The Best Shrub Rakes for Spreading Mulch or Compost
A build-up of debris in the lawn or garden happens to the best of us, and this is especially true during the fall months. Lawn debris can range from leaves and dirt to mulch and other materials. Rakes are a great way to clear the garden for the next season and shrub rakes are a great addition to clear those tight spaces that a normal garden rake just won’t reach. This is why we have brought you a list of the Most Rated Shrub Rakes in 2022, available in the market.
When it comes to debris that is in between shrubs or flower beds, leaf blowers might not cut it especially when the leaves are wet. The shrub rake makes it easier to work. However, there are so many available on the market and we do not want you to waste time searching and being clueless about them. So, with our comprehensive list of the best shrub rakes, everyone can find the perfect one for their garden tools collection. Let's dig in!
Finding a Top-Notch Shrub Rake: A Buying Guide
With the onslaught of options on the market, choosing a top-quality shrub rake almost feels like a chore, a boring one. However, the right shrub rake can save you both time and money in the long run! If you choose right, you will not have to keep replacing the rake and for those times you need to get under the flowerbeds to clear the debris, a shrub rake will help protect your precious plants!
This buying guide will give you what you need so you can easily choose the right shrub rake for you.
What Is a Shrub Rake?
Even though shrub rakes look similar to the usual leaf rakes, they are not made to perform the same functions and are more specialized.
Their smaller fan shape and shorter tines make them ideal for getting into tight places. Their narrow heads can reach in between shrubs and flower beds to remove debris without damaging the shrubs and plants.
Shrub rakes that are made from plastic or bamboo tend to be gentler and can only be used to remove leaves. Shrub rakes made from metal such as steel or aluminum are sturdier and will remove stones and other heavier debris as well.
What Should I Consider When Buying a Shrub Rake?
Buying a shrub rake should not be complex, but with the plethora of options available in the market and varying features, things can get complex. Here are all the important things you should consider so you can easily make a decision:
Handle length
The handle of the rake should be one of the top things to consider when buying a shrub rake and the length of this handle is very important. If you plan to be using the rake mostly standing up, it should be at a height that will prevent you from having to bend over. Handles that are telescopic or that have adjustable heights are great because they can work for a wide range of people and hard to reach spaces.
Size
To decide this, you need to consider the size of the areas you will be using the shrub rake. A great width would be between 8 inches and 10 inches. However, measure your own garden so that you can be sure it is narrow enough for the tight spaces.
Weight
The weight of a rake depends on the materials used in its construction. Lighter handles are made from plastic, fiberglass, or aluminum while heavier handles are made from steel or wood. Heavier rakes are better for heavier materials like stones and dirt and lighter rakes are better for dry leaves.
Handle/tines material
The material of the handle should be kept in mind as well. Metal handles are very durable especially if they have a rust-resistant coating. Wood handles are heavy but can last for several years if maintained correctly. Plastic and fiberglass handles are not so durable. Plastic handles can bend under pressure and fiberglass handles crack when exposed to a lot of heat or sunlight.
The tines on a rake are important because they are the ones that make all the action happen. Most tines are made from plastic or metal. Metal tines are more durable but they are heavier and more expensive.
Additional Tips for Choosing a Highly Rated Shrub Rake
The space between the tines of a shrub rake is also an important consideration. Narrower space between the tines is a better option because wider spacing can mean you will miss some of the debris and have to do a second raking.
The ergonomics of the rake should also be considered. Some shrub rakes have padding and grips that make them easy to hold and prevent your hand from slipping.
In addition, flexible tines or spring-reinforced tines are great because they absorb the impact that may be experienced while raking.
If you're curious about other things you can do to take care of your shrubs, check out this video below, which shows you four different things you can do.
A Detailed Breakdown of the Top Shrub Rakes of 2022
A.M. Leonard Narrow Shrub Rake
– Best Overall
This rake’s narrow design makes it perfect for working in tight places or hard-to-reach places in the garden such as between shrubs and perennials. It tackles any task and can be used to rake up leaves, grass clippings, or trash. It can also be used in lightly dethatching your lawn, cleaning up landscape beds, and clearing up mulch! In other words, we’re hands down in love with it!
- It has an extra sturdy design
- The rake head is spring-reinforced, with 8-inch tines that allow you to dig down without causing damage to the tool
- The 54-inch-long handle allows you to get to those hard-to-reach spaces without needing to bend over
- Some assembly is required as you will have to attach the handle with a nut and bolt but this makes the unit sturdier
Martha Stewart MTS-TELR Shrub Rake
– Runner Up
The MTS-TELR telescopic shrub rake is ideal for gardening in comfort with style. Its telescopic handle extends up to 35-inches, to reach behind and under bushes and plants without the strain of bending. And its compact, 5.4-inch spring tines are easy to maneuver between plants and around corners.
- It is durable as it is made to last for years of continuous, reliable use
- It can be easily stored
- It is lightweight and comfortable to use
- It only extends to 35 inches and while this is not very long, it still allows easy storage
OUTCREATOR Telescopic Garden Leaf Shrub Rake
– Honorable Mention
This telescopic garden rake comes with a retractable handle design, that can be adjusted to three different sizes: 22″, 31″, 40″. The length is strongly recommended for children and allows them to participate comfortably in the housework. The 11 tines are solid and tight enough not to jam the leaves, making it a very efficient tool.
- It is easy to install and transport as it is separated into two parts that are easily fitted together
- The handle is made from durable and high-quality aluminum
- It is lightweight so it is easy to handle
- It is not an ideal length for tall adults, but a great option for kids (unless you’re getting the 40″ size)
HOMIMP Adjustable Garden Shrub Rake
– Contender
The HOMIMP Adjustable Garden rake can be adjusted to an overall length of 34 to 55 inches by connecting different numbers of tubes. Each handle of this set can be detached into 4 tubes. This makes it easy to carry in your car trunk or cycle rack when going camping or engaging in other outdoor activities.
- It is made from rustproof, high-quality stainless steel so will last a long time
- It has a narrow head so it is great for tight spaces; between and under bushes and flower beds
- It comes with a 2-year refund or replacement policy
- If you are tall this might not be the right rake as you might need to bend your back a bit
Corona GT 3050 Extendable Handle Shrub Rake
– Also Consider
The Corona GT 3050 rake comes with a lightweight aluminum handle that adjusts from 18 inches to 32 inches and gives you extra reach.
The rake features an attractive carbon dioxide coating on the tines that resists chipping and rust. Its handle and ferrule are ribbed for a non-slip grip that is comfortable enough for use for long periods. We love it!
- Its 7 tine head is heat-treated for increased durability
- It comes with a convenient hanging ring
- It is a very sturdy unit
- It comes with a limited lifetime warranty
- Instructions that teach how to retract it are not easy to follow; not really a ‘con’ con
LUFFWELL Adjustable Garden Shrub Rake
– Also Consider
It comes with an adjustable 4-section handle design and can be extended from 34 all the way to 56 inches by connecting different numbers of tubes, making it applicable for a wide range of people including older people and kids.
It also has a protective sleeve that prevents injury from sharp edges and works as a handgrip making it safe and comfortable to use. Its 12 extra-wide tines remove debris without damaging plant feeder roots!
- It is very easy to disassemble and install
- It is made from durable high-quality stainless steel
- It is easy to clean and works great for a number of gardening applications; picking up leaves, pine cones, weed raking, and more
- The handle area on this shrub rake is not that sturdy
Bond Manufacturing LH013 Fan Shrub Rake
– Also Consider
Last but not least, the LH013 Fan Rake By Bond Manufacturing comes with a telescopic handle design and non-slip grip that gives extra reach and leverage. The handle adjusts from 25 inches to 37 inches. Its fan head rake is coated with rust-resistant powder and paint. It can easily be used indoors and outdoors.
This rake seamlessly sports durable heat-treated heads and a metal ring for convenient hanging storage.
- It has a durable heat-treated rake head
- It has a comfortable and soft non-slip grip making it easy to use
- It comes with a metal ring for convenient hanging storage
- The handle is made from plastic so it is not very resilient
- It only extends to 37 inches so it is not very long
People Also Asked
A: Surprisingly, plastic rakes are better for raking large amounts of dry leaves and they do not have sharp tines that can rip up flower beds. However, metal rakes are much more durable and are better for heavier materials like rocks. However, when it comes to handle, it's better if it's a metallic one with a rubber grip!
A: You should make sure you store your shrub rake indoors in a shed or garage to protect it from the natural elements. This increases the lifespan of your rake as it is protected from moisture and sunlight. Some shrub rakes also come with metal rings so that they can be hung for easy storage and added protection.
A: It is best to rake leaves when they are dry if you can. Wet leaves are heavier and they tend to stick together making them harder to handle.
A: There are many disadvantages to not clearing up the leaves and debris around your shrubs and flower bed. First of all, it can cause flooding as the layer of debris can prevent water from draining and cause the area to become waterlogged. It can also encourage fungus growth which is bad for the health of your gass, leaves and shrubbery. A pile of leaves is also a great place for pests to thrive and that also affects the health of your garden. Plus, if you won't clean your garden regularly, it'll start looking like a yard of a haunted house in no time!
A: Shrub rakes are used in tight places such as between beds and under shrubbery. Slowly use the shrub rake head to maneuver through the plants, remove leaves, debris and dirt. Shrub rakes should also be used to clean up after pruning. They can also be used to clean the tight spaces in between patio furniture.
