Buying Guides

Snow removal really comes down to five jobs: moving snow, spreading material, choosing what to melt it with, breaking up ice that bonds to the pavement, and marking edges before they disappear. This guide walks you through each one. You’ll learn when a pusher beats a shovel, how to match a salt spreader to the property and to the material in the hopper, and why rock salt stops working below 15°F. You’ll also find out which scrapers, roof rakes, and reflective stakes are worth having on hand before the first storm. Each section ends with a clear recommendation for homeowners, grounds crews, and snow contractors.

The right sprayer depends on how much ground you're covering and how often. A homeowner treating a few beds and a crew spraying five acres need completely different equipment. This guide compares sprayers by capacity and application scale — handheld through trailer-mounted — so you can match the tool to the job.

Every landscaper knows the frustration of doing a job at the wrong time, using the wrong product, or buying gear that isn't quite right for the situation. This guide is built to fix that. It covers the full year of outdoor work, from lawns and garden beds to trees, weeds, watering, and winter cleanup, with straightforward advice on what to use and when to use it based on where you live and what season it is. Just pick your zone and the current season, and the guide narrows down to exactly what applies to you.

Choosing the right shade fabric comes down to more than just blocking sunlight — the difference between tape yarn and monofilament yarn, and between woven and knitted construction, affects everything from UV resistance and airflow to how the fabric holds up in high winds or after a puncture. This buyer's guide breaks down how each type is made, compares strength, shade percentage, and lifespan side by side, and answers the questions customers ask most, like why HDPE knit often outperforms polypropylene woven material and what "mono-mono" actually means. Read the full guide to find the right fit for crop cover, animal shade, privacy screening, or containment needs.

Wheelbarrow capacity is measured in cubic feet, but the number that actually limits you is the weight rating. Fill a 6 cu ft tray with wet soil or gravel and you'll hit 500 pounds before the tray looks half full. Fill the same tray with mulch and you'll push it all day. Start with what you're hauling.

Four things determine the right fit: capacity, tray material, tire type, and wheel configuration.

Cubic feet tells you how much volume the tray holds. Weight capacity tells you how much it can actually carry. For dense materials, the weight limit is what matters first.

6 cu ft is the workhorse size for most day-to-day work. It clears standard gates, fits in truck beds, and stays controllable on slopes with a full load. For mulch, soil, plantings, and general cleanup, it handles the job.

7 cu ft is a mid-size option available in select non-Leonard models in AML's catalog. A good fit if 6 cu ft feels limiting but you don't need the full jump to 8.

8 cu ft

The right rake for the job depends on three things: what you're moving, how much of it there is, and what condition you want the surface in when you're done. Match the wrong head to the job and you're either redoing the work or wearing out the tool — and the crew — faster than necessary.

This guide covers the main rake types professionals reach for and when each one earns its place on the truck. Use the decision table below to find your starting point, then read the relevant section for specs and product guidance.

Use this table as a starting point. The sections below cover each type in more detail.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a strategic approach to managing pests that emphasizes prevention, careful monitoring, and targeted interventions. Core principles of IPM include regularly scouting for pests, correctly identifying them, understanding their life cycle and why they are present, and implementing preventative measures to minimize future issues. When treatment is necessary, it involves developing an informed plan for eradication, using chemicals only when justified, and always adhering to the manufacturer's label guidelines.

Choosing the right coated work gloves is essential for optimal performance and protection on the job. A.M. Leonard offers a variety of high-quality options from brands like Atlas, Mud, Kinco, and Maxiflex, tailored to specific tasks and needs. Nitrile gloves provide durability, oil resistance, and superior puncture protection, making them ideal for demanding tasks. Latex gloves offer excellent elasticity, tear resistance, and cold-weather flexibility but may cause allergies and perform poorly with solvents. Polyurethane (PU) gloves deliver lightweight breathability, exceptional dexterity, and grip, making them perfect for precision work and warm conditions. A comprehensive comparison in the Coated Gloves Buying Guide helps ensure you select the best gloves for your specific requirements.

Navigate A.M. Leonard’s stock of pre-emergent, post-emergent and specialty weed control products. Learn more about active ingredients, uses, forms, and more. Find the perfect product to prevent, control, and eliminate troublesome weeds from your property.

Fungi and plant diseases threaten various sectors of the horticultural industry, impacting nurseries, greenhouses, homeowners, landscapers, and professionals alike by causing significant losses in time, labor, and money. To address these challenges, A.M. Leonard offers a comprehensive guide for managing plant diseases and fungi, including a matrix linking specific diseases to effective treatments, along with details on active ingredients and application methods. Following strong Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices—such as regular scouting, pest identification, understanding life cycles, and developing treatment plans—is crucial. The guide also includes regional treatment recommendations and advises consulting local extension services for tailored advice.