Lawn & Landscaping Guides
From simple lawn care to larger outdoor projects, these guides help you understand what you can do yourself — and when it makes sense to get help.
Start Here
Not sure where your project falls? Start with our guide below to understand what you can handle—and when it’s time to call a pro
Know Your Limits
Some lawn and landscaping projects require more time, tools, or experience than most homeowners expect. Before you dive in, it helps to understand where your project falls. Throughout our guides section you will see each project guide with a traffic light tag to help you quickly identify projects that are DIY-Friendly (Green), Advanced (Yellow), and Best left to a pro (Red).
DIY-Friendly
Great for most homeowners with basic tools, a little time and average physical strength
More Involved
These projects require more effort, strength, the right tools, and finer attention to detail
Best left to a Pro
Mistakes here can cost you time and money, cause injury, or lead to larger unintended issues
Featured Guide
What you can DIY vs when to call a Pro for lawn and landscaping projects
Understand the most common lawn and landscaping projects and what is required to complete them from a time perspective, effort perspective and tools required.
Browse Lawn & Landscaping Guides
Start with the type of landscaping project or maintenance task you're working on.
How to mulch your beds the Right Way!
A practical guide to applying mulch without overdoing it. Helps answer questions like "how much mulch do I need?" "Should I buy in bulk or by bag?" "What do I do with the last few years of old mulch in my beds?"
How to prep flower beds for Spring
Simple steps to clean, edge and prep beds for the growing season. Optimal planting seasons for different vegetation types. Get the most out of your garden this year with the proper bed prepartion.
How to spot and fix drainage problems
Learn the common signs of runoff, pooling and grading problems around your home. Simple steps to combat and rectify the situation, making your lawn healthier and more beautiful for years to come.
Tree trimming. DIY or Pro help?
Understand when trimming is manageable, and when height, weight, or risk make it a job for a pro. Learn how to safely trim, cultivate grow your existing foliage. Never underestimate the power of gravity.
DIY lawn care fertilization calendar
Your tri-state specific fertilization herbicidal treatment calendar. Learn when and how to apply the proper sequence of fertilizers and herbicides to make your lawn stand out amongst the crowd.
Know your limits: Landscaping Projects
How to judge when outdoor work is still manageable and when safety, tools, or scope change the equation. Your ultimate time saving resource, helping you decide up front if the project is manageable.
Common Tools for Lawn & Landscaping Projects
Some outdoor projects only require a few basic tools and your elbow grease, while others quickly move into heavier-duty or specialized equipment. This can be a helpful way to judge whether a project still fits your comfort level
Essential Lawncare tools
These are the basic tools many homeowners already have or can use comfortably for everyday yard work and simple landscaping tasks.
• Lawn Mower
• Garden Hose
• Sprinkler
• Rake
• Shovel
• Hedge Trimmers
• Hand Trowel
• Pruning Shears
• 5 Gallon Bucket
• Broom / Leaf Blower
Advanced Lawncare tools
These tools are useful for larger or more involved projects and can make outdoor work easier, but they usually require more confidence, physical effort, or setup.
• String Trimmer / Weed Eater
• Power Hedge Trimmer
• Broadcast Spreader
• Power Edger
• Hose-End Sprayer
• Power Washer
• Post Hole Digger
• Soil Tamper
• Drainage Spade
• Small Chainsaw or Polesaw
Professional Lawncare tools
These tools are more common on professional crews or in projects where the scope, safety risk, or equipment needs often go beyond a typical homeowner setup.
• Stump grinder
• Sod cutter
• Trencher
• Commercial-grade chainsaw
• Plate compactor
• Concrete saw
• Mini skid steer
• Large tow-behind equipment
• Aerator
• Compound Miter Saw
*Having access to a tool does not always make a project DIY-friendly. Safety, terrain, physical demands, and the risk of hidden damage still matter.
Not sure if this is a DIY project?
If you’re unsure how far to take an outdoor project yourself, GNN can help you think it through and connect you with the right help when needed.