johnson said. It comes in different strengths, and 50% is good for most shrubs and groundcovers.'
Felco F2 Classic Manual Hand Pruner
Enfield always makes sure to have a reliable pair of clean, sharp bypass hand pruners on hand at the start of gardening season. 'I use them to trim back roses, small branches on my woody shrubs, and even day-to-day pruning and harvesting during the season,' she said. 'You can't go wrong with the classic Felco [F2]. They're an investment, but they can last a lifetime, and Felco sells replacement parts.'
West Coast Seeds Soil Thermometer
According to Ashley Esakin, gardening expert and content creator behind Gardening in Canada, soil temperature thermometers are a valuable addition to any home gardener's tool kit because they tell you exactly when to plant seeds and transplants. 'Every plant has a perfect temperature range that ensures the seeds germinate and plants transplant properly," she said. "Otherwise, you have rot." She specifically recommends this model because it features crop types with their corresponding temperature ranges.
Sharpal Multi-Sharpener for Lawn Mower Blade
Invest in a blade sharpener for your lawn mower, and you'll be left with a better-looking yard and healthier plants. 'A dull mower blade will leave shredded leaf blades that not only look unsightly but also stress the plant, leading to increased disease susceptibility,' said Matthew Koch, the R&D director of biotechnology and genetics at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, who has a doctorate in plant sciences. 'A sharp blade will provide a clean cut that can also be a great way to help prevent excessive water loss from the wound.'
Worx Electric Lawn Edger and Trencher
Level up the look of your landscaping with this expert-approved lawn edger. 'This tool will remove grass growing over your hardscapes, like sidewalks and patios, and give crisp, clean edges like the pros,' Koch said.
Dalen Better Reds Perforated Red Mulch Film
Using sheet mulch helps "ensure the soil around the roots is not disturbed when watering," Esakin said. "[This] allows for pot development and a strong plant.' She swears by this red plastic mulch because its color has been shown to help slightly with produce yields.
Allsop Clean-Up Canvas Tarp With Handles
Johnson reaches for this handled canvas tarp to help with the inevitable mess pruning plants creates. 'I fold it out next to the plant I'm trimming and the pruning clippings land on it,' she said. 'When I'm finished, I grab the handles at the corners and carry it away with no raking or cleaning needed.'
Dig 0.25-Inch 100-Foot Microline Dripline
For Esakin, drip irrigation systems are integral for even nutrient and water delivery. 'This means less blossom end rot, less flower drop and stronger plants during droughts. This one is nice and simple,' she said. 'That is all you need.'
Berry & Bird Stainless Steel Trowel
'I love a good trowel with a wooden handle,' said Laura Janney, landscape architect and creator of The Inspired Garden Masterclass. 'The fit is so comfortable in the hand and easy on the wrist. Plus, it won't warp or melt in the sun.' Complete with a leather hanging rope, this gardening essential is as sophisticated as it is practical.
Gardman Capability Trowel
For even more functionality, consider this multipurpose trowel with a hammer end for a range of minor gardening tasks, like hammering stakes and posts. 'The trowel is perfect for potting, planting and turning over soil,' said Andrew Porwol, garden and landscaping expert and founder of Sapcote Garden Centre. 'In my opinion, the Capability Trowel is one of the most practical tools. It's perfect for saving time and reducing clutter in your gardening kit. The best part is that it can replace three tools with one, so you don't have to waste time searching and switching while working in your garden.'
Gilmour 996 Pattern Master Pulsating Sprinkler
You can't always rely on Mother Nature to deliver proper irrigation when and how you need it, which is why Koch recommends an adjustable sprinkler. 'There will be times throughout the season where your lawn will need supplemental irrigation to continue to thrive,' he said. 'An adjustable sprinkler can give the ability to keep the water on the lawn and keep it off sidewalks and driveways where it just runs off and is wasted.'
Burgon & Ball BoronGreen Digging Spade
Porwol doesn't garden without this digging spade made with a rust-resistant stainless-steel head and a large blade to dig deep. 'It has a high-quality, FSC-certified hardwood handle, which offers excellent grip and leverage,' he said. 'The real win is its Y-grip body that puts less pressure on your back, and you can dig deeper with more precision. I like this tool because of how it can take on tricky soil. It's strong, balanced and worth every penny for serious gardeners.'
Birdies Beds Tall Modern Raised Garden Bed
These raised beds revolutionized Coronado's gardening experience. 'What makes them particularly convenient is their longevity,' she said. 'Unlike wooden beds that rot after a few seasons, these metal beds withstand years of use while maintaining their elegant appearance.' She also appreciates their raised design to help minimize back strain during planting and maintenance, making gardening accessible even for those with mobility issues. Additionally, their contained growing environment is a plus since it provides superior control over soil quality and drainage, resulting in healthier plants and higher yields. The following FAQs have been answered by gardening expert Shawna Coronado.
What's the best way to start a garden with limited space?
What's the best way to start a garden with limited space?
You don't need yards of land to create a lush garden. By opting for a raised garden bed, you can make the most out of tight quarters in your small outdoor space. 'Raised beds like the Birdies raised beds are an ideal solution,' Coronado said. 'They allow you to control soil quality, improve drainage and reduce strain on your back while gardening.'
How can you water a garden efficiently?
How can you water a garden efficiently?
Instead of relying on rainfall, opt for a hassle-free watering system. 'The Garden Grid Watering System offers a quick and easy setup that delivers water directly to the roots, saving both time and water,' Coronado said.
What's one tool that can help with multiple gardening tasks?
What's one tool that can help with multiple gardening tasks?
To save space and money, invest in an expert-approved tool capable of handling a variety of tasks with ease. 'The CobraHead Weeder and Cultivator is a versatile hand tool that handles weeding, digging, edging and planting, all with an ergonomic grip that's easy on the hands,' Coronado said.
For this article, we consulted the following gardening and landscaping experts to gain their professional insights.
Shawna Coronado, author of 'No-Waste Organic Gardening'
Amy Enfield, senior horticulturist at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
Ashley Esakin, gardening expert and content creator behind Gardening in Canada
Laura Janney, landscape architect and creator of The Inspired Garden Masterclass
Noelle Johnson, horticulturist and author of 'Dry Climate Gardening'
Matthew Koch, R&D director of biotechnology and genetics at The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, who has a doctorate in plant sciences
Andrew Porwol, garden and landscaping expert and founder of Sapcote Garden Centre
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, contributing editor Marissa Miller consulted seven lawn and garden experts about the tools they can't live without.