When spring has sprung and it’s time to spiff up the yard, make the work more fun with innovative, problem-solving products that enhance your outdoor time.
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Double play
With no cord and no gas, the electric-powered WORX String Trimmer and Wheeled Edger gives you the freedom to tackle tall grass anywhere on the lawn. The variable-speed throttle gives it run time to rival gas-powered models, and the line advances at the touch of a button. $90; battery not included. (855) 279-0505; worx.com.
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Safe at home
Remember that time you accidentally cut the extension cord in two with the hedge trimmer? Black+Decker’s new 60V Max Powercut Hedge Trimmer gives you extra freedom of movement with a battery-powered cordless tool that snips hard-to-reach branches with its 24-inch blade. Save your cords for other projects. $173. (800) 231-9786; blackanddecker.com.
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Smarter than your teenager?
The Landroid M Cordless Robotic Lawn Mower has a battery and a brain. Artificial-intelligence technology allows it to be programmed for intricate mowing patterns, return on its own to its charging station if the energy runs low, and even stop mowing when it senses rain. $1,000. (855) 279-0505; worx.com.
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Work-free wheelbarrow
Well, you still have to load it, but after that, hauling, steering and dumping are a cinch with an electric wheelbarrow from Overland Carts. The battery can go an entire day on a single charge, and the 10-cubic-foot hopper holds up to 750 pounds. $2,295 or $2,395, depending on tire preference. (877) 447-2648; overlandcarts.com.
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Sprinkler strategy
Tired of brain-wracking timers on your home sprinkler system? Rainbird’s “Simple-to-Set” six-station irrigation timer uses a simple dial to let you set the start time, watering duration and days of the week for watering each part of your yard. And that’s it. $80. (877) 727-8772; rainbird.com.
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Blown away
Clear driveways and decks of messy leaves and debris with the Sun Joe 3-in-1 Electric Blower/Vacuum/Leaf Shredder. Just flip a switch to mulch a mountain of leaves down to a small pile, at a 10-to-1 reduction ratio. $90. (866) 766-9563; snowjoe.com.
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High-pressure work
For maximum curb appeal, scrub sidewalks and patios clean with the help of a Blue Clean AR383 electric power washer. At 1,900 PSI, it pumps out power at 30 times the force of a typical garden hose. A separate detergent bottle attaches directly to the spray gun. Have at it. $179. (866) 235-5112; arblueclean.com.
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Zap ’em
Admit it. There’s something satisfying about the crackling sound of annoying bugs being zapped on a summer night. The chemical-free Aspecteck 40W Electronic Bug Zapper Insect Killer uses a bright UV light to draw insects in and high-voltage metal grids to, well, you know. $43. (888) 280-4331; amazon.com.
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Sultan of swat
Want to be more active with your pest control? Try the Zap-It! Bug Zapper Racket. You take aim at flying insects, and the 2,000-volt grid takes them down. Use after dark with a built-in LED light, and recharge this high-tech swatter by plugging into any USB-enabled device. $20. (888) 280-4331; amazon.com.
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Low-cost uplights
Show off your spiffy landscaping even after the sun goes down with Moonrays Outdoor LED Adjustable Spotlights. The low-wattage LED metal fixtures shine bright, white light where you want it with 1-watt bulbs that last up to 100,000 hours. $21. (888) 280-4331; amazon.com.
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By land or sea
Make a splash with your garden pond’s fountain or just create a colorful glow with 25-watt underwater lights from Image. The swivel lights angle where you choose and alternate colors—red, green, blue, yellow and white. They’re submersible, but the low-voltage transformer means they can be used on dry land, too. $15. (888) 280-4331; amazon.com.