6 Best Garden Rakes of 2024 (Tested and Ranked)
Whether you need to clear up autumn leaves, thatch your lawn to remove dead grass, or even put soil in your garden bed, a high-quality garden rake is a must for any homeowner. But finding the right garden rake for you depends on several factors, such as the intended use, your lawn size and location, your height, and more. You can expect to spend anywhere from $15–$75 on a garden rake, depending on the size and functionality.
To help you find the best garden rake for you, we personally tested several of the top models on the market. After our testing, the Fiskars 397940-1001 PRO Rake stood out as our top overall rake for gardens, while the Midwest 10036 Aluminum Landscape Rake is our top pick for fall cleanups. Read our guide below for more of our top garden rakes.
How We Rate Garden Rakes
When we tested garden rakes, we zeroed in on three key aspects of how it performed.
- Task Efficiency: Each rake performed the task it was designed for. We included leaf, shrub, and bow rakes in this review, so the leaf rakes raked leaves, the shrub rakes collected pine straw, and the bow rakes raked dirt.
- Tine Buildup: During our task efficiency tests, we counted the number of times we had to pause and clear the rake of leaves, pine straw, or debris.
- Ergonomics: After finishing our tests, we rated each rake based on its ease of use and comfort using a scale of 1–5. Extra features like adjustability and grip material, along with the handle’s length and the head’s width, factored into the ease of use score. The comfort score was based on how tired our arms and hands felt after performing each task.
Learn more about how we tested garden rakes based on these factors.
Compare Top Garden Rakes
| Product | Tines | Handle | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Metal |
Aluminum |
4.74 lbs |
$67.48 |
|
|
Metal |
Aluminum |
3.89 lbs |
$75.98 |
|
|
Steel |
Fiberglass |
2 lbs |
$44.99 |
|
|
Poly |
Steel |
1.55 lbs |
$29.99 |
|
|
Poly |
Fiberglass |
3.4 lbs |
$40.41 |
|
|
Steel |
Aluminum |
1.36 lbs |
$26.99 |
Our Top 6 Picks
Best Overall
Fiskars PRO Rake
This bow rake has short metal tines attached to its wide head. The head isn’t as wide as other bow rakes, making it best for smaller tasks around your yard, like leveling a small patch of sand or dirt.
Our Testing Experience
- Handle Length: 60 inches
- Tine Material: Metal
- Weight: 4.74 pounds
- Grip Material: Rubber
This rake received full points for task efficiency and tine buildup, but we deducted points from the ergonomics score because of its weight.
| Review Category | Score (Out of 10) |
| Task Efficiency | 10/10 |
| Tine Buildup | 10/10 |
| Ergonomics | 8/10 |
| Overall Rating | 9.5/10 |
- Did not collect any dirt in tines
- Came fully assembled
- Easy to use and has comfortable rubber grip
- Felt heavy in our hands
- Handle could be longer
Good for: Customers looking for a heavy-duty rake for leveling fine materials like dirt or sand.
Best Large Bow
Midwest Aluminum Landscape Rake
This bow rake has a wide head, making it best for large yards. It also has long, rounded teeth for smooth raking, a striking edge for grading, and a heavy-duty rib construction to maximize head stability.
Our Testing Experience
- Handle Length: 66 inches
- Tine Material: Metal
- Weight: 3.89 pounds
- Grip Material: Foam
This rake had a similar score to the first bow rake, receiving full points for task efficiency and tine buildup. However, it lost more points for ergonomics because it was wider and heavier than other rakes we tested.
| Review Category | Score (Out of10) |
| Task Efficiency | 9.8/10 |
| Tine Buildup | 10/10 |
| Ergonomics | 6/10 |
| Overall Rating | 9.4 |
- Worked efficiently on a large amount of dirt
- Was easy to handle
- Did not get any material stuck to tines
- Assembly was somewhat challenging
- Has too large of a head to fit into compact spaces
Good for: Customers with a large yard who need to remove or even out a large amount of material.
Best for Thatch
THE GROUNDSKEEPER II Green Rake
This rake features round and stiff steel tines that we found were useful for grabbing up large amounts of leaves, thatch, and pine needles. Its lightweight design is easy to maneuver, and its spring-loaded tines reduce the amount of pressure you have to use while raking, easing the tension on your arms and shoulders.
Our Testing Experience
- Handle Length: 55 inches
- Tine Material: Steel
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Grip Material: Plastic
This rake performed very well on thatching dead grass, and it grabbed a large amount of leaves and pine needles in our test yard. However, part of the assembly was difficult, and we had to stop frequently to remove leaves from the tines.
| Review Category | Score(Out of 10) |
| Task Efficiency | 9/10 |
| Tine Buildup | 5/10 |
| Ergonomics | 10/10 |
| Overall Rating | 9.3 |
- Easily removed large amounts of leaves and thatch
- Has durable steel tines that grab a lot of debris at once
- Tines are angled in a way that prevents you from needing to bend over or add extra force while raking
- Adding in the rivet while assembling the rake was difficult
- Material got stuck in the tines easily
Good for: Customers looking for a rake to help remove dead grass from their lawns.
Best Handle
ORIENTOOLS Garden Rake
This rake has an adjustable handle that’s between 42 and 60 inches long, allowing people of different heights to use this tool. It also has a rubber grip on the end to prevent slipping during use.
Our Testing Experience
- Handle Length: 42–66 inches (adjustable)
- Tine Material: Poly
- Weight: 1.55 pounds
- Grip Material: Rubber
This rake was comfortable to use, but it had issues with materials getting stuck in its tines.
| Review Category | Score(Out of 10) |
| Task Efficiency | 9.5/10 |
| Tine Buildup | 7/10 |
| Ergonomics | 10/10 |
| Overall Rating | 9.4/10 |
- Easily handled large lawn material
- Has grooves on the handle for a comfortable grip
- Handle is adjustable based on your height
- Material occasionally got stuck to tines
- Is not as heavy-duty as some other models
Good for: Those looking for an adjustable rake for clearing leaves and other material.
Best for Large Trees
Bully Tools Leaf Rake
The tines on this rake fan out in a circular shape instead of a triangular one, giving it more width. Its tines also make the rake efficient at collecting large amounts of leaves. Additionally, the rake has a reinforced fiberglass handle with triple-wall construction for durability, includes double-sided support ridges on the tines to prevent breakage, and features a 90-degree angle design on the tines for greater efficiency.
Our Testing Experience
- Handle Length: 50 inches
- Tine Material: Poly
- Weight: 3.4 pounds
- Grip Material: Foam
This rake received full points for task efficiency, but we deducted some points for the remaining two metrics because of the pine straw buildup and the rake’s head width.
| Review Category | Score (Out of 10) |
| Task Efficiency | 10/10 |
| Tine Buildup | 6/10 |
| Ergonomics | 8/10 |
| Overall Rating | 9.3 |
- Has a durable, heavy-duty design
- Has a wide head that can grab a large amount of leaves at once
- Features a thick comfortable handle
- Assembly was difficult and required extra force to get the pieces to fit
- Pine straw got stuck frequently in the tines during our testing
Good for: Those looking for a rake to assist with fall cleanup in an area with a lot of broad-leaf trees.
Best Adjustability
Jardineer Adjustable Garden Rake
This rake’s head is adjustable, allowing you to use it as a shrub rake in tighter spaces around plants or shrubs. You can also use this rake as a leaf rake for larger spaces like those around trees where large amounts of leaves collect.
Our Testing Experience
- Handle Size: 32–63 inches (adjustable)
- Tine Material: Steel
- Weight: 1.36 pounds
- Grip Material: Rubber
This rake was easy to use, so we gave it full points for ergonomics, but it lost points in the other two categories because of its bendable and buildup-prone tines.
| Review Category | Score (Out of 10) |
| Task Efficiency | 7/10 |
| Tine Buildup | 5/10 |
| Ergonomics | 10/10 |
| Overall Rating | 9.0 |
- Arrives fully assembled
- Adjustable head helps it fit into tight spaces like underneath a porch
- Has a lightweight design that is easy to handle
- Tines bent under too much pressure when grabbing large debris
- Debris got stuck in tines too quickly
Good for: Homeowners who need the flexibility to fit a rake head in both large and compact areas.
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How We Tested Garden Rakes
Garden rakes need to be efficient, durable, and comfortable. When we tested these rakes, regardless of whether they were leaf, shrub, or bow rakes, we noted how efficiently they pulled in a large amount of debris and how much material got stuck in the tines, which can slow the process down.
However, it’s important to look beyond standard performance and also examine how easy it is to use a rake. Raking can be an exhausting task, especially if you have a large lawn or garden area, so a high-quality rake should work with you to rake the leaves instead of adding resistance. We examined how well these rakes felt when working by examining their height, grip, adjustability, and tine angle. We also took note of how easy each rake was to set up and how well it held up to continuous use in our lawns and gardens.
Buying Guide for Garden Rakes
Before buying a garden rake, there are several important factors you should consider. Start out by figuring out the type of rake that works best for your specific needs. From there, examine the material to see if it will be comfortable to use and durable. You should also make note of the size of the rake, both in height and width, and consider the size of your yard to find a rake that matches.
Type
Five common types of rakes exist: lawn/leaf rakes, shrub rakes, bow rakes, thatch rakes, and hand rakes.
Lawn/Leaf
Lawn rakes are typically used to clear your yard of leaves, but they can also be used for clearing other debris like pine straw. They have a long handle for a wide reach, and their metal or plastic tines fan out in a triangular shape.
Shrub
Shrub rakes are similar to lawn rakes, but they have a narrower head that can fit in tighter spaces, such as around bushes and along fences.
Bow
Bow rakes are used for heavy-duty tasks like leveling dirt and sand. They have straight and wide heads with short tines. The tines point straight down and are made of thick metal.
Thatch
This type of rake removes the layer of organic material between your lawn and the soil’s surface, also known as thatch. Dethatching rakes have sharp metal tines or blades that can be used to break up thatch.
The video below shows This Old House landscaping contractor Roger Cook demonstrating how to de-thatch a lawn using a rake designed for the task.
Hand
A hand rake is a smaller version of a shrub or bow rake. It has a shorter handle and fewer tines, and it’s designed for use around smaller plants like vegetables and flowers. Its short handle gives you ultimate control of where the tines touch.
Material
Rakes are typically made of metal, plastic, wood, or fiberglass. The materials used for the rake handle and tines can be the same or different.
Handle
In general, rake handles are made of metal, wood, plastic, or fiberglass. Hardwood handles can last for years if you sand them to prevent splinters and apply oil to repel debris, but they’re heavier than other handles and can rot or warp if not properly maintained. Metal handles are also durable as long as they have a rust-resistant coating. Plastic and fiberglass handles are the most lightweight options, but fiberglass can crack if left in the sun, and plastic can bend under pressure.
Tines
Most tines are made of metal or plastic. Metal tines are more durable, but they’re heavier and tend to make garden rakes more expensive. Rakes with plastic tines aren’t as durable as metal rakes, but they’re more affordable and lightweight. Occasionally, you’ll find tines made of resin that give you the durability of metal and the flexibility of plastic.
Head Width
A rake’s head width refers to how far the tines on the rake fan out. Rakes with a wider head are good for clearing a lot of material at once, but if you’re doing more detailed work around plants, a rake with a smaller head may be a better option.
Weight
Rakes can weigh less than one pound or more than four. Their weight depends on their size and the materials used in their construction. Lighter rakes are good for tasks like raking dry leaves, while heavier rakes are good for heavy-duty tasks like moving dirt or leveling sand.
If you’re looking for a versatile rake, consider one that weighs 2 or 3 pounds. Not only does this allow you to complete a variety of tasks, but it also prevents your arms from getting tired during use.
Yard Size
Consider your yard size before buying a garden rake. If you have a large yard with a lot of trees and garden beds, consider an all-purpose rake like a lawn rake or shrub rake. If you want to prepare gardening beds, you may want a specialized rake like a hand or thatch rake.
Tips for Raking Your Lawn Effectively
Having a quality rake is one thing, but there are also steps you can take to ensure you’re getting the most out of your trusty outdoor yard tool. Here are some tips to keep in mind when using a garden rake.
Rake in the Right Season
While fall is the most common time for raking, it’s important to rake throughout the year. Regularly raking in spring and summer prevents debris from smothering your grass. Raking before winter helps prevent mold growth from matted leaves.
Rake in the Right Direction
Always rake in the same direction as the grass grows. This reduces the risk of uprooting or damaging the grass blades, especially if you have a delicate or recently seeded lawn. By raking with the grain, you ensure a more even collection of leaves and debris.
Use Proper Technique
Maintain good posture while raking to avoid back strain. Bend your knees slightly, keep your back straight, and use a sweeping motion rather than pulling with just your arms. This will reduce fatigue and allow you to rake more effectively.
Rake Frequently
Instead of letting leaves and debris build-up, rake more frequently to make the task more manageable. Frequent raking reduces the amount of labor involved and can help prevent your leaves from becoming compacted or moldy, which can harm grass and soil.
Consider Composting
Instead of bagging up all the leaves, consider adding them to a compost pile. Leaves break down into nutrient-rich material that can be used to enrich your soil in future gardening projects. Shred them first for faster decomposition.
The Bottom Line: Our Top Garden Rake Picks
Garden rakes keep your lawn and garden tidy. In this review, we examined several types of garden rakes and put them through a variety of tests to see how they performed and felt. Here are our top picks among the models we tested.
- Best Overall: Fiskars PRO Rake
- Best Large Bow: Midwest Aluminum Landscape Rake
- Best for Thatch: THE GROUNDSKEEPER II Green Rake
- Best Handle: ORIENTOOLS Garden Rake
- Best for Large Trees: Bully Tools Poly Leaf Rake
- Best Adjustability: Jardineer Adjustable Garden Rake
Garden Rake FAQs
Below are some common frequently asked questions about garden rakes.
Where should I store my rake when it’s not in use?
Storing your rake in a garage or shed keeps it protected from the elements. This increases the lifespan of your garden tool, as it prevents sunlight from cracking fiberglass handles and moisture from rusting metal handles and warping wooden handles.
Should I rake leaves when they’re wet or dry?
You should rake leaves when they’re dry. Dry leaves are lighter, making them easier to handle, and are less likely to stick together, decreasing your chances of tine buildup. Raking wet leaves can also break your rake, as it’s designed for lighter material.
What happens if I don’t rake my leaves?
There are a few potential consequences if you don’t clean up leaves and pine needles in your yard:
- Fungus growth: Fungus grows in humid and cool conditions, which normally occur in the fall months when your leaves are on the ground. Fungus will start to grow in the leaves, infecting your lawn and creating yellow, white, or brown spots in the grass.
- Flooding: A layer of leaves can prevent excess water from draining, which can cause your grass to become waterlogged and cause flooding in your home.
- Pest attraction: A pile of leaves is a good place for bugs to hide and stay warm as temperatures drop. These bugs can eat away at your lawn, affecting its appearance and overall health.