Essential yard tools for new Arizona homeowners
The short list of yard tools a new Arizona homeowner actually needs: watering, pruning, weed and scorpion basics, and a few tools for rock yards.
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New to an Arizona home? Your yard is probably rock, a few desert plants, a drip system and maybe a patch of Bermuda. You do not need a garage full of tools. You need a handful that match how desert yards work.
This is the starter kit we would buy first, in order of how often you will use it.
Our picks
Vansky UV black light flashlight
Spotting scorpions at night (they glow under UV)
View on AmazonRain Bird ESP-TM2 Wi-Fi irrigation controller
Easy seasonal schedule changes from your phone
View on AmazonComparison
| Product | Best for | Key features | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soil moisture meter | Checking soil before you water, to stop overwatering | Probe-style meter | View on Amazon |
| Fiskars bypass pruning shears | Clean cuts on desert shrubs and roses | Bypass blades, 5/8-inch cut capacity | View on Amazon |
| HANDLANDY thorn-resistant gardening gloves | Working around cactus, agave and bougainvillea | Thorn-resistant | View on Amazon |
| Grampa's Weeder original stand-up weed puller | Pulling weeds after monsoon rain without bending | Stand-up design | View on Amazon |
| Vansky UV black light flashlight | Spotting scorpions at night (they glow under UV) | UV light | View on Amazon |
| Catchmaster scorpion glue traps (6-pack) | Monitoring scorpions in garages and along walls | Glue trays, 6-pack | View on Amazon |
| The Groundskeeper II rake | Pulling leaves off gravel without pulling up the rock | 55-inch handle, Lightweight | View on Amazon |
| WORX 20V 2-in-1 string trimmer & edger (WG163) | Trimming and edging Bermuda along rock borders with one tool | 20V cordless, 12-inch cutting path, Converts to a lawn edger | View on Amazon |
| Rain Bird PRS drip filter with pressure regulator | Protecting drip lines from hard water debris and high pressure | Filter and regulator in one | View on Amazon |
| Rain Bird ESP-TM2 Wi-Fi irrigation controller | Easy seasonal schedule changes from your phone | Wi-Fi, Indoor/outdoor | View on Amazon |
The picks in detail
Soil moisture meter
Unbranded · Desert Landscaping
Best for: Checking soil before you water, to stop overwatering.
- Very low cost
- Quick check before watering
- Readings are a guide; check deeper soil for trees
Fiskars bypass pruning shears
Fiskars · Garden & Planting
Best for: Clean cuts on desert shrubs and roses.
- Huge seller, trusted brand
- Low cost
- For small stems; use loppers for thicker branches
HANDLANDY thorn-resistant gardening gloves
HANDLANDY · Garden & Planting
Best for: Working around cactus, agave and bougainvillea.
- Long cuffs protect forearms
- Popular, well-reviewed
- Thick gloves cost some dexterity
Grampa's Weeder original stand-up weed puller
Grampa's Weeder · Weed & Pest Control
Best for: Pulling weeds after monsoon rain without bending.
- No bending or kneeling
- No chemicals
- Works best when the soil is damp
Vansky UV black light flashlight
Vansky · Weed & Pest Control
Best for: Spotting scorpions at night (they glow under UV).
- Scorpions glow under UV light
- Low cost
- A detection tool, not a treatment
Catchmaster scorpion glue traps (6-pack)
Catchmaster · Weed & Pest Control
Best for: Monitoring scorpions in garages and along walls.
- Shows where scorpions are getting in
- No spraying
- Keep away from pets and kids
The Groundskeeper II rake
The Groundskeeper · Yard Maintenance
Best for: Pulling leaves off gravel without pulling up the rock.
- Rakes debris off rock yards
- Light to use for long stretches
- Not a heavy-duty rake for spreading rock (see the bow rake)
WORX 20V 2-in-1 string trimmer & edger (WG163)
WORX · Yard Tools
Best for: Trimming and edging Bermuda along rock borders with one tool.
- One tool for trimming and edging
- No gas or pull cord
- Runtime depends on the battery; check what the kit includes
Rain Bird PRS drip filter with pressure regulator
Rain Bird · Irrigation & Watering
Best for: Protecting drip lines from hard water debris and high pressure.
- Fixes the two most common drip problems at once
- Trusted irrigation brand
- Clean the filter screen every few months
Rain Bird ESP-TM2 Wi-Fi irrigation controller
Rain Bird · Irrigation & Watering
Best for: Easy seasonal schedule changes from your phone.
- Change schedules by season without opening the box
- Trusted irrigation brand
- Check your city's smart-controller rebate rules before you buy
First-month checklist
- Find your irrigation controller and check the schedule. Many new homes are set to water too often.
- Walk the yard at night with a UV flashlight to see if scorpions are around.
- Pull weeds after the first rain, while the soil is soft.
- Read our new-home backyard guide before you plan any big projects.
FAQ
What yard tools do I need for a rock yard?
A rake that will not pull up the rock, a weed puller, pruners for shrubs and a soil moisture meter cover most rock-yard upkeep. A leaf blower helps with litter from trees like palo verde.
Why is a UV flashlight on a yard tool list?
Scorpions glow under ultraviolet light, so a UV flashlight is the easiest way to check walls, patios and garages at night.
Do I need a lawn mower in Arizona?
Only if you have grass. Many Arizona yards are all rock and desert plants. If you have a small Bermuda strip, a cordless string trimmer and edger may be enough.
Related
- New home in Arizona? Your backyard guide
- 5 landscaping mistakes Arizona homeowners make
- How to water desert trees, shrubs and cacti
- Best drip irrigation systems for Arizona yards
- Best patio shade products for Phoenix summers
- Best tools for installing decorative rock
- Best weed control tools for Arizona yards
How we pick: products are chosen for Arizona conditions from established brands with strong, long-running Amazon buyer feedback and clear specs. We have not hands-on tested every product. Check current price, size and specs on Amazon before buying.