by Kathleen Hennessy

For most homeowners taking out a rake usually means there is a carpet of leaves covering your lawn. But that may not be the case. Different types of rakes serve different needs, and choosing the right one may just help the job go a little easier.

For tackling those leaves a steel tine rake is the most durable rake you can buy. It's great for clearing loose or compacted leaves, getting under bushes and around trees. Steel tine rakes can also be used as light de-thatching tools. If you're looking for a lightweight rake, poly or plastic rakes are a good choice. They're easy to handle and good for raking leaves, grass and other loose materials. Combination rakes that are made with both poly and steel can incorporate the best features of both types.

If you have a lot of tight spaces such as shrubs, fences or landscaping to maneuver around, a shrub rake can do the trick. The smaller, more compact size makes it perfect for getting around and under tight spaces.

For landscaping chores there are a number of different rakes to help out. The most basic is the bow rake. Bow rakes are great for gardening, moving soil and removing debris.

A thatch rake is the manual tool for removing thatch from your lawn. Use one side for loosening the soil. Flip the rake over to lift up and remove thatch.

Level head rakes are great for leveling gravel and grading soft soil. These rakes feature widely spaced tines and tough steel construction, so they're ready to take on the big jobs. Similar to the level head rake, the aluminum landscape rake is a lightweight tool for smoothing soil, gravel and other landscape materials. Rounded teeth on the landscape rake make it perfect for use in areas where lawns or landscapes have already been established.

With so many choices, it's easy to find the right tool for the job.

Kathleen Hennessy has been writing about home and garden topics for more than eight years. An avid gardener, and weekend home-improver, she and her family make their home in the Midwest.

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