What’s on your list of jobs this season? Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Hot weather is officially here, folks, which means it’s time to roll up those sleeves and get to work.
Perhaps you’re hosting Christmas lunch this year, selling your house in 2026, or just want to tame that backyard jungle before summer.
Whatever the reason for your end-of-year working bee, don’t be fooled by TV gardening shows. A complete makeover takes time, money, and plenty of elbow grease, so make sure to invest in high-quality hand tools and a solid pair of gloves.
Not keen on filling up your shed with loads of expensive equipment? You can always hire the big-ticket extras as you need them.
More on this later, because while it’s tempting to jump straight into a flashy project, you’re better off decluttering first.
Start with a garden walkthrough. Collect anything out of place, group similar items, and throw out broken bits as you go.
You’ll probably be left with a pile of stray tools, seed packets and spare pots. Don’t just chuck them in the shed – first, pull everything (yes, everything) out and give the space a good clean.
There are three golden rules for reorganising storage: label everything, store heavy items down low, and keep what you use most within easy reach.
To finish, clear away dead plants and rake up leaf litter. Save space in your green bin by adding both to your compost pile.
Don’t forget to organise transport for bulky materials and end-of-job tip runs before you dive into landscaping.
Delivery can be expensive and tricky to arrange at the last minute, so if you don’t have access to a ute or trailer, you may need to hire one. Asset Construction Hire has plenty to choose from at their general hire branch in Fyshwick.
“Our little 1.7-tonne tipper truck is also pretty popular and can be driven with a standard car license,” general manager Hunter Cocks says.
“That’s just the tip of the iceberg. We have a tool to match any job you can think of.”
Hunter and the team work closely with local suppliers, so anything they don’t have on hand can be sourced quick-smart. Photo: Asset Construction Hire.
Right, it’s finally landscaping time! Mowing, mulching, and pruning should be at the top of your list.
Pair your push mower with an electric line trimmer and backpack blower to create crisp lawn edges without the messy driveway.
If you’re planning to mulch large areas, a little digger or dumper will see the task done in a fraction of the time.
Some pruning jobs can be done by hand, but if you need extra reach, consider an electric hedge trimmer or pole saw.
Remember, you can’t put branches in the green bin if they’re too long or thick. Hunter recommends breaking them down with a brush or wood chipper – Asset Construction Hire has both.
When it comes to in-depth lawn care, specialised machinery is a must. Pitchfork holes can do more harm than good to your grass, so if you want to loosen compacted soil, get yourself an aerator.
“We’ve got a hot summer ahead, so consider irrigating the lawn along with veggie beds and fruit trees,” Hunter says.
“This promotes stronger, more drought-resistant plants.
“If you’re starting a line or sprinkler system from scratch, you’ll save hours on the shovel with an irrigation trencher.”
Elevated work platforms, such as scissor, mast, and boom lifts, were the first pieces of equipment in Asset Construction Hire’s fleet. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Working at serious heights? Swap the dodgy ladder for a scissor, mast, or boom lift. These machines were Asset Construction Hire’s bread and butter long before they expanded to cater for DIYers, builders and tradies.
“If you’re working up high and aren’t sure what kind of equipment you need, give us a call,” Hunter says.
“We’ll even come out to inspect your site for free to make sure you get the right gear.”
DIY fencers, head over to the warehouse for earth augers, concrete mixers, and post drivers. Grab a pressure washer while you’re at it for the final once-over.
Your garden is almost ready for summer! Hunter just has one last piece of advice to give.
“Many hands really do make light work,” he says.
“Now is the best time to tick some jobs off your list, before the weather gets too hot. Why not phone a friend, put the radio on and make a day of it?”
Score a weekend rental from Asset Construction Hire for the cost of a single day – just pick up your gear on Friday afternoon and return it on Monday morning.
To find out more, visit Asset Construction Hire or drop in and see the team at 25 Cessnock Street, Fyshwick.
