Published on: October 31, 2023Raunie
There are so many different types of rakes available that it can be difficult to determine which rakes are used for what, what the differences are between them, and most importantly, which rakes you need.
Raking your lawn regularly in spring and fall can help significantly reduce a number of lawn problems. Mainly, it will help reduce the layer of thatch that accumulates throughout the lawn. Thatch is excess debris left over from the winter months, as well as grass clippings that accumulate over time. While it’s okay to have a thin layer that protects the grass crown and soil, the thicker the thatch layer, the more it will retain excess moisture, fungi, and a variety of diseases that can damage your lawn over time.
While the list of different types of rakes out there is dozens, in terms of lawn care and maintenance, there are five main rakes you should consider.
Below we present the 5 main types of rakes that you should consider and a short explanation on how to use them:
Leaf rake
Probably the most traditional type of rake. As the name suggests, this is a rake for collecting and collecting fallen leaves. The tines on this rake are long and thin and spread out to collect as many leaves (and other light materials) as possible without causing any damage to the lawn.
Bow rake
The more robust bow rake has short, thick tines. This type of rake is used to work the soil, either to spread and level it or to crush and move it.
Shrub rake
It looks like a more delicate but thinner leaf rake. It has the same use (picking up leaves and other light debris), but due to its narrower frame it can be used in tighter spaces, such as under bushes.
straw rake
A heavy duty rake that is even more intimidating than the bow rake; This type of rake is not designed for leaves or soil, but rather to deal with thatch, a layer of organic matter that builds up on your lawn. Having blades on either side of its head, the thatch rake uses them to break up thatch and remove it.
hand rake
The hand rake looks much like a smaller version of a bow rake and is more like a garden tool than a rake. The benefit of using this rake is the maneuverability and control you get. Therefore, it should be used for more delicate jobs, such as cleaning dirt in small spaces and around flowers.
