It’s clearing season in much of the United States, and nothing beats a good rake to get this chore done with minimal noise, air pollution, and cost. Raking also counts as exercise. But not all rakes are created equal. “Different rakes serve different purposes, and some perform unique tasks,” says Kim Roman, who runs Square Foot Gardening 4 U, a company that teaches vegetable gardening methods in small spaces.
To remove leaves from a lawn, for example, you need a lawn rake, which has long, thin, flexible tines spread out in a fan shape, Roman says. A bow rake, which has short, sturdy tines in a straight line, works for removing weeds, leveling the ground or spreading mulch. Adjustable lawn rakes can be made narrow to get under bushes. There are also potato hoes that can be used as rakes, landscape rakes, and even functional kiddie rakes for your favorite little helpers.
Once settled on a type of rake, test the weight of a few options. “You are moving heavy objects. There’s no reason the rake should be too heavy,” says Daryl Beyers, author of “The New Gardener’s Handbook.” Beyers prefers rakes with fiberglass or wooden handles for their durability. Aluminum handles are lightweight but might not last as long, he says. Avoid plastic rakes. “They are usually not of good quality and can break easily,” says Roman. And don’t worry about ergonomic handles or anything “extra”. It’s easy enough to add foam insulation around the handle for added comfort, an idea Roman borrowed from his friend Toni Gattone, a master gardener.
We asked Roman, Beyers and Coleman Cosby, owner of Coleman Cosby Landscape Design and project manager of online landscape design company Yardzen, to share their favorite rakes for any job. Here are their picks.
