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Every year, especially in the fall months, debris will seem to build up in your garden. Whether it’s those freshly fallen leaves or end of season fruits and flowers, you will want to clear them up for next season. However, what do you do for those tighter spaces where your normal garden rake won’t reach?
Fortunately, there exists a smaller version of rake for such a job, called the shrub rake. If your garden landscape has plenty of small shrubbery features, a shrub rake is definitely worth adding to your arsenal of garden tools.
Read on to find out more about what a shrub rake is and how you should be using one. We will also look at the features you should consider when choosing a shrub rake. And finally, we have researched which are the five best shrub rakes you can buy in 2019.
Our Choice of the 5 Best Shrub Rakes (From Good to Best)
Just as you don’t want to spend too much time raking, you don’t want to take too long searching for a good one. We have thoroughly “raked” through the pages of different products, to offer you, in our opinion, information on the best shrub rakes you can buy.
Best Bamboo Rake: Flexrake CFP24 24-Inch Bamboo Rake with 48-Inch Wood Handle
This solid bamboo shrub rake from Flexrake has managed to squeeze 24 teeth into a 24-inch wide fan head. More teeth will hopefully mean less time raking, as they will catch more debris on the first attempt.
Many gardeners choose bamboo rakes over metal or “modern” alternatives. This is due to bamboo rakes being lightweight and flexible due to the natural bamboo material. The bamboo tines ensure better flex when raking, can be used very well on concrete, and doesn’t become brittle like plastic when exposed to the sun for periods of time.
Pro Tip: When the tines become loose, do a quick fix with extra wiring or epoxy.
PROS
Much easier to rake leaves with a bamboo rake
Bamboo material makes for a lightweight feel and flexibility than steel rakes
Holds up better with sun exposure when compared to plastic products
Ideal for raking leaves, sticks, and debris
CONS
Won’t last as long compared to steel implements due to its organic nature
Flexrake 100050981 Shrub Rake With 8" Wood Handle
Th Flexrake shrub rake is lightweight and features an 8-inch head, made from flex-steel for more flexibility than traditional steel heads. The metal tines will offer much more durability than similar plastic tines, with nearly as much flexibility.
The 11 extra-wide tines can bite down more efficiently into the soil, pulling out the debris into the open spaces. The narrow head allows you to move between shrubs without fear of catching them.
The aluminum handle adds to the lightweight feature of this durable rake, and is covered in an anti-slip vinyl coating. For longer periods of raking, even when your hands get wet, this will give you more control over the rake and add to the comfort.
At only 48 inches long, though, tall users may find themselves bending or hunching over more often.
PROS
Lightweight aluminum handle.
Steel tines are less likely to break.
Flex-steel for more flexibility and spring.
Wide tines to dig up more debris.
5-year warranty for any defects, although this doesn’t cover wear and tear.
CONS
The handle can be short for some users.
No curvature to the head means less efficiency in pulling out debris once dug up.
Best for Narrow Spaces: GardenAll 11-Tine Steel Leaf/Shrub Rake with 48”Vinyl Coated Steel Handle
Sometimes you need an even more compact rake to get between those shrubs, and this GardenAll shrub rake features the narrowest head we found. Just because it’s only 7 inches wide doesn’t mean it won’t get the job done. 11 steel tines feature a curved design, to dig up even more debris.
It’s not just the tines which are made of durable steel, but also a vinyl coated 48-inch long handle uses steel tubing. For shrubs with surrounding stones or rocks, this is the ideal shrub rake. There’s less chance of the tines breaking or the handle giving way as you rake.
An ergonomically designed handle makes for lightweight use, an easy grip, and more durability. This shrub rake has been designed to last, with the only real weak point being the plastic holder that attaches the head to the handle.
PROS
Durable steel construction.
Vinyl covered handle is rust resistant for extra longevity.
The sturdy design will withstand more pressure.
Curved teeth for dragging out more debris and leaves.
Narrow head is ideal for getting between plants in your flowerbeds.
Built to strict ISO standards.
48-inch length is suitable for most average users.
CONS
Plastic which connects the head can break under extreme pressure.
Can be heavy for use over extended periods.
Best Warranty: Fiskars 8 Inch Shrub Rake
Fiskars are well known in the gardening world, for quality garden tools, this shrub rake being no exception. An impressively lightweight design uses aluminum and resin for a rake that makes every stroke effortless.
The unique resin head features tines which will flex without breaking when under pressure. A gentle curve to the tines rakes around shrubs easily, without disturbing the surrounding grass or ground cover. The narrow 8-inch head allows for getting between even closely placed shrubs or plants.
An extra long, 58-inch handle ensures you can reach deeper into those flowerbeds while reducing back fatigue. The teardrop shape of the handle makes it comfortable to hold, while the aluminum used is both lightweight and sturdy. If you are in any doubt of the construction, the whole rake is covered by a lifetime warranty.
PROS
Flexible resin tines are stronger than traditional plastic.
Curve to the tines ensure pressure is evenly applied.
More gentle to the shrubs you rake around.
The 8-inch head is ideal for getting into narrower spaces.
The lightweight aluminum handle is long at 58 inches.
Teardrop shape improves comfort and control of the rake.
Lifetime warranty.
CONS
Resin tines may bend if the plastic head is left out in the sun for long periods.
Tines can become brittle, but are easily replaced under lifetime warranty.
Best Plastic Shrub Rake: Truper 30465 Tru Touch
The 30465 Tru Touch shrub rake comes from the Truper Company that has been producing quality garden tools for over 40 years. If you’re worried about buying a rake with a plastic head, don’t fret, as happy buyers attest that it is very sturdy.
Its 8-inch wide head uses a design which has been optimized for collecting even more debris and reaching harder spots. The slimline profile means it can squeeze into even the tightest of corners.
Angled teeth pull out the debris, leaving very little behind, with the plastic not damaging hidden plant roots.
PROS
Good construction; very sturdy
Works well in removing dead leaves and debris from around plants and trees; great for spring cleanup
Can be used from leafy debris to dog poop
Because of the plastic tines, cleanup is very easy; just spray with water
Takes up little space in terms of storage
CONS
The plastic tines can bend if left in direct sunlight for too long.
Not suitable for heavy duty use in beds containing a lot of rocks.
Our Choice
Choosing the best shrub rake may not seem like the most exciting of jobs, a rake is a rake, isn’t it? However, choosing the best garden tools will save you more time in the long run. Nobody wants to spend a lot of time in the garden store replacing tools, any more than they do raking.
For those times that you need to get into the flowerbeds to clear the debris, a shrub rake will help protect your precious plants.
The Truper plastic rake is our number 1 choice but due to the warranty offer, we are leaning towards the Fiskars. With its affordable price and a lifetime warranty included, the Fiskars 8-inch Shrub Rake is our recommended choice. Using this lightweight shrub rake will keep your flower beds free of leaves and other debris, without breaking the bank—or your back!
What is a Shrub Rake?
Shrub rakes are very similar in appearance to a leaf rake, just with a smaller group of tines. With a smaller fan shape and fewer tines, which are also shorter, they are ideal for getting into those tighter spaces.
The narrow head can reach between shrubs for removing leaves and other debris, without actually pulling up the shrubs or plants. Some shrub rakes may use plastic or bamboo tines, just like leaf rakes, for a more gentle approach. Others will use steel or another sturdy metal, which will also remove smaller stones too.
Shrub rake heads will normally be less than 10 inches wide, to get into all those nooks and crannies. The small size of the head means it can be placed very close to the trees or shrubs without fear of damaging them. A longer handle on most shrub rakes means you don’t have to get down low and put your hands in there.
What to Look for in the Best Shrub Rake?
“Not yet another rake to buy!” I hear you say. Yes, you might already have a selection of rakes in your shed but can any of them get down the side of that tree, which seems to be getting ever closer to the fence?
Don’t worry, shrub rakes are normally quite inexpensive and, with smaller heads, take up much less space in your shed. However, some of the “shrub rakes” you see in your local store may just be smaller and poorer quality leaf rakes.
Here are the top factors to consider when choosing the best shrub rake for your garden. As an extra rake in your shed, you don’t want to buy something you’re going to have to replace every year.
Handle and Handle Length
As with any rake, or indeed any garden tool, the handle should always be top of the list of things to look at. The handle and its length can severely affect both the performance of the rake and your comfort when using it.
As you will use the rake mainly standing up, the handle should be a suitable length and weight for you to be able to handle without bending. As a general rule, a comfortable length for a rake is for it to reach the bridge of your nose when it is stood upright. Handles that telescope in and out could be handy for areas that are difficult to reach.
Sometimes you may be raking for longer periods and so it’s important that the rake doesn’t weigh too much. Aluminum handles will tend to be the lightest, but fiberglass comes a close second and is usually more durable. Wooden handles may be rough on the hands to hold over time, and steel will be strongest, but also the heaviest.
When using a shrub rake, you won’t normally need the extra strength of steel handles. Aluminum will be strong enough for most jobs and will usually be less expensive too. You don’t want to be dropping a heavy steel handle on your prized shrubs, or toes, either.
Width of the Rake
Consider the areas you are going to work with your rake and the size of your garden. Although shrub rakes have narrow heads, people with smaller gardens may be able to choose a multi-use rake with a slightly wider head.
Instead of two separate rakes, you could both sweep up the leaves from your garden and clear the debris from your shrubs with the one tool.
A general size for a shrub rake is 8–10 inches, which is the perfect size for working around shrubs or other hard to reach areas.
The space between the tines can also affect how effective a shrub rake is. Wider spaces between tines will miss some of the debris and may need a second raking.
A curved head design or a curvature to the tines can allow you to penetrate deeper, even in those narrow spaces. Although they will make the shrub rake harder to push forward, it will be easier to pull out any debris from your beds.
Steel, Plastic or Bamboo Tines
If you are concerned about damage to any underlying tender plants in your shrub bed, plastic or bamboo rakes will be softer.
Plastic shrub rakes could also be used to rake leaves or grass cuttings off the top of bushes, with the gentle tines not tearing at the plant. Sometimes, though, plastic tines may break, or can become misshapen if left in the sun.
Metal tines will be stronger but are rarely needed unless your shrub beds contain lots of rocks and small stones. They are prone to rust and, as a rule, most gardeners prefer to use steel for more heavy duty jobs, like turning the soil or gravel raking.
When working around delicate shrubs, the sharp edges of steel tines can sometimes rip the plant from the ground.
Bamboo tines offer a compromise of durability and strength. They are more durable than plastic but not as strong as steel. However, they won’t rust and they will be more flexible and kinder to the roots of shrubs.
Special Features of the Shrub Rake
There are other features which can affect how well the shrub rake performs, or how comfortable it is to use. A cushioned or ergonomic grip can provide more comfort for using the rake and is particularly recommended for users who suffer mobility issues.
A vinyl coating to the shaft of any shrub rake can protect it from rust, but should also use an anti-slip texture. There will be times when you’re raking in damper conditions and more control of the rake will be essential for both safety and comfort.
Spring wires or flexible tines can help absorb some of the impact you may experience if you hit a harder surface.
Plastic tines should be designed to flex rather than shatter when they hit an unexpected rock. Remember, however, shrub rakes are only designed for lighter tasks, and any heavier duty work should be carried out with a sturdy bow or garden rake.
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