Autumn Colors Come With Major Leaf Clean-up. Made in America Lawn Care Tools Make It Easy.

Summer heat is dying down, so it's time to get out there and refresh your lawn ahead of the fall season.

Earlier this year, we published an article talking about Made in America lawn mowers. There's a lot of great options in the article, and we highly suggest you check it out! Lawn mowers aren't the only item needed for lawn and garden maintenance, though. We thought we'd put together a list of more lawn and garden care essentials for you as early fall approaches.

Shovels, Rakes and More!

As summer turns into autumn, leaves will start to fall, making a rake essential. Luckily, Bully Tools has you covered. Based in Steubenville, Ohio, Bully Tools proudly makes 100% of their products in the United States. It's not only rakes, either - you'll find tools like shovels, hoes and root cutters among other things. And, an added bonus, Bully Tools also makes tools for snow clean-up, so you can rely on them all year round.

Hoses

There's nothing quite like hose water. The taste may be satisfying, but it's not a good idea to drink out of most hoses. One of the reasons for this is that many hoses are made out of chemicals that can leak into the water. Not this hose from Eley. Specifically marked as "drinking water safe," the Eley hose is made of polyurethane, making it durable and safer than other hoses on the market. The brass fittings and rubber gaskets are also designed with drinking in mind. Even during fall, watering is essential, so be sure to keep that lawn healthy with this Eley hose! Keep in mind, though: while this hose is made in the USA, other products from Eley are not. And we have to mention that if you're going to drink water from this hose, please be careful and store it properly!

Plastic Watering Cans and Planters

Perhaps the most basic of garden care essentials is a watering can to keep your flowers healthy. The plastic watering cans from Root & Vessel are our recommendation. With lots of colors and styles to choose from, the whole family will have fun hydrating those plants. (My personal favorite option is this watering can shaped like a gnome.) Your plants will need a place to grow, too. You're in luck: Root & Vessel also sells a variety of plastic planters that are Made in the USA for all sizes of plants! Although everything on the Made in USA section of their site is made in Lancaster, Penn., other products may not be, so remember to check labels!

Bird Feeders

As birds prepare to make their migratory flights this fall, they need to have a good food source. You can help support your local ecosystem with these bird feeders from Duncraft. Duncraft is a family-run business that has been manufacturing their products in Concord, N.H., since 1952! It sells an array of different types of bird feeders for whatever needs you may have. You'll be able to find classic designs as well as squirrel-proof feeders, feeders specifically for blue birds, and more. These bird feeders can be helpful year-round (winter is actually the time when birds need bird feeders the most!) There's no better option to help turn your yard into a bird haven! (When you're shopping on Duncraft's website, be sure to stick to Duncraft exclusives and check product descriptions. The website sells third-party products that aren't made in the USA as well.)

The Alliance for American Manufacturing does not receive a commission from purchases made through the above links, nor was the organization or author paid for favorable coverage.

Labeling Note: This story is intended to highlight companies that support American jobs and that make great products in the United States. We rely on the companies listed to provide accurate information regarding their domestic operations and their products. Each company featured is individually responsible for labeling and advertising their products according to applicable standards, such as the Federal Trade Commission's "Made in USA" standard or California's "Made in USA" labeling law. We do not review individual products for compliance or claim that because a company is listed in the guide that their products comply with specific labeling or advertising standards. Our focus is on supporting companies that create American jobs.

For more on the Federal Trade Commission's standards for "Made in USA" claims and California's "Made in USA" labeling law, please also read this guest post by Dustin Painter and Kristi Wolff of Kelly Drye & Warren, LLP.