Ergonomic Gardening: When to Go Easy on Your Body and Let the Pros Help

April 27, 2023

Gardening is a rewarding hobby that gets you outside and brings beauty to your home. But if you’ve ever ended a session with sore wrists or a stiff back, you know that tending to your yard isn’t always easy on the body. The solution is ergonomic gardening, and when needed, professional landscape maintenance. 

No matter the size or scope of your gardening project, it’s important to listen to your body and set realistic expectations. With the right techniques and tools, gardening can stay a source of joy, not pain.

Move with Intention

One of the most common causes of gardening-related injuries is repetitive strain. To prevent discomfort or long-term issues, vary your activities throughout the day and take regular breaks. If your fingers start to tingle, or your wrists or shoulders begin to ache, that’s a signal to stop and switch to another task or rest altogether.

Your posture matters, too. Try to avoid bending from the waist or twisting awkwardly to reach something. Instead, bend at the knees and lift with your legs, not your back. Using kneeling pads or a portable garden stool can help reduce pressure on joints and make tasks like weeding or planting more comfortable.

Invest in Ergonomic Tools

Modern gardening tools come in a wide range of ergonomic designs made to reduce stress on the body. Tools such as curved-handle pruners and long-handled weeders are especially useful for those with arthritis or limited mobility. There are even specialty options for left-handed gardeners, so you’re not stuck adapting tools that weren’t designed for your dominant hand.

During colder months or early spring, try gardening during the warmest part of the day. Cold temperatures can reduce joint flexibility and aggravate conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. Wearing wrist braces, using full-hand grips, and avoiding pushing or pounding with your hands can also go a long way in preventing discomfort.

Save Time and Energy with Smart Watering

Work smarter with irrigation management! Dragging hoses around the yard, setting up sprinklers, and hand-watering every flowerbed takes a toll on your body over time. Automated systems like drip irrigation and smart programmable sprinklers not only keep your plants hydrated more efficiently, but also reduce the physical strain of watering your landscape by hand. With these systems, you can spend less time hauling equipment and more time enjoying your yard.

Know When It’s Time to Ask for Help

Even the most dedicated gardener can benefit from a little support. If routine yard work such as weeding and mowing or seasonal planting have become too difficult or time-consuming, professional commercial and residential landscape maintenance can help you keep your landscape looking its best without the physical burden falling entirely on you.

At Lindgren Landscape, we’re here to help homeowners in Northern Colorado enjoy beautiful outdoor spaces, whether that means a full-service plan or a little extra help where it’s needed most. Contact us today to learn how our landscape maintenance services can support your garden and your body, season after season.