Facts About Leaf Rakes
The leaf rake has served gardeners and homeowners as a lawn-care tool since 1894. Despite competition from leaf blowers, lawn vacuums, leaf shredders and mulching mowers, hand raking endures as an economical way to prepare turf for winter survival. Does this Spark an idea?
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Function
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Leaf rakes feature flexible tines grouped with a spring brace into a fan or triangular shape that gather fallen leaves together when the user pulls the rake.
Types
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Smaller versions for clearing leaves from flower beds --- hand rakes --- have 30-inch long handles and 7-inch fan widths. No-clog leaf rakes have wave-shaped, plastic tines. All-purpose, adjustable rakes handle yards as well as hard-to-reach spots. Rubber versions remove leaves without damaging new grass. Ergonomic-handled leaf rakes minimize back strain.
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Considerations
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The Seattle Times reports that a 24-inch leaf rake suits most people. Fiberglass, wood or metal handles come in 48- to 54-inch lengths. Cushioned handles help to prevent blisters. Tine choices include bamboo, plastic or metal.
Sources
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Hardware stores, home improvement stores and lawn and garden centers sell leaf rakes. The AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) suggests combing estate and yard sales for affordable, used leaf rakes. According to GardenClub.com, new leaf rakes range in price from $5 to $50 (as of 2010).
Warning
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More than 28,000 people suffer shoulder, neck and back injuries attributed to leaf disposal every year, according to West Hartford Chiropractic. Safety tips include stretching, switching hands, lifting with bent knees and raking with short strokes.
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References
- Free Patents Online: Lawn Rake & Rake Head; Patent 5522209; Background of the Invention; Description of the Prior Art
- Plant-Care: Your Valuable Leaf Crop -- Don't Waste the Fertilizer Value
- B2BMarketplace: Hand Tools; Garden/ Agriculture Tools; Garden Rakes
- American Association of Retired Persons: Smart Gardening Tips for Fall
- West Hartford Chiropractic: Avoid Leaf Raking Injuries
- SeattleTimes: Home & Garden; Raise Your Leaf Rake with Pride not Pain
Resources
- Photo Credit raked image by robert mobley from Fotolia.com
