Rake & Leaf Tools
- Traditional leaf rakes are usually made of metal, bamboo or plastic and do an adequate job of gathering leaves. One common complaint about these, though, is that leaves and twigs get stuck between the tines of the rake and have to be cleaned out frequently. Some innovations address that problem. The True Temper Clog-Free plastic leaf rake looks like the traditional rake, but the tines are connected, so twigs and leaves can't get stuck between them.
The Slapshot Rake from Slapshot Lawn Tools has an angled and wider head, making it more ergonomic and faster than traditional rakes. The Garden Brand Pivoting Head Rake allows you to adjust the angle of the head so it's comfortable for any height and also allows you to push piles of leaves. - Once you get the leaves gathered, the next challenge is to pick them up. Gathering them up by hand will work, but is time-consuming and messy. One option to improve this process is with leaf grabbers, large plastic bear-claw looking tools that you slip onto your hands and use just as you would your hands.
The pinch-and-lift leaf rake is another option that combines two rakes into a tool for picking up leaves. The rakes are connected at the ends, creating a large salad-tong-looking device. The device works just like salad tongs and the rakes can be disconnected and used as rakes. - The Rollable Giant Leaf Collection Bag is an alternative to plastic bags that tear and are difficult to fill. This wheeled container is made of rip-proof material and a rigid frame that lies on the ground. You can rake the leaves directly into it, then lift up the front edge and roll it on its two wheels to the next location. A trash funnel uses the same concept, but is just the frame, which you use with plastic garbage bags.
- Leaf blowers are useful for clearing sidewalks and driveways, but many models can also be used to vacuum up leaves and shred them. These are typically hand-held and electric. A lawn vacuum is another option for those looking for an easier way to pick up leaves. This unit attaches to a riding lawn mower and sucks up the leaves as you drive. This is best suited for large lawns and acreage with lots of trees.
