Spring is here, and you can practically smell the freshly cut grass. If you’re in the market to upgrade your lawn care equipment, you may want to consider electric or battery-powered options.
Gas-powered lawnmowers and trimmers may be your go-to, but times they are a-changin’. Electric lawn care equipment options are becoming more popular than ever, offering consumers faster charging times, longer battery life, and quieter, greener products compared to their gas-powered counterparts. Here are three ways you can electrify your lawn care this spring.
Electric lawnmowers
Electric lawnmowers have come a long way over the last few years. Early models required corded connections, which were tricky to manage — but the cord has been cut. Newer cordless electric mowers are certainly more expensive than gas-powered mowers. Still, much of the upfront cost can be recovered since electricity is a less expensive fuel than gas, and electric engines generally require less maintenance than gas engines. Cordless electric mowers typically range from $200 to $500.
Electric mowers are suitable for most lawn care needs, with batteries that typically require about one to two hours to fully charge, and most batteries can run for a full hour. If you have a large yard (half an acre or larger), a gas-powered option may suit your needs.
Electric trimmers
Cordless electric string trimmers are a great option for most lawns. Traditionally, like lawnmowers, string trimmers have typically been powered by gas. But new versions of electric trimmers are improving and are now considered worthy competitors of gas-powered models.
Cordless electric trimmers are much quieter and easier to use, but most batteries last about 30 to 45 minutes. So, if you have a lot of space to trim, you may want to consider a backup battery or plan to work in short bursts. If you’re interested in purchasing an electric trimmer, the main factors to consider are the battery’s life, charge time, and power. Costs can vary depending on your needs, but you can find a quality version for about $100.
Electric leaf blowers
After cutting and trimming your lawn, you will need to clear off those walkways and patios for the finishing touch. If you don’t want to deal with the maintenance of a gas-powered blower or the restraints of a corded blower, a cordless electric version is a great option.
Cordless electric leaf blowers are lightweight and easy to maneuver but don’t offer as much power as gas-powered and corded blowers. A cordless electric leaf blower can do the job if your leaf-blowing and clearing needs are minimal. Costs for a cordless electric blower vary depending on power and battery quality, but you can purchase a dependable model for about $150 and up.
If you’re looking to electrify your lawn care equipment, be sure to do your homework. Search online for the latest reviews and check trusted websites like ConsumerReports.org. With a little research, you will be well on your way to Lawn of the Month — with less maintenance, hassle, and noise. Also, your neighbors will thank you!
