In the next instalment of our Toolbox series with Makita, the team look at the garden design trends that are set to make waves in 2022 and the tools tradespeople need to create them.
With Spring well underway and the warmer months fast approaching, now is the time for garden renovation work to get started. Homeowners are increasingly recognising the value of having a functional yet beautiful garden that can be used as a space to unwind, entertain and socialise and for professionals called in to landscape gardens, it is important to make sure you’re up to speed with the latest design trends – and are equipped with a range of quality, durable tools that can help you to achieve them.
Zoned areas
Outdoor spaces that can be used for dining, entertaining, relaxing and children’s play are becoming increasingly popular. Creating ‘zones’ using different materials and levels to visually separate different areas of the garden is a clever way to construct multi-functional gardens that your customers will love.
For example, decking is a versatile choice and can provide an elevated, flat, stable surface for garden furniture that is separate from turfed or planted areas of the garden. For cutting decking to size, use the LS004GZ01 XGT 40VMax Slide Compound Mitre Saw. This machine has been designed for powerful yet smooth operation and thanks to soft start and constant speed control users can experience effortless and safe cutting.
Makita’s Auto-Start Wireless System means that the LS004GZ01 can be connected to compatible dust extractors via Bluetooth, ensuring that when the machine is in use the extractor automatically turns on for maximum protection. This machine can also be used in tight spaces thanks to its rail forward design that allows the rear of the machine to be placed against the wall.
Once the decking has been cut, Makita’s TD001GZ XGT 40VMax Impact Driver can be used for fixing tasks. This machine is incredibly powerful and features four impact power settings and six assist modes that ensure the output can be easily adjusted to suit the task. The TD001GZ also has a one touch sliding chuck for easy bit installation and removal, as well as an ergonomic design for maximum user comfort, even over extended periods.
Bringing the indoors outdoors
The garden is often seen as an extension of the home and creating outdoor environments that mimic indoor living spaces is a popular design trend – particularly for customers looking for a place to relax and unwind. Here, pergolas and covers offer shelter, shade and protection for soft seating and dining spaces, helping to blur the line between indoors and outdoors.
To create these structures, the DG001GD201 XGT 40VMax Earth Auger can be used to effortlessly bore post holes. Thanks to Makita’s powerful XGT 40VMax platform, this machine delivers high power and with two speed options available, operators can easily adjust the output to suit the soil. What’s more, Automatic Torque Drive Technology automatically adjusts the blade speed according to the load conditions for optimum operation. The DG001GD201 also features forward and reverse rotation options, so users can extract the machine from the earth with ease – which is particularly useful in high resistance soil such as clay.
For general or heavy-duty drilling and fixing tasks, the Makita HP001GZ XGT 40VMax Combi Drill is ideal. It features two mechanical gears and a keyless chuck enabling operators to make adjustments to the tool with ease. The digital display provides visual confirmation that the selected torque is being achieved, for added peace of mind that the machine is working at its optimum.
Outdoor kitchens
Outdoor cooking has evolved in recent years, with permanent structural features for pizza ovens, smokers, refrigerators, bars and sinks that allow year-round dining now in demand. To tackle this kind of project, the DCE090 230mm cordless Disc Cutter is an ideal companion for stone and brick cutting tasks. It is powered by Makita’s leading Twin 18V LXT battery platform, with a no-load speed of 6,600rpmm and maximum cutting depth of 88mm. To protect users during operation, the DCE090 can be connected to a water supply kit (P-54047) to supress dust and prevent exposure. Active Feedback Sensing Technology also works to protect the tool and user from kick back by shutting down the motor if rotation speed suddenly slows down. Helpfully, a cover protects the battery from splash damage during wet cutting.
Water features
To make the garden a haven for relaxation, consider installing water features like a pond, waterfall or stream as this will help to create a sense of calm and serenity. To make sure that water features remain as beautiful as the day they were installed, it is important to avoid the water settling or becoming stagnant as this can result in bacteria forming and becoming a risk to wildlife.
To avoid this, it is important to keep the water moving using a pump like Makita’s PF1100 250L Submersible Drainage Pump. This model can be used to circulate clean water containing particles of up to 5mm, making it safe for use in ponds containing fish.
Additional useful tools
The Makita SKR200Z Automatic Self-Levelling Laser Level can be used for levelling, aligning and squaring elements such as setting walls, steps, decking and the lip of ponds and water features. Designed for high precision, this laser has three rotation speeds, fast electronic self-levelling and variable scanning – and is accurate to +-1mm at 10m. The SKR200Z comes as kit, complete with remote control, wall mount, laser intensive glasses, target plate, receiver, a bracket for the laser receiver and batteries.
For transporting heavy goods around site, use the DCU180Z 18V LXT motorised Wheelbarrow. It has two speed options and a reverse gear, as well as a three-stage adjustable handle for maximum user comfort. Depending on the task, the rear wheels can be adjusted from 480mm to 760mm or detached and replaced with standing legs.
When it comes to achieving the garden designs your customers are after, it is important to have a wide selection of high-performance, durable power tools close at hand. Opting for cordless products will improve operator safety as there is no need to carry and transport petrol – and no fumes that pose a risk to users and the environment. What’s more, with no trailing cables cordless machines provide added flexibility and freedom when working outdoors.
To find out more about Makita’s range of tools visit https://makitauk.com/
