As you experience the cooler days of fall, it probably seems that every tree in your neighborhood has decided to deposit its leaves into your yard. While they provide a beautiful ground covering, if left for an extended period of time, they will kill the grass underneath. Unfortunately, that means that you must find the time and the right tools to get them up. While choosing a rake may seem to be simple, you may be surprised at the selection you will have to choose from. Choosing the right one will not only make your job easier, but it will also help produce a better looking lawn in the end.

Leaf Rakes

If you are like most people, you are probably the most familiar with a leaf rake, but when you go to purchase one you will find that not only do they come in a wide variety of widths, but they can also be constructed out of several different materials. You can find leaf rakes in metal, plastic, and bamboo.

Metal rakes tend to last longer, and the tines are more flexible than those on a plastic rake. Plastic rakes often work better when you have a lot of twigs mixed in with your leaves, as well as when it comes to moving heavy piles of leaves. Bamboo rakes are more fragile, and are usually very inexpensive, but they work really well if you are trying to rake over or around ground cover that you are trying not to damage.

No matter which type you choose, look for rakes that have a tension bar across the tines. The tension bar will help to distribute the stress and weight of the job, and will help to keep your tines from breaking. 

Shrub Rakes

Shrub rakes often resemble smaller versions of a leaf rake. They usually offer very flexible tines and a smaller head. This smaller size keeps them from getting hung up under your plants, and makes them the perfect tool to be used under and around your shrubbery. 

Thatching Rakes

If you find that you have a lot of thatch, moss, or dead grass in your lawn you may want to remove this with a thatching rake before you apply your fall fertilizer and seed. A thatch rake is pointed on the side that is designed for pulling and rounded on the other side which is designed for pushing. Some thatching rakes has wheels that allow you to roll it in order for it to dig as you push it forward. It will clean itself of debris as you pull it backwards. 

When purchasing your rakes, you may want to purchase them in pairs. That way you can always invite someone else to come and help you enjoy your fall lawn projects. For more information, talk to a professional like Charles Bopst Trucking.