These Leaf Rakes Make Fall Clean-Ups Smooth and Simple

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Lawn care is therapeutic for some and a real pain for others, but either way—it has to get done. If those wet leaves freeze over come winter, you’ll be left with a slippery, tough-to-remove mess that you won’t be able to address until spring. A leaf blower can quickly remove debris from your yard but another tried and true option is a leaf rake.

Leaf rakes are simple tools that haven’t much changed over time but their minor improvements in design and materials can make a big difference when it comes time to pile up and dispose of debris. A good leaf rake can help you finish this job quickly and ideally with minimal back strain. Even if you have a fancy mower, a leaf rake will do smaller tasks fast and deserves a spot in your lawn care arsenal.

Best Leaf Rakes

• Best Overall: Truper 30480 Steel Leaf Rake

• Best Budget: Ames Companies Poly Leaf Rake

• Best Reinforced: Bully Tools Lawn / Leaf Rake with Fiberglass Handle

• Best Wide Head: True Temper Poly Leaf Rake

• Best with Leaf Bag: Gardzen Leaf Rake with Dust Pan Bag

What to Consider

Material

Leaf rakes have long, skinny tines that sit in a triangular or fan-shaped arrangement—also called the head—specifically intended to gather up leaves and light materials. Leaf rakes are not meant to be used for branches, stones, or other heavy yard materials and for these tasks we recommend using a metal rake.

Rakes made from fiberglass or aluminum tend to weigh less, whereas steel models offer more long-term durability but may have you tired after an hour or so of raking. Plastic options aren’t susceptible to rust but an all-plastic head may not be as durable as a metal or poly option.

Size

Leaf rakes that are longer with a wider head allow you to clear big areas fast. They can also be heavier and require more effort to manage depending on their materials. Rakes with small heads—narrower than 10 inches or so—are ideal for clearing hard-to-reach spots.

To avoid back strain, make sure the handle is long enough that you aren’t stooping over to use your rake. As a good rule of thumb, the handle should reach at least chin height, and even better if it reaches your eyebrows or forehead. Some rakes have adjustable handles that you can set at whatever height works best for you.

How We Selected

The original author of this piece, Bobbi Dempsey, drew upon her personal experience to select these rakes. Her house sits on more than an acre of land that’s home to lots of trees, so she’s had plenty of hands-on time with many different types of leaf rakes. In making these selections, we consulted manufacturer listings for relevant specs related to materials, handle and head size, and weight. We kept an eye out for lightweight rakes with wide heads and durable tines so you can zip through your leaf clean-up without hassle.

30480 Steel Leaf Rake

This Truper rake has an exceptionally heavy-duty construction while still being easy to maneuver. Its springy tines don’t bounce and make dragging them easy and efficient. They’re constructed of steel and customers report the tines aren’t easily bent or damaged.

The head is double bolted into the wooden handle and will hold up to heavy, repeated use without falling off or becoming loose. It’s also supported by a metal frame underneath.

The longer tines work well on both harder ground and in longer grass to pick up leaves and acorns though it isn’t a one-pass rake and struggles with pine needles (though, what rake doesn’t). Customers are impressed with the workmanship and durability, too.

Lawn / Leaf Rake with Fiberglass Handle

This rake is designed with several features that make it extra strong and sturdy, including a reinforced wood core inside the handle. Double-sided support ridges on the tines bolster their strength to prevent breakage during strenuous tasks.

The rubber comfort grip on the handle prevents fatigue in your hands and the angled tines ensure they're all hitting the ground for more efficient raking. The angle also allows you to easily scoop up dispose of large piles of leaves. Customers are impressed by the durability of the rake and like that Bully Tools offers a limited lifetime warranty.

Poly Leaf Rake

This rake from the brand's Collector Series has an innovative “basket” head design so that all the tines touch the ground at the same time—it lets you gather up more leaves in less time, with fewer missed leaves left behind.

It's lightweight construction makes it easily maneuverable and use without experiencing back strain. Steel-handled rakes can be vulnerable to rust, but the vinyl coating on this rake’s handle helps protect it against damage from the elements. The head is plastic and not reinforced so don't use this rake for any thing much heavier than leaves or pine needles.

Poly Leaf Rake

With an expansive 30-inch head, this True Temper model gives you a wide raking area and is perfect for high-volume jobs. The hardwood handle is durable though it doesn't have a comfort grip so long jobs may cause some hand fatigue. The head is attached using included screws though some customers drilled a second hole to ensure the head wouldn't come off after a lot of use.

Leaf Rake with Dustpan Bag

This rake comes bundled as a kit and includes a rake, dust bag, a pair of gloves, and leaf scoopers. The rake handle has several sections, which can be added or removed to adjust the length so people of all heights can use it. The plastic tines are curved so you can also use it to scoop up piles of large debris, but the plastic composition won't stand up long to anything heavy.

The leaf scoopers have a handle and forearm strap for a firm grip. Use the included garden bag like a dustpan to scoop up leaves for easier disposal. Customers say the brand stands behind their product and provided replacement parts or refunds so that's plus.

Telescopic Adjustable Garden Rake

With its telescoping handle and adjustable head, this rake is flexible enough to match whatever lawn care tasks you have on your to-do list. The head expands wide enough for daily raking upkeep and can narrow to reach small spaces like you find between an A/C unit and the fence, or between bushes. Its handle has a comfort grip and loop to easily hang in a garage or shed and the all-metal construction ensures the rake head and handle stay in place in its different positions.

It weighs less than 3 pounds and folds up to a very slim profile, so it’s easy to transport and store. Some Amazon reviewers noted that once the tines bend, it’s more difficult to expand and close the head, though.

Dual Tine Leaf Rake

The dual tines and broad width of this rake get the job done faster with less physical exertion. Alternating straight and curved tines collect leaves and debris without getting clogged up and requiring you to shake off the head. With smaller gaps between tines, it also does a better job with smaller pieces like acorns and pine needles.

The polyresin head and coated aluminum handle are durable enough to last multiple seasons though still not ideal for rocks or digging up ground. The comfort grip on the handle reduces hand fatigue after a long day of raking. It's a great option if you have a large yard area and want to pick up leaves fast.

Expert Bobbi Dempsey’s Must-Have Rake Features and More Leaf Maintenance Tools

PM: What material do you prefer for rakes and why?
B.D.: I tend to prefer plastic rakes with fiberglass handles because they seem to hold up better and are also generally lighter than wooden or metal options, which makes the plastic-fiberglass rakes easier to use.

PM: In your experience, what feature can make or break a leaf rake?
B.D.: If a rake is too heavy or unwieldy, it’s going to be very annoying and inconvenient to use—which means you will probably avoid using it. That’s why I like lightweight rakes with adjustable handles. Features designed to help reduce back strain are also a big plus.

PM: What other tools do you use and recommend for leaf collection and removal?
B.D.: Like many people, I started off with a leaf blower, which is convenient for clearing sidewalks and other areas but of course only shifts the leaves to another location where you (or your neighbor) will eventually end up dealing with them. So I think it’s much more effective to use a leaf bagger attachment for a riding mower, which removes and collects the leaves, allowing for easy disposal. A mulcher attachment is another good option that can help keep your lawn healthy.

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