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These expert-recommended metal, plastic, and adjustable rakes ease the burden of leaf collection and removal.

If you have a yard and live in an area with trees and changing seasons, leaves are an inescapable reality—which means raking is an inevitable (and often dreaded) chore. A good leaf rake can help you finish this job quickly and ideally with minimal back strain.

Leaf rakes have a series of long, skinny tines that are commonly constructed in a triangular or fan-shaped arrangement. In some cases, these might be lined up in a straight, consistent row resembling a comb, though rakes with this configuration are often categorized as garden rakes.

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You will sometimes see the terms “lawn rake” and “leaf rake” used interchangeably, and some rakes are promoted as a dual-purpose combination, but a leaf rake—as the name implies—is specifically intended to gather up leaves and light materials, as opposed to branches, stones, and other yard materials.

When shopping for leaf rakes, pay attention to the materials. Rakes made from fiberglass or aluminum tend to weigh less, whereas steel models offer more long-term durability, and plastic options won’t be susceptible to rust.

It’s also important to consider the size of the rake, including the length of the handle and the width of the fan end of the rake, known as the head. Rakes that are longer and wider allow you to clear a bigger area faster, but these larger rakes are often heavier and require more effort to manage. Rakes with smaller heads—narrower than 10 inches or so—are ideal for clearing hard-to-access 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. This is especially convenient if multiple people of varying heights will share the rake.

In evaluating a wide variety of leaf rakes, I drew upon my personal experience. My house sits on more than an acre of land that’s home to lots of trees, so I’ve had plenty of hands-on time with many different types of leaf rakes. In making these selections, I consulted manufacturer listings for relevant specs related to materials, handle and head size, and weight. I also gathered input from thousands of reviewers on Lowe’s, The Home Depot, and other retail sites. After considering all of that information, I choose these 10 models as my recommendations for the best leaf rakes.

The tines of this leaf rake are rounded and spring-loaded, allowing them to achieve more leverage and raking power without as much strain or effort on your part. The design and spacing of the tines make this rake great for removing leaves from below bushes or short trees because you can grab the leaves without catching limbs or branches.

At a budget-friendly price, this rake offers a good bang for your buck. Sturdy and surprisingly well-built, it can handle all of your routine raking jobs and will last even with heavy use. Walmart reviewers appreciated the lightweight feel of the handle and the strength of the metal tines.

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. Bully Tools also offers a limited lifetime warranty.

With an expansive 30-inch head, this True Temper model helps you zip through your raking chores in no time. The hardwood handle provides enhanced strength and stability. Some Amazon users noted they had to use their own screws to secure the head to the handle during assembly.

Considering this rake comes bundled as a kit, it’s a great value for the price. The handle has several sections, which can be added or removed to adjust the length. Use the included garden bag like a dustpan to scoop up leaves for easier disposal. For $10 more, purchase the bundle with a pair of plastic hand scoops for picking up leaves.

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. 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.

Ames designs this rake from its Collector Series with an innovative “basket” head design: All the tines touch the ground at the same time. That lets you gather up more leaves in less time, with fewer missed leaves left behind. Weighing in at under 2.5 pounds, it’s also easy to carry and use without 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 dual-tine arrangement of this Craftsman rake means you’ll leave fewer leaves behind and won’t have to repeatedly rake the same area. Craftsman is known for making durable products, but if you should have any issues, the rake is covered by a 15-year limited warranty. Some Lowe’s reviewers felt the head wasn’t as durable as they expected.

Both the handle and the head of this rake are adjustable, with the head folding out from 7 inches to a maximum width of 23 inches. The smaller end of the range is great for accessing tight spaces under shrubs or behind trees. And at less than 1.5 pounds, the rake stays comfortable in hand while clearing large areas.

Superio designed this rake for kids who want to help in the yard. It’s obviously not intended for serious, strenuous jobs, but at 34.5 inches long and 1.4 pounds, it’s the perfect size and weight for young landscaping helpers to handle. And it’s durable enough to last for several raking seasons.

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.