Essential STIHL Tools for Winter Garden Maintenance

Late winter often feels like a pause between seasons. The bold growth of summer is a distant memory, yet the surge of spring is still just out of sight. But this in-between moment is far from quiet. It’s a valuable window for restoring order after harsh weather, tackling storm damage, and shaping trees and hedges before new growth begins. With a little forward planning, the work done now lays the foundation for a healthier, more resilient garden in the months ahead.

Having the right equipment makes all the difference. Reliable, well-designed tools allow you to work efficiently and safely, even in cold, damp conditions. That’s where STIHL comes into its own. Known for high-quality engineering and dependable performance, STIHL tools are built to handle demanding tasks, whatever the weather outside.

Here, we take a look at five essential STIHL tools for late winter garden maintenance, and why each one deserves a place in your shed.

Blowers and Garden Vacuums: Clearing the Way for Spring

By late winter, leaves have often been left to settle into corners of patios, alongside fences and across driveways. Add to that twigs, bark, and general organic debris from winter winds, and you’re left with slippery, untidy surfaces that can quickly become a breeding ground for moss and algae.

Clearing this debris is more than just a cosmetic job. Damp leaves trap moisture against paving and timber decking, increasing the risk of staining, rot and frost damage, while also creating slippery surfaces that can be hazardous underfoot on cold mornings. And it’s not just hard landscaping that suffers. Leaves left sitting on lawns can smother the grass, blocking light and airflow, encouraging moss, and leaving behind yellow patches that take weeks to recover once spring arrives. A thorough clear-out now protects your garden surfaces, supports healthier turf, and makes the whole space safer and more inviting as the days begin to lengthen.

A quality blower or garden vacuum allows you to tackle this efficiently. Instead of raking endlessly or sweeping damp material that clings stubbornly to the ground, you can shift and collect debris quickly and with far less effort.

STIHL SHA 56 Cordless Handheld Leaf Blower & Vacuum Shredder (Shell Only)

This versatile STIHL cordless blower and vacuum shredder is the perfect tool for the job. Lightweight at 4.2kg (without battery) but with an impressive 8N blowing force, it quickly blows leaves and debris into piles before vacuuming and shredding them with a durable metal blade, reducing waste for composting or disposal. It features variable speed control, an adjustable blower tube, ergonomic handle and padded shoulder strap for comfortable use, plus a generous 40-litre collection bag with easy-empty zip. Backed by a 2-year domestic warranty, this shell-only model requires a separately purchased STIHL AK battery and charger to operate.

Find out more about the STIHL SHA 56 Cordless Handheld Leaf Blower & Vacuum Shredder here.

Chainsaws: Managing Fallen Timber and Cutting Firewood

Winter storms rarely leave gardens untouched. Fallen branches, split limbs and wind-damaged trees are common sights once the worst weather has passed. Leaving this timber lying around is not just unsightly; it can create trip hazards and obstruct access to lawns and pathways.

Late winter is also a time when many homes use a lot of firewood. Cutting larger logs into more manageable pieces makes for a much better fire, particularly if your wood burning stove is relatively compact in size.

A reliable chainsaw is indispensable for both of these tasks. Modern cordless models offer impressive cutting performance without the noise and emissions of traditional petrol machines. They are often lighter and easier to handle, making them very well suited to domestic users who want professional results with minimal fuss.

STIHL MSA 60 C-B Cordless Chainsaw (Shell Only)

Ideal for domestic firewood cutting and general garden maintenance, the STIHL MSA 60 C-B is a lightweight, battery powered chainsaw weighing just 2.5kg (without battery). Fitted with a 30cm (12″) bar, it delivers strong cutting performance thanks to its ¼” P PM3 chain and efficient EC motor. Features include infinitely variable speed control, STIHL’s tool-free quick chain tensioning system, and the quick-stop super chain brake for added safety. A soft-grip rear handle and ergonomic front handle ensure comfortable two-handed use, while the transparent oil tank allows easy checks. A 2-year warranty for domestic users gives you added peace of mind when you purchase.

Discover more about this cordless chainsaw here.

Water Pumps: Responding to Flooded Ground

Persistent rain is a familiar feature of the British winter, and prolonged downpours can leave gardens waterlogged. When left unchecked, this water can saturate lawns and create long-term drainage problems. Of course, in some areas of the country, the consequences of heavy rainfall are even more severe, resulting in flooded properties, seriously damaged structures, and major upheaval.

While improving drainage and building effective flood defences are both longer-term projects, removing excess water quickly can mitigate some immediate damage. A water pump gives you the means to act decisively, moving large volumes of water away from vulnerable areas and restoring access to affected parts of the garden.

STIHL WP 300 Petrol Water Pump

A high-performance petrol water pump, the STIHL WP300 is powered by a 212cc STIHL EHC 605 4-stroke engine. Producing 4.4kW (6hp), it delivers an impressive flow rate of up to 615 litres per minute, with a total head of 33m and suction lift of 7m. This self-priming dirty water pump features 2-inch hose connections, a robust protective frame, and integral suction basket to guard against debris. Anti-vibration dampeners and a low oil protection sensor enhance durability and reliability. Supplied with a 2-year domestic warranty, the STIHL WP300 is the ideal water pump for both domestic and light commercial use.

Learn more about this dirty water pump here.

Pole Pruners: Winter Pruning with High Precision

Late winter is widely regarded as one of the best times to prune many deciduous trees and shrubs. As the plant is dormant, pruning will cause less of a shock to its system, helping it conserve energy and focus on recovery. And with leaves gone, the structure of the plant is clearly visible, making it easier to shape and remove unwanted growth. Pruning at this stage encourages healthy new shoots in spring and can improve airflow and light penetration through the canopy.

The challenge, of course, is access. Reaching high branches safely is not something to approach casually, especially in hazardous winter weather. Balancing on ladders in cold, damp conditions increases the risk of slips and falls. That’s when a pole pruner comes into its own, allowing you to work from ground level while still achieving clean, accurate cuts at height.

STIHL HTA 50 Cordless Pole Pruner (Shell Only)

With a total length of 280cm but weighing just 3.6 kg (excluding battery), the STIHL HTA 50 is the perfect tool for pruning and removing small branches. Fitted with a 25cm (10″) guide bar and STIHL’s low-kickback Picco Micro 3 (PM3) saw chain, this pole pruner delivers efficient, high-quality cutting with reduced vibrations and noise. The included branch hook is ideal for pulling down cuttings, making tidying up quick and easy. It also features an ergonomic handle suitable for left- or right-handed use, and a self-resetting locking lever for safer operation. To assist with transport and storage, the shaft detaches via a clamp coupling.

Find out more about this battery powered pole pruner here.

Hedge Trimmers: Restoring Shape and Structure

Deciduous hedges tend to look their worst by late winter. Months of exposure to wind, rain and frost can leave them uneven and straggly. Storms may have torn sections loose, and without leaves to soften their outline, any irregularities are much more obvious.

Trimming hedges at this point helps restore structure before the growing season begins. It encourages dense, tidy regrowth and ensures boundaries look sharp and well cared for once new leaves appear. It’s also a practical time to deal with wind damage, removing broken or weakened stems before they cause problems.

A modern battery hedge trimmer offers both convenience and control. With no trailing cable and no need to mix fuel, you can move freely along fences and around garden features, purely focusing on achieving a clean, even finish.

STIHL HSA 60 Battery Hedge Trimmer (Kit)

This lightweight cordless hedge trimmer is powered by a highly efficient, low-maintenance electric motor. It is fitted with double-sided, laser-cut blades with a patented tear-drop design for ultra-precise cutting. A rotating rear handle and loop front handle provide comfortable, intuitive control for both left- and right-handed users. Anti-vibration technology enhances comfort, while a tip protector allows safe trimming near walls and fences. With up to 70 minutes’ runtime on a single charge, plus a scabbard and hanging loop for easy storage, the HSA60 is ideal for domestic hedge maintenance. And as this is the kit version, an AK 10 battery and AL 101 charger are included in the price.

Discover more about the STIHL HSA 60 Battery Hedge Trimmer here.

Prepare for Spring with STIHL Tools

Late winter is your opportunity to take control of the garden before the rush of spring growth begins. By clearing debris, managing storm damage, improving drainage and restoring structure to trees and hedges, you’re not just tidying up — you’re investing in the health and appearance of your garden for the year ahead. With dependable, well-engineered equipment, these tasks become far more straightforward and satisfying to complete.

Garden Machinery Direct is an authorised STIHL dealer and one of the UK’s leading suppliers of STIHL tools. Explore the full range at our dedicated STIHL shop, where you’ll find reliable equipment to help you step into the new season fully prepared.