To prep your lawn after a harsh winter, you need the best rake for dead grass. This is the perfect tool to break what the cold weather has destroyed, without removing the entire grass.
Rakes can be used for so many other tasks in the garden, including collecting fallen leaves, gathering thatch, and collecting hay.
Rakes are must-haves for any garden and play a pivotal role in making a place for healthier grass. After raking and dethatching, you can reseed or lay new sod.
Still, taking into account there are different types of rakes, it’s not always easy to pick one for you.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list with the top rakes currently, as well as some useful information you should consider.
Top Pick
True Temper’s Thatching Rake for Dead Grass may require spending more than 50 bucks, but it’s really worth the investment!
From its strong and efficient double-row tines to its strong and comfy hardwood handle, it can easily make dead grass removal an enjoyable activity!
Budget Pick
Homimp’s Adjustable Rake for Dead Grass is a budget-friendly option, yet it boasts high customer satisfaction.
From its adjustable and lightweight aluminum handle to its strong and durable metal tines, it will become your go-to for a variety of garden tasks!
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Why Do I Need A Rake For Dead Grass?
Seeing dead patches of grass in your garden can be frustrating, we know! The reasons for this are numerous, including stress and disease.
Regardless of what the reason is, it’s highly recommendable to rake or remove the dead parts. And, to do this, you’ll need a rake for dead grass.
Take into account that raking won’t rejuvenate your grass like dethatching does, but it sure helps remove the sick parts and proceed further.
Raking is recommended to be done when the grass is yellow, but not easily pulled from the soil.
Any barren spots left after raking should be filled with new seeds or new sods. Rakes are inexpensive, versatile, and easy-to-use gardening tools and every household will benefit from having one!
How to Rake Dead Grass?
When there’s thatch to be collected or browned spots to be removed, it’s time to take out the rake. These tools are pretty easy to use.
Whichever type of rake you have, the process is always similar. You hold the rake by the handle and stick the curved tines into the grass, away from you.
And, then you begin pulling towards you.
You repeat the scraping until you pass the whole section. After every stroke or after every second stroke, remember to clean out the dead grass that gathers onto the head tines!
When Is The Best Time To Rake Dead Grass?
Mid-April is the best period for raking dead grass. This is the period when the lawn will begin to turn green, so it will be easier to spot the dead areas.
Doing it right after winter will be less effective considering most of the grass will still be more brown than green, no matter if it’s healthy or not.
Which Features To Consider Before Buying?
Before you decide on the best rake for dead grass, it’s essential to take into account the decisive features. In this way, you’ll know that you’re making a good investment!
Let’s check out some of them below:
- Material
In order to pull out and remove dead grass, you need a rake that’s made of quality materials. Both its head and handle need to be made of durable plastic, wood, or metal.
In this way, the tines won’t break under pressure and the handle will give you the space for optimal maneuvers and comfort.
- Tines
For lighter work, plastic heads are just fine; they’re also less expensive and more lightweight.
However, they’re more prone to breaking under pressure.
To be sure they won’t, it’s wise to opt for the metal heads-they’re not just awesome for raking dead grass, but doing many other chores in the garden like breaking dirt, raking stones, etc.
- Handle
The handles can be made of various materials, including metal (aluminum), wood, and fiberglass.
The metal ones tend to be the strongest, but they can be heavier and less comfy on the hands. On the other hand, plastic handles are lightweight and less expensive but their longevity is not as good as that of metal.
Fiberglass handles could be an awesome middle ground-this fiber-reinforced plastic is stronger than regular plastic, but still enough lightweight and comfortable.
Adjustable handles are increasingly popular thanks to their adjustability and user-friendliness.
Let’s say you and your wife are using it, yet she’s shorter or higher than you: having the option to set the handle height will make all the difference.
Don’t forget to choose padded upper sections to prevent discomfort and calluses.
- Size
Since you or someone from your family will be using the rake, it needs to be the right size to be comfy and do the job.
Did you know that when placed vertically, it should reach the level of your armpits in height?
Telescopic handle grips are a great way to make the rake usable for any member of your family, regardless of their height.
- Weight
To not overload your arms, shoulders, and back, a rake needs to be balanced in weight. If you’re of a smaller build, don’t go with the heaviest models.
Wooden handle ones and steel tines are considered the heaviest options.
The aluminum ones tend to be lighter; however, they’re not the strongest option out there. A fiberglass option is a great alternative.
What Are The Different Types Of Rakes?
Although different rakes can be used for multiple tasks, most of them are designed for specific gardening tasks.
Let’s check out some of the most common types below:
- Traditional rake
This multipurpose rake is the most common one you’ll see in most garages.
Its design is pretty standard and many also know it as a bow rake.
Usually, its handle is long and straight and the head stiff and wide, at a right angle to the handle.
The head features sturdy and short metal tines that can’t be moved. This rake is an awesome option to break up sturdy soil, aerate soil or rake gravel and mulch.
- Lawn rake
This rake has a similar design to the leaf rakes.
Long and straight handle and long and slender tines at the head spreading out and reminding of a fan shape.
It’s awesome for raking up leaves, but it’s also useful for much other stuff like raking gravel, removing debris beneath shrubs, etc.
- Leaf rake
Shaped like a lawn rake, this rake differs by its plastic, not metalhead. They need to be less flexible than the lawn ones and better at transporting lighter materials like leaves.
- Landscape rake
This specialized rake is likelier to be in the garage of a landscaping company, rather than in a usual household.
Made to complete large tasks fast and to level out soil or sand, this rake is essential when trying to resurface a yard.
Its wide head has short metal tines and it’s constructed of strong metal. It doesn’t bend and it can withstand hours of use.
- Dethatching rake
Also known as a scarifying rake, this specialized tool pulls out thatch without harming the grass.
It may have one or two sides of tines. One is usually used for breaking up the thatch and the other for removing it. They need to be strong enough to break up the thatch and pull it out.
- Hand rake
These rakes are miniature versions of full-size rakes.
Their design is the same, but smaller.
It’s useful when you want to garden at a closer distance and to be more precise in your maneuvers.
It’s more suitable for tackling flowerbeds and containers and removing debris from the soil’s top layer.
Their handle can be wooden or metal while its tines are usually metal and non-flexible.
Which Rake Type Is The Best For Dead Grass?
The best rakes for dead grass are the traditional bow rakes and the dethatching ones.
The ones with curvy and strong heads can also help you do the job, but they may not be optimal. This is because the head tines need to be strong enough to pull up and remove the dead layers.
The Best Rakes for Dead Grass
1. True Temper Adjustable Rake for Dead Grass
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 61.88 x 14.75 x 5 inches |
| Item Weight | 4 pounds |
| Manufacturer | The AMES Companies, Inc. |
| Price | $70.17 |
Highlighted Features
- Sturdy construction
- Versatile
- Easy to use
- Rubberized handle
Perfect for loosening up dead grass, this rake boasts a 15-inch raking length with curved steel tines. It will do its job optimally thanks to the two rows of tines.
The former is great for loosening while the straight ones can be used for deeper penetration.
The 54-inch handle made of hardwood offers just the right amount of strength and durability.
Moreover, it boasts a cushioned and thick rubberized coating on the top to ensure you feel no pressure or discomfort in the hands.
Other metal pieces are thick and it’s not easy to be broken or bent unless intentionally trying to.
Easy to use and versatile, this is a rake that lasts and performs in any situation.
2. Homimp Rake for Dead Grass with Adjustable Handle
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 26 x 37 x 86 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.59 pounds |
| Manufacturer | HOMIMP |
| Price | Price not available |
Highlighted Features
- Adjustable handle
- Versatile
- Made of durable materials
- Lightweight
Featuring an adjustable handle, this rake enables a length range from 34 to 55 inches by connecting different tubes through the retractable button. Being easily collapsible, its transportation is effortless.
It’s a suitable option for loosening dead grass or picking up garden debris and leaves. The head is 8 inches wide. It’s highly durable thanks to the stainless steel construction. It won’t rust or corrode.
Lightweight, quality, and versatile, it’s a great rake for dead grass.
Also, it’s important to note that they offer a refund or replacement option in case you’re not satisfied with the product within two years.
Customers who purchased it gave the most praise for its easy assembling, durability, and lightweight.
3. Jardineer 63-Inch Adjustable Rake for Dead Grass
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 17.2 x 21 x 67 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.41 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Jardineer |
| Price | $26.99 |
Highlighted Features
- Adjustable rake
- Telescopic handle
- Made of strong materials
- Easy to use
- Ergonomic design
If you’re tired of having to bend down all the time when raking, this adjustable rake by Jardineer is perfect for you. It features a telescopic handle that rotates to extend and reverse rotates to lock.
Its head features strong steel tines that collect debris efficiently with every pass you make.
You can easily adjust the rake’s head to fit into wider or narrower spaces by turning the yellow lock. The strong aluminum handle is thick and easy to hold.
The rest of the rake is made of metal and it’s durable and non-rusting overall.
Customers who purchased it gave it the most kudos for its ergonomic and lightweight design and its easy use.
4. Garden Depot Rake for Dead Grass
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 15.63 x 5 x 1.54 inches |
| Item Weight | 5 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Garden depot |
| Price | $9.91 |
Highlighted Features
- Compact design
- Ergonomic handle
- Wide head
- Flexible tines
Affordable, compact, and easy to use, this rake is great when you need to tackle between bushes, flower beds, and shrubs. It’s also great for loosening dead grass and evening-out mulch.
Thanks to its ergonomic design, no strain and pressure are felt in the forearm and wrist.
The head features eleven grooved prongs made of quality steel while the handle’s upper part has been rubberized to ensure maximum comfort during use.
What’s more, thanks to the flexible tines, small plants won’t be harmed.
The rake’s head width is around 16 ½-inches.
Customers who purchased this small rake gave it the most praise for offering lightweight, good value for the price, and an ergonomic design.
5. Bully Tools Gardening Rake for Dead Grass
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 2.5 x 22.5 x 66.25 inches |
| Item Weight | 3.39 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Bully Tools |
| Price | $59.99 |
Highlighted Features
- Sturdy design
- Durable materials
- Easy to use
- Comfy handle
Made in the US, this rake is ideal for loosening dead grass, collecting debris and leaf, and so much more.
Featuring 24 strong tines made of stainless steel, it will perform optimally.
Moreover, the fiberglass handle is amazing; it’s designed to be sturdy and long-lasting, yet not overly heavy.
The upper part where you hold it has been rubberized for extra comfort.
Made in the US, this rake can be purchased worry-free thanks to the limited lifetime warranty that the company offers.
Customers who bought it praised it the most for its sturdiness, durability, and lightweight. Also, considering it’s not an adjustable handle model, taller people may need to bend more.
6. Flexrake’s Long-Reach Hand Rake for Dead Grass
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 16 x 5 x 4 inches |
| Item Weight | 10.2 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Flexrake |
| Price | Price not available |
Highlighted Features
- Sturdy
- Ergonomic & beautiful design
- Easy to use
- Versatile
This classic long-reach hand rake is great for those that love traditional designs. Modeled after the hard-to-find antiques when most tools were hand-crafted, it’s quality and beautiful.
Crafted meticulously with some impressive features like a handle from oak wood and long-lasting high-carbon stainless steel tines, it will last for a long time.
The manufacturers have thought out every detail, including the useful leather hanger on top for easy storage.
It’s recommendable for lighter and less time-consuming tasks. Customers who bought it gave the most praise for its ergonomic design, easy use, and sturdiness.
7. XC Source Adjustable Rake & Grabber for Dead Grass
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 27.2 x 13.7 x 3 inches |
| Item Weight | 4.34 pounds |
| Manufacturer | XCSOURCE |
| Price | Price not available |
Highlighted Features
- Ergonomic
- Lightweight
- Sturdy construction
- Long-lasting
Featuring a practical design, this rake comes with an adjustable handle height. It prevents neck and head strain from having to bend constantly.
Made of premium and long-lasting stainless steel, this rake keeps its sturdiness and longevity for a long time. The 25 steel tines have a wide coverage area and are strong, yet lightweight.
Moreover, the grabber made of powder-coated metal is a great assistant when picking up leaves and grass. You can also adjust it forward or backward to collect or release leaves.
What’s more, the adjustable and telescopic handle minimizes strain in the user and helps keep the tool in place with its lockable design. Its upper part has been rubberized for optimal comfort.
And, that’s not all you’ll get: the set comes with a 72-gallon debris collection bag.
8. Corona Clipper Rake for Dead Grass with Aluminum Handle
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 7.5 x 6.5 x 61 inches |
| Item Weight | 11.2 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Corona Clipper |
| Price | $17.99 |
Highlighted Features
- Versatile
- Comfy to hold
- Lightweight
- Sturdy tines
Loosen dead grass easily and quickly with this rake with an 8-inch wide head.
Being versatile and efficient, it can also be your go-to tool for collecting debris after dethatching and gathering fallen leaves in autumn.
The bi-curved bow ensures even pressure to all of the tines and maximum raking. The head features 11 strong and long-lasting and curved tines.
They’re made of premium stainless steel, ensuring longevity and strength.
Moreover, even if you’re using it for hours, you won’t feel any discomfort or pressure in your hands. This is thanks to the lightweight aluminum handle that’s been padded in the upper part with anti-slip vinyl.
Customers gave the most kudos for the rake’s lightweight, easy use, and sturdy construction.
9. Homes Garden Small Hand Rake for Dead Grass
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 15.5 x 1.57 x 4.53 inches |
| Item Weight | 7.8 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Homes Garden |
| Price | Price not available |
Highlighted Features
- Easy to use
- Strong tines
- Comfy handle
- Versatile
- Compact
This hand rake is an awesome way to loosen up dead grass easily. Featuring 9 tines, it can also help you collect leaves or debris from different soils.
Thanks to its design, there’s no uncomfortable bending. Use it to dislodge weeds in your perennials and annuals and to smoothen soil in beds and planters. The nine steel tines are made of high-carbon stainless steel and they’re sturdy and flexible.
Their curviness will ensure maximum collection and loosening. What’s more, comfort is guaranteed thanks to the ergonomic and padded handle. The hole on the top of the handle enables easy hanging and optimized storage.
Lightweight, yet sturdy and long-lasting, it’s not a rake you should miss out on. Customers who bought this rake gave it the most praise for its easy use, sturdy construction, and lightweight.
10. Home-X Garden Rake for Dead Grass
Product Information
| Package Dimensions | 14 x 3 x 4.12 inches |
| Item Weight | 5.2 ounces |
| Manufacturer | Home-X |
| Price | Price not available |
Highlighted Features
- Flexible & strong tines
- Comfy handle
- Easy storage
- Compact size
- Versatile
Make loosening dead grass and cleaning up your garden easy and fun with this compact hand rake.
The head’s steel tines are flexible and sturdy, making sure you finish the task easily and effortlessly. It’s worth mentioning that the steel has been powder-coated to minimize rust and soil buildup.
Whether to clean around beds and potted plants or to loosen some dead grass, this rake will be there for you. Moreover, the comfy grip which is made using quality TPR plastic ensures maximum comfort and easy maneuvers.
We appreciate the details on this one such as the hanging hole on top of the handle you can always have it at your hand’s reach, not tossed away in some drawer!
Final Thoughts
If there’s a tool that no garden can do without, it’s definitely a rake! A go-to for loosening up dead grass, leveling and grading soil, and collecting leaves, it’s an amazing tool.
When you use it to loosen dead areas of your lawn, you make space for the grass to grow healthier in the upcoming spring.
When the time for raking in mid-April comes, pick up your best rake for dead grass and make magic in the garden!
You’ll love our best pick: it’s made of quality materials, yet lightweight and versatile. In case you’re looking to spend less, but still want a quality product, our budget pick is perfect for you!