Buying guide for best landscape rakes
A rake is a must-have garden tool, and there are a wide variety available. In addition to the traditional leaf rake, a landscape rake is a vital piece of equipment you can use to keep your yard looking green and pristine.
At its most basic, a landscape rake is used to level out large areas of dirt, mulch, gravel, and other yard materials. It is handy for grading the soil before planting and vital for cleaning up branches and other debris after a storm.
The right landscape rake for you depends largely on the size of your yard and the tasks you intend to perform. In this buying guide, we discuss the various features offered by landscape rakes, how they differ from traditional rakes, and how much you can expect to pay for a good one. To take the hassle out of shopping, we also provide an up-close look at several of our favorite landscape rakes for your consideration.
Key considerations
Durability
Durability matters in a landscape rake because you will probably use it to move heavy matter like dirt and rock. The head of a landscape rake is usually made of steel or aluminum. While steel is stronger, it is also heavier, which can tire you out faster. Aluminum is strong enough for the average gardener and is much lighter than steel.
The durability of the handle matters, too. Aluminum and wood handles tend to be more durable than fiberglass handles, though all three are good materials. Some landscape rakes also include bracing, which adds strength to the head and can increase the durability and longevity of the rake.
Assembly
Given its large, unwieldy nature, chances are your landscape rake will not ship fully assembled. Any assembly you need to do will probably be light, however, requiring only that you attach the head to the handle. (Note: some rakes also require you to attach braces.)
Did you know?
While closely spaced tines are ideal for raking fine materials like pebbles, the trade-off is that the rake might not work as effectively with weeds and sod.
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Features
Head
The head is where the business happens with a rake. Heads are typically made of aluminum or steel and feature tines, or teeth, on one side for grading. The other side is typically flat for grading, although some rakes include a leveling blade on the back for even finer leveling.
When choosing a landscape rake, note the width of the head. Landscape rake heads range from under 8 inches to 46 inches or more. The wider it is, the more ground you can cover at once, which can cut your work time down. However, a rake head that is too wide can make it difficult for you to access tight spots and fine-tune your actions.
Tines
The nature of the tines, or teeth, of a landscape rake determines what materials you can move with it. Some teeth are close together, allowing you to whisk away fine matter. Some teeth are long, allowing you to plunge deep into the dirt. Rounded tines tend to gouge less than pointed tines. The number of tines will vary, depending largely on the size of the rake head.
Tines are usually made from steel or aluminum and should be rugged and resistant to rust and corrosion.
Braces
While not available on all rakes, bracing can add considerable durability to the head. Some bracing runs from head to handle, while stronger bracing wraps around the handle.
Handle
Landscape rake handles can be made from a range of materials including wood, fiberglass, and aluminum.
Wood: Wooden handles are strong, but they add significantly to the price of a landscape rake. They can also be on the heavy side.
Fiberglass: Extremely lightweight, fiberglass can be a big plus if you use your landscape rake frequently. Of all handle materials, however, fiberglass is probably the least durable.
Aluminum: While pricey, aluminum is strong and lightweight, making it a popular handle choice.
Handle length may be a big consideration, depending on who will be using the rake. Some landscape rakes have a very long handle of 72 inches or more. Taller users tend to appreciate this more than shorter users.
Take note of any grips on the rake as well. An ergonomic nonslip grip can be a real boon if you spend hours using the rake. Mid-grips are also available with some landscape rakes, which can provide you with finer control and more power while working.
Did you know?
Landscape rakes are known by a variety of other names, including beach rakes, gravel rakes, and grading or leveling rakes.
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Landscape rake prices
Landscape rakes range in price from $30 to $100 or more, with drag-behind rakes costing hundreds of dollars. The average handheld landscape rake costs between $45 and $60.
Inexpensive: In the $30 to $40 range, you will find lower-quality landscape rakes. The head may be narrow, and the rake may consist of less-durable materials, such as a fiberglass handle. These rakes are best for those with minimal landscaping needs.
Mid-range: As the price rises to the $45 to $60 range, quality and size also increase. These landscape rakes feature a sturdier handle and more tines, and they often include bracing for improved strength. For the homeowner with moderate landscaping needs, a rake in this price range is a solid bet.
Expensive: Between $60 and $100, you will find the largest landscape rakes. These rakes are strong and long with a comfortable handle and durable grip. Often geared toward professional landscapers, a product like this may come with a lifetime warranty.
Did you know?
A landscape rake differs from a thatching rake, which has both curved and straight tines that can be used to remove dead grass from a lawn.
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Tips
- Long tines dig deep. To delve deep into soil and gravel piles, opt for a landscape rake that features long tines.
- A good rake grip makes work more comfortable. While landscape rake grips can be made from a variety of materials, consider one made of rubber or silicone. Both of these materials are more comfortable than plastic and will hold up better over time.
- Landscape rakes are great for small to medium areas. If you have a garden tractor and a larger area to maintain, consider picking up a landscape drag (a drag-behind landscape rake) that attaches to the back of the tractor.
- A few landscape rakes come with a float attachment. A float is an effective way to use your rake to remove vegetation and algae from the surface of ponds and other water bodies. Note that floats are not commonly included. If this is an accessory you want, contact the seller or manufacturer and ask if they sell floats separately.
- Landscape rakes can sometimes be purchased in bulk. If you’re purchasing landscape rakes for a company or organization, target sellers or manufacturers who sell these rakes in multipacks to save a few dollars.
FAQ
Q. What’s the difference between a leaf rake and a landscape rake?
A. Landscape rakes generally have metal tines and a rugged build. The tines of leaf rakes are more often made of wood or plastic. The difference in material reflects the different jobs for which the two rakes are designed.
The metal tines of a landscape rake are suitable for work with dirt, gravel, and similar materials. The wood or plastic tines of a leaf rake are suitable for use with lighter materials such as leaves, and the flexibility is a plus when you’re raking around bushes or other plants you don’t want to damage.
Q. Do I need to clean my landscape rake?
A. Yes. Hose off dirt and other debris when you are finished using it. For stubborn materials, use a damp cloth to wipe the tines clean. Thoroughly dry your landscape rake and store it in a cool area in a shed or garage.
Q. Does a landscape rake fold up or otherwise break down for easy transport or storage?
A. While you may find one or two landscape rakes that fold or break down, most do not. Some manufacturers design landscape rakes with a removable head, which can make it easier to store or stash in a vehicle. However, a removable head is generally not a feature of landscape rakes, and we’d like to point out that using one with a removable head can become tedious, especially if you travel frequently with the rake.
