A good rake and sharp pruners will carry you through spring.

Yes, that’s it. Don’t overthink it.

Spring landscaping is mostly cleanup and light pruning. You need a sturdy leaf rake for the debris that survived winter, and a pair of pruners that actually cut cleanly (the dull ones from the garage can stay there). Skip the hundred-dollar garden gadgets. A decent shovel helps if you’re planting, but you can borrow that.

Everything else—soil knife, dethatcher, fancy hoe—is a nice-to-have, not a must. Start with the two basics. If you find yourself needing more, you’ll know exactly what’s missing.

The best tool is the one you already own and maintain.