SPONSORED — As the weather warms up and the sun starts shining, folks around the country will be taking to their yards and firing up their mowers in preparation.

It’s important to be sure you are using the right tool for the job, so why not make the job easier with the help of some of our favorite, handy outdoor power tools. With the proper equipment, that yard work might just become fun in the sun.

No one knows this better than Safeco Field head groundskeeper, Bob Christofferson. “As the head groundskeeper for Safeco Field, I guess you could say I’m a little picky when it comes to lawn care.” says Christofferson. “Having the right tool for the job makes all the difference.”

The riding lawn mower

It’s hard to deny the benefits of a well-manicured lawn. Everyone is jealous of that one house in the neighborhood, whose lawn looks like the 3rd fairway at Augusta. It all comes down to making sure you have the right mower. To help tackle that lawn, try a comfortable, convenient riding lawn mower.

Popular Mechanics named the Husqvarna SmartSwitch one of the 10 best tools from the Green Industry and Equipment Expo last October. The SmartSwitch features keyless starting and no choke lever.

The chainsaw

When it comes to trimming trees, cutting wood or a variety of other outdoor projects, a chainsaw can be your best friend. In fact, Family Handyman calls the chainsaw one of the most versatile tools you can own. And since chainsaws are really good at cutting, you’ll want to make sure you invest in something safe — and easy to handle.

Remember, a power tool is an investment, so it’s important to take care of it — and yourself! Plan to spend a little extra on protective gear. A good pair of chaps can help defend you against kick back.

The brush cutter

If you’ve lived in the beautiful Pacific Northwest for long, you’re likely well acquainted with our less-than-welcome locals: blackberries and morning glory. These noxious weeds can make even the most die-hard outdoor enthusiast dread a day in the yard. But the best way to free yourself from these unwelcome garden guests is constant cutting.

That’s where a power brush cutter will prove invaluable. To get the biggest bang for your buck, opt for a model that goes double duty with both a grass blade and a saw blade.

The string trimmer

Sometimes referred to as a “weed whacker,” a string trimmer is the absolute best tool for trimming the grass in those nooks and crannies your mower can’t handle. A string trimmer can keep your lawn looking pristine, helping you achieve neat edges around trees and other landscape focal points and along sidewalks and driveways.

According to This Old House, trimmer tips can spin up to 400 miles per hour, so it’s important to also invest in some protective clothing and gloves.

The blower

After you’ve spent a long day working in the yard, the last thing you want to do is spend a lot of time cleaning up your mess. That’s when a leaf blower can come in handy. Don’t be fooled by the name; a leaf blower does a lot more than move leaves. The right model can help you cleanup debris of any kind, and give you an easy way to clean your roof and clear out those gutters.

Popular Mechanics recommends the Husqvarna 125B E-Tech because of its combination of power, balance and minimal weight.

Whether you’re a professional landscaper or a weekend warrior, the right tools make all the difference. This spring, tackle the yard with ease.