Garden Rakes

About Garden Rakes

Garden rakes are indispensable tools for maintaining healthy lawns, borders, and vegetable patches throughout the year. Whether preparing soil beds for planting, clearing autumn leaves, scarifying lawns, or spreading mulch and topsoil, having the right rake makes gardening tasks considerably easier and more efficient. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of garden rakes from trusted brands including Draper, Gardena, Faithfull, Bulldog, Bosch, and Bahco, suitable for both professional gardeners and dedicated DIY enthusiasts.

Our garden rake collection includes several specialist types designed for specific tasks. Soil rakes feature rigid metal tines perfect for breaking up compacted earth and creating fine tilth for seed sowing. Lawn rakes, often called springbok rakes, have flexible steel tines that effectively remove thatch and moss without damaging grass roots. Leaf rakes with wide plastic or rubber tines cover large areas quickly when clearing fallen foliage, whilst adjustable rakes allow you to vary the working width for maximum versatility.

Applications

• Professional Gardeners and Landscapers: Daily soil preparation, lawn maintenance, and site clearing across multiple properties
• Groundskeepers and Green Keepers: Maintaining sports grounds, golf courses, parks, and public gardens
• Estate Managers: Caring for large private gardens and commercial properties with extensive grounds
• Allotment Holders: Preparing seed beds, creating fine tilth, and maintaining vegetable plots throughout the growing season
• Local Authority Parks Departments: Managing public spaces, recreation grounds, and municipal gardens
• Garden Centre Staff: Daily maintenance including bed preparation, leaf clearing, and general tidying
• DIY Gardeners: Maintaining domestic gardens, lawns, and borders with seasonal tasks from spring preparation to autumn clearance

Choosing The Right Garden Rakes

Identify Your Primary Task: Different rake types excel at specific jobs. For breaking up soil and creating seed beds, choose a rigid soil rake with straight steel tines. For lawn care and thatch removal, select a springbok rake with flexible curved tines. For leaf clearance, opt for a wide plastic or rubber-tined rake that won't damage surfaces.

Head Width and Tine Configuration: Wider heads (500-750mm) cover more ground per stroke and suit lawns and large areas, whilst narrower options (300-400mm) are ideal for garden borders. Tine spacing also matters; closer spacing provides finer soil cultivation, whilst wider gaps prevent clogging when working with leaves or grass clippings.

Handle Length and Material: Standard rake handles typically measure 1500-1700mm, but ensure the length suits your height to avoid back strain. Traditional ash handles provide strength and comfort, whilst fibreglass and aluminium options offer lightweight durability and weather resistance. Hand rakes with shorter handles are invaluable for close work in raised beds.

Build Quality: MyToolShed.co.uk stocks quality rakes with carbon steel heads featuring rust-resistant coatings and securely fastened handles. Brands like Bulldog, Draper, and Faithfull offer excellent durability for frequent use, whilst premium options from Gardena and Bahco provide enhanced ergonomics and longevity.

Safety Information

Always store rakes with tines facing downward or against a wall to prevent the classic hazard of stepping on tines. Maintain good posture whilst raking by keeping your back straight and bending from the knees when necessary. Select the correct handle length for your height and take regular breaks during extended sessions to avoid repetitive strain. Inspect rakes before use, checking that tines are secure and handles are free from cracks. Wear sturdy footwear with good grip, as raking often involves working on uneven or slippery ground.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a soil rake and a lawn rake?

Soil rakes have rigid, straight steel tines set at 90 degrees to the handle, designed for breaking up soil, levelling ground, and creating fine tilth for planting. Lawn rakes (springbok rakes) feature flexible, curved spring-steel tines that remove thatch, moss, and leaves from grass without damaging the turf. Each type is optimised for its specific purpose.

How often should I scarify my lawn with a rake?

Most domestic lawns benefit from scarifying once or twice annually, typically in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when grass is actively growing and can recover quickly. Only scarify when soil is moist but not waterlogged. New lawns should be established for at least two years before scarifying.

Are adjustable rakes worth the extra cost?

Adjustable rakes offering variable working widths provide excellent versatility, particularly for gardeners with limited storage space or those working in areas of different sizes. They're especially useful for switching between narrow borders and open lawn areas without changing tools, making them ideal value for domestic gardeners managing varied tasks.