Anyone who has lived with a leaf-heavy yard may be familiar with the pain of a flimsy leaf rake that breaks under the slightest amount of pressure. Maybe that’s your issue, too.
If you’re looking for one of the best leaf rakes available, we’ve spent hours researching real customer reviews and expert advice. These rakes will be getting leaves together for a long time while being easy on your back.
- 57-inch long handle
- Complete package
- Lightweight and compact
- 24 two-inch teeth
- Simple storage
- Reduces back pain
- Made in america
- High-quality materials
- Good for heavy duty work
- Children-safe design
- Rust-proof plastic
- Fully functional
- High-quality metal construction
- 38-63 inch handle
- Easy installation & transport
- Retractable buttons for adjusting length
- Stainless steel handle
- Multi-purpose rake
- 23-inch wide head
- Lightweight but sturdy
- Can be used all around the garden
The Best Leaf Rakes of 2023
Here’s a list of the seven best leaf rakes for cleaning up your yard.
Gardzen Gardening Leaf Rake Set
Best Leaf Rake Set
Flexibility is a must-have for many customers. It’s an all complete set that includes a leaf rake, a pair of leaf scoops with protective paddings, garden bag, and a gloves.
The rake expands up to 57 inches long by adding or removing a pole to get the desired length. This makes it perfect for squeezing into tight spaces and under furniture to get every last leaf.
Meanwhile, the leaf scoops have deep grip areas for efficient leaf removal and is equipped with a protective padding for your wrist.
What We Like
57-Inch Long Handle
If you’re tall, you’ll be familiar with the struggle of finding tools that make the chore comfortable. Thankfully, this has a 57-inch long handle, which is generous compared to other models. Tall people, relax. This will make it easier than ever to rake.
Complete Package
I don’t know about you, but I sometimes find it laborious to jump from one store to another looking for a separate product that I need which could’ve been easier if it comes in a set. This is a problem-solver as it has everything that you need for tidying up your garden.
Lightweight And Compact
Customers love how lightweight the build of this rake is. It weighs 4.61 pounds and the pole can be removed for easy storage.
What We Don't Like
Use With Reservation
Using this in your backyard is totally fine and gets the job done, but some customers mentioned that they got bruises after doing the task especially when using dense, heavy garden debris. Good thing the manufacturer provided a pair of gloves and protective padding included in the set.
Product Specs
| Handle Length | 57 inches |
| Tine Features | 17.2 inch wide tines |
| Handle Material | Not specified |
| Weight | 4.61 pounds |
| Tine Width | 17.2 inches |
Our Ratings
Ergie Systems ERG-LFRK24 Leaf Rake
Best Ergonomic Handle
Make raking even easier with this leaf rake thanks to the ergonomic handle and double grip.
The added handle provides extra leverage and security. This takes off some of the strain so you can rake for longer without getting uncomfortable.
It can also reduce aches and pains that you might usually experience when raking. Not only that, but the top of the handle has a nice cushioned grip for extra comfort.
What We Like
24 Two-Inch Teeth
Rake more leaves with every pull. The 24 two-inch tines make it easier to collect more leaves and debris with each stroke. You can rake quickly and get back to a lovely Saturday afternoon in front of your TV.
Simple Storage
The rake splits up into four smaller pieces so you can store it easily. Even if you don’t have a ton of space, you should be able to make room for this somewhere.
Reduces Back Pain
Many customers praised this rake for reducing back pain. So if you are prone to aches, pains, and fatigue, this could definitely change the game for you.
What We Don't Like
Top Heavy
This is on the heavier side for leaf rakes. It weighs 4.2 pounds which is lightweight for some, but if you’re not super strong, you may struggle. Others found that it was top-heavy. Balance makes raking easier so if you find this to be the case, you may struggle.
Product Specs
| Handle Length | 54 inches |
| Tine Features | 24 2-inch tines for gathering more per stroke |
| Handle Material | Steel |
| Weight | 4.2 pounds |
| Tine Width | Not specified |
Our Ratings
Bully Tools Leaf and Thatching Rake
Best Durable Leaf Rake
Over here, we’re used to getting those cheap and flimsy rakes that break under the slightest amount of pressure. Well, with the Bully Tools leaf rake, you can forget that possibility.
This is a sturdy and durable leaf rake made from commercial-grade materials. Even if it does bend or break, you’re insured by the limited lifetime warranty that’s guaranteed to repair or replace any defects during your lifetime.
What We Like
Made in America
It’s always nice to find products that are made more locally. This one is 100 percent American made so you can relax a bit about potential working conditions and ethics.
High-Quality Materials
You’ll love how sturdy and quality this rake is. The handle is made from strong fiberglass which is durable and resistant to rust. The tines are made from extra-thick steel so you don’t need to worry about bending or breaking as you rake.
Good for Heavy Duty Work
Rake up leaves, for sure, but you can also rake up heavier items. This rake is great for picking up river rocks and other heavier kinds of debris.
What We Don't Like
Top Heavy for Some
Customers say you need to be strong to handle this. It only weighs 3.39 pounds, but due to the metal construction, it’s weighty for some people.
Product Specs
| Handle Length | 66 inches |
| Tine Features | Spring steel — they can handle heavy objects |
| Handle Material | Reinforced fiberglass |
| Weight | 3.39 |
| Tine Width | 24 inches |
Our Ratings
Emsco Group Rake
Best Leaf Rake for Kids
We have a few options for kids and adults, but here’s one just for the kids!
This cute rake is the perfect way to introduce the love of yard work to your little one. They’ll be super excited to use this, as it’s just the right size for little ones.
Why not both take a rake outside and work together?
What We Like
Children-Safe Design
This leaf rake is totally safe for kids. It’s made from durable resin rather than metal. So there’s no risk of injury under normal use. Of course, you should still supervise your kids while they use any toys or tools.
Rust-Proof Plastic
Even though it’s made of plastic, it’s still rust-proof. Therefore, it’s safe to use this in all weather types. Even if your little one forgets to bring it back inside, it won’t get damaged in the rain.
Fully Functional
Even though it’s made for kids, it’s not a pretend gardening tool. It’s fully functional and totally works to rake leaves. So while they work alongside you, it will get the job done even quicker.
What We Don't Like
Dimension Proportions Are Off
Keep in mind that the handle is quite long and the rake head is quite small. The proportions are off which can make it quite tricky for kids to use.
Product Specs
| Handle Length | 42 inches |
| Tine Features | Rust-Proof plastic |
| Handle Material | Durable resin |
| Weight | 14.9 ounces |
| Tine Width | 9.5 inches |
Our Ratings
Yangbaga Lawn Leaf Rake
Best Budget Leaf Rake
Save some cash when you choose the Yangbaga leaf rake. It’s about half the average price of a leaf rake, so you can use the money saved for another garden tool. Or better yet, pay your kids to do the raking for you!
Despite the low price, this has a lot of great features. It has a great adjustable length handle which makes this the perfect rake for kids as well as adults.
What We Like
High-Quality Metal Construction
Even though the price is low, the quality is high. It’s made from sturdy stainless steel with the head being made of aluminum. The whole thing is sturdy and rust-resistant.
38-63 Inch Handle
The handle extends from 38 to 63 inches. This is ideal for kids and teenagers, so if you’re trying to get your children involved in the chores, this is ideal. But the handle is also long enough for average height adults, too.
Easy Installation and Transport
When this arrives, simply snap and buckle it into place. It’s ready for use within minutes. It’s also easy to disassemble so if you need to take it with you, it’s no problem. You can easily fit it into your car trunk or even a bike rack.
What We Don't Like
Too Long
While the majority find it advantageous to have a long handle length, still some it finds cumbersome. I guess it all boils down to preference.
Product Specs
| Handle Length | 38-63 inches |
| Tine Features | Rugged metal |
| Handle Material | Nonstick metal |
| Weight | 2.4 pounds |
| Tine Width | 17 inches |
Our Ratings
HOMIMP Adjustable Garden Leaf Rake
Best Lightweight Leaf Rake
Weighing only 1.54 pounds, this is a perfect option for a lightweight leaf rake.
It’s suitable for both adults and kids. Since it’s not too heavy, your kids should complain less when you ask them to clear the yard up.
It also has an adjustable handle, spanning from 34 to 55 inches. So it easily suits people of different heights.
What We Like
Retractable Buttons for Adjusting Length
This has handy retractable buttons — similar to those found on an ironing board — for when you adjust the length. We love how easy it is to use, and it also means the pole won’t fall down or collapse while you’re raking.
Stainless Steel Handle
The rake is made from stainless steel. This is durable, rust-proof, and also lightweight enough for most everybody to use.
Multi-Purpose Rake
The curved 11 metal tines mean you can use this for a variety of cleaning jobs. Of course, it’s great for leaves, but you can also use it for cleaning up other natural debris such as pine cones. Not only that, but it’s great on a variety of surfaces such as grass, camping grounds but also patios.
What We Don't Like
Small Size
Because this rake is made for kids as well as adults, it’s not that big. The tine head is only eight inches wide which surprised many customers. If you have a larger yard, it’s a good idea to get this for the kids and a separate one for you.
Product Specs
| Handle Length | 34-55 inches |
| Tine Features | Rugged metal and curved |
| Handle Material | Stainless steel |
| Weight | 1.54 pounds |
| Tine Width | 8 inches |
Our Ratings
Jardineer Adjustable Garden Rake Leaf
Best Long Leaf Rake
Looking for a long-handled leaf rake? This is the one. It is 63 inches long, which is perfect for taller people, especially if you’re after less backache as you work. But that’s not the best part.
If you want to share the yard work with someone shorter than you, this telescoping handle allows that. You can change the height, all the way down to 32 inches which is great for both adults and children.
What We Like
23-Inch Wide Head
This has a nice, wide head at 23 inches. This means that you can collect more leaves and debris with each stroke, allowing you to get through the chore of raking much quicker. However, that’s not all. You can also make the head more narrow for raking in tighter spots. This is a super versatile rake!
Lightweight But Sturdy
This rake only weighs 1.36 pounds which is comfortable and lightweight. However, the handle is one inch thick which makes the whole raking experience more sturdy.
Rake Anywhere
Don’t limit yourself to just raking grass with this rake. It also works on small cobblestones, flower beds, and bushes. As long as you’re raking leaves, you can put this to the test almost anywhere.
What We Don't Like
Locking Issues
While this leaf rake does have a lock to keep the height secure when you adjust it, some customers found that it still collapsed while they used it.
Bend… And Snap!
There were quite a few customers that found the rake bent in the middle after a few uses. This can lead to snapping. Less than ideal, but hopefully this doesn’t happen with yours.
Product Specs
| Handle Length | 32-63 inches |
| Tine Features | Expandable |
| Handle Material | Aluminum |
| Weight | 1.36 |
| Tine Width | 7-23 inches |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Handle Length | Tine Features | Handle Material | Weight | Tine Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gardzen Gardening Leaf Rake Set | Best Leaf Rake Set | 57″ | 17.2″ wide tines | N/A | 4.61 lbs | 17.2″ |
| Ergie Systems ERG-LFRK24 Leaf Rake | Best Ergonomic Handle | 54″ | 24 2-inch tines | Steel | 4.2 lbs | N/A |
| Bully Tools Leaf and Thatching Rake | Best Durable Leaf Rake | 66″ | Spring steel | Reinforced fiberglass | 3.39 | 24″ |
| Emsco Group Rake | Best Leaf Rake for Kids | 42″ | Rust-Proof plastic | Durable resin | 14.9 oz | 9.5″ |
| Yangbaga Lawn Leaf Rake | Best Budget Leaf Rake | 38-63″ | Rugged metal | Nonstick metal | 2.4 lbs | 17″ |
| HOMIMP Adjustable Garden Leaf Rake | Best Lightweight Leaf Rake | 34-55″ | Rugged metal & curved | Stainless steel | 1.54 lbs | 8″ |
| Jardineer Adjustable Garden Rake Leaf | Best Long Leaf Rake | 32-63″ | Expandable | Aluminum | 1.36 lbs | 7-23″ |
What Type of Rake is Best for Leaves?
There are lots of different kinds of rakes available: leaf rakes, bow rakes, shrub rake, garden rake, and many more. Two common types that people are torn between when choosing how to clean up their leaves are the leaf rakes and bow rakes.
While you can clean up leaves with a bow rake, these are actually designed for leveling grounds, dirt, sand, and other materials. They’re built for heavier objects, so they can be a bit difficult for raking leaves. Plus, the tines are shorter and thicker than a leaf rake, leaving lots of space for leaves to escape as you rake.
The bottom line is for raking leaves, definitely choose a leaf rake. Use your bow rake for other garden jobs.
How to Choose the Best Leaf Rake
Each leaf rake differs slightly. Here are some key details to consider to find the best one for you.
Tines
First, look at the tines. You’ll notice that some use different materials. You’ll find both plastic and metal. Plastic is cheaper, easier to clean, and lighter. However, metal is a bit more durable and heavy-duty if you’re going to be raking big piles of leaves.
You’ll also find expandable tines which are great for getting into tighter corners. These go down to a really narrow size so you can squeeze between objects to get hidden leaves.
Also, consider the width of the tines. This includes the entire width from side to side, but also how much space is in between the tines. You don’t want the gaps to be too wide otherwise lots of leaves will escape.
Handle
Handle material varies in the leaf rake department. You’ll find metal handles that are durable and heavy-duty.
Plastic handles are easy to clean, lightweight, and generally make the overall price cheaper. You’ll also find wooden handles which are more eco-friendly, but they can mold over easily if you leave them outside.
Once you’ve chosen your preferred handle material, you should also consider if it’s extendable. Extendable handles are great for getting the whole family involved in raking. You can easily change the height depending on who’s raking.
Last but not least, consider any other handle features. Is it ergonomic? Does it have an extra handle for balance? Does it have a cushioned grip somewhere for maximum comfort?
Weight
Leaf rakes generally range from about one to five pounds, so they’re not heavy. However, some customers prefer the lighter ones as it makes the whole job easier. Others prefer heavier ones as it feels more sturdy.
Top Tip
Choosing a lightweight option is better for kids. If you want your children to help out with yard work, choosing a lighter option will motivate them to do yard work since they won’t be uncomfortable.
Budget
Generally, yard rakes range from $20 to $40. You can find some cheaper, and some more expensive. Choose a price range and stick to it. We promise you’ll find something worth the money!
Tips for Raking Leaves
Make the most of your new leaf rake by checking out our top raking tips:
- Pull the leaves: The most effective way to rake is to pull the leaves towards you rather than to the side. Keep your ab muscles tight to take the strain off your back as you pull.
- Rake onto tarp: Putting the leaves in bags takes a long time. Instead, rake the leaves onto a tarp, roll it up and bring it to your community collection center. You can empty the tarp out, take it home and use it again!
- Bag immediately: Bag your leaves as soon as possible otherwise the wind can easily undo all of your hard work.
- Rake the right way: Figuring out which direction to rake is very important. Go with the wind, rather than against it. Also, rake downhill rather than uphill if you live on a slope.
- Dress the part: Raking is actually really dusty. So it’s important to protect yourself by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, heavy-duty gloves, and even eye protection if you feel the need.
- Stomp: If you need to take a break but haven’t bagged your leaf piles yet, stomp on them. This can prevent them from blowing away.
- Go in rows: Split your garden into sections and then break it down into rows. Don’t bring all the leaves into a pile in the center of your yard. This is a waste of energy.
- Keeping mowing: Mowing isn’t just a summer job. You should continue mowing as long as your grass is growing. A mower can collect leaves which will cut down the amount of raking you need to do when the leaves fall.
- Watch the weather: It’s much easier to rake dry leaves, so keep an eye on the weather forecast and rake before the rain comes.
- Don’t rush: When the leaves start falling, don’t run out to the yard to collect them. Wait until the trees are bare if you can. This will save you from too many raking days. Of course, if it’s going to rain, work around the weather.
FAQs
How Do You Rake Leaves Safely?
The best way to rake leaves safely is to keep a straight back, bend your knees, don’t overreach for leaves, and never turn your back while raking.
How Often Should You Rake Leaves?
You should rake leaves every two or three days to allow your lawn to see sunlight and remove the debris before it begins to mulch down.
Is It Better to Use a Leaf Blower or a Rake?
Deciding whether it’s better to use a leaf blower or rake is a choice. A rake is quieter, cheaper, better for the environment, and it gives you a means of physical exercise.
What is the Difference Between a Lawn Rake and a Leaf Rake?
The main difference between a lawn rake and a leaf rake is the material they are constructed from and their shape. A leaf rake has fan-shaped tines constructed from lightweight material, designed for maximum leaf collection.
What Do You Do With Leaves After You Rake Them?
The best thing to do with leaves after you rake them is to add them to your compost heap. Don’t expect immediate results though, because leaves can take a couple of years to mulch down.
