Do you love spending time outdoors in your garden but hate the unevenness of your lawn? Perhaps you’re like me and enjoy having a lush green lawn but don’t really have the time to devote to weekly mowing, watering, and edging. If you want to get your lawn looking its best, leveling it should be high on your priority list.
For this reason, a lawn leveling rake is an important tool to have in your arsenal as a homeowner. With it, you can quickly and easily level out your lawn, ensuring that it looks its best. Are you planning to buy a new lawn leveling rake for your home garden? If so, you’ll want to make sure you get the best one on the market.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the top-rated models available in 2023 and give you our thoughts on which one is best for your needs. So, whether you’re looking for a handheld model or something that can be used with a tractor, we’ve got you covered! Read on to learn more.
What Is a Lawn Leveling Rake?
Lawn leveling rakes are actually very simple pieces of lawn equipment. They are wide, flat rakes with angled tines for pushing up soil and other debris that has settled on the surface. When you push the rake across your lawn, any protuberances sticking out are leveled out and the soil placed in depressions that are lower than the rest of the lawn.
You’ll be able to tell that the surface is leveled off and free of peaks and valleys after a few trips across your lawn. Because bumps can be caused by many factors, including moisture and soil conditions, you might need to re-level your soil on a regular basis, which means your rake will get plenty of usage – and choosing the correct one is of particular importance.
Lawn Leveling Rake vs. Landscaping Rake
A lawn rake is a tool that has lengthy, straight handles with spread out metal tines on one end. They are also known as leaf rakes or spring tine rakes since they may be used to gather leaves. They’re both characterized by a single, long handle and spreading metal tines on one end.
A lawn leveling rake has sharp tines that are designed to scrape off grass debris such as soil, gravel, and sand. It may be used to break up clumps of dirt and distribute them evenly over a sloping lawn. When compared to leaf rakes, they are more adaptable and versatile.
A landscape rake, on the other hand, is made for heavy-duty use. Their most common function is to level up and distribute harder soil, gravel, and sand. If you have more work to do in a larger area, you might consider purchasing a mechanized landscape rake that may be coupled to a tractor.
A landscaping rake has a larger head and more short metal spikes than a lawn leveling rake, which has a somewhat smaller head. The spikes on a landscape rake are constructed of solid metal that doesn’t easily bend and can endure long hours of hard usage.
Why Buy a Lawn Leveling Rake?
Specialist lawn equipment, such as aerators, tillers, and trenchers, may be rented from hardware stores. Because the cost of purchasing bigger and more complicated equipment such as these is so high and the number of uses is so small that it makes sense to rent them. However, a lawn leveling rake is not exorbitantly costly, and is also something you’ll use on multiple occasions.
When it comes to determining whether or not you need a lawn leveling rake, the main advantage is that it allows you to make sure your grass is level. One major benefit of a lawn leveling rake is that it helps to prevent bumps from forming too easily, making it easier to sow grass seed while keeping everything level.
You’ll need precise leveling equipment to get it level in the first place, but a lawn leveling rake makes it quite simple to keep it level with just a little bit of upkeep. These rakes do not require any special training or lots of power to use, and can be incorporated into your standard lawn care program.
Leveling Your Lawn
You’re most likely looking at this article because your lawn is uneven in some way. So, how do you level a bumpy and uneven lawn?
First, if your lawn has large bumps or hills in it, or huge holes that have opened up, a lawn leveling rake is not going to help, and you need to seek the help of a professional.
If your lawn has just small bumps – such as an inch up or less – then a rake could help with that. You want to work during the spring months because the ground is moist from thawing out the winter frost.
Use topdressing if your lawn is uneven due to tiny holes rather than bumps – again, 1 inch or less. Shake out a thin layer over the problem spot and spread it out evenly with a leveling rake until it is completely filled out and level using the top dressing.
Use your feet to stamp down and compact the dirt with the leveling rake. However, don’t go overboard; excess pressure can cause compaction that may lead to further problems. To help against compaction and allow the soil to settle, water softly for a few days.
Buyer’s Guide: Factors to Consider
We collated a list of considerations that you should look into if you’re seriously thinking of buying a lawn leveling rake for your backyard. You need to take into account the grass and soil type you have, as well as the type, dimensions, weight, materials, handle, and rake head of the rake itself.
Grass and Soil Type
The type of grass and soil you’ll be working with is the most important consideration when purchasing a lawn leveling rake. Compare your lawn’s soil to the manufacturer’s recommendation on the model you’re considering. Some rakes are designed for certain types of grass, and others may be too harsh for some lawns.
The ones described below are broad in scope and can be utilized on a wide range of grasses. However, double-check ahead of time that the rake is appropriate for your lawn or you will harm both the rake and the grass.
Type
There are many different tools that you can use to level your lawn. These are all considered lawn leveling rakes in this article, because they act in similar manners, but they are technically different tools.
Handheld Lawn Leveling Rakes are rakes with a long pole as a handle. The average length of the handle pole is 6 feet. Some producers, on the other hand, produce adjustable poles so that customers may change the length to suit their height.
Leveling Rakes for Tractors are exactly what they sound like – they are rakes usually towed by a tractor or a truck. They are more heavy and durable than handheld rakes and cover more ground, so they are mostly used by professional landscapers.
A lawn roller is a great substitute for a leveling rake. It provides a flawlessly level and smooth turf. It’s also good for compressing loose gravel. A lawn roller may be manually pushed or towed behind a truck. The major drawback is that it needs to be highly accurate in order to work, and it’s quite hefty when compared to a leveling rake.
The Spazzle rake is a type of lawn leveler with no tines that looks almost identical to a lawn rake. They are usually long-lasting, lightweight, and easy to handle. On the other hand, loose gravel may make them ineffective.
Dimensions
Rakes for leveling are available in a variety of sizes. The most frequent dimensions are 36, 40, and 48 inches.
A 48” rake is ideal for tackling large lawns and other landscaping areas. The broad base makes it simple to cover a larger surface without putting out too much effort. You will save time by using a 48 inch rake rather than a 36 inch rake if you have large, open spaces to work in. However, a 36-inch rake is better for tighter maneuvering around obstacles, and for smaller backyards.
Weight
When selecting a leveling tool, the weight is an important consideration—the heavier the tool, the more work you put in. The ideal and suggested weight should be about 6 pounds.
Materials
Lawn rakes are usually constructed of either aluminum, wood, or plastic. Any of these can be sturdy and durable, so it comes down to personal preference as to which one you should choose.
Handle
The handle should have a cushioned grip. Even if you don’t feel it at first, your hands will thank you after an afternoon shoveling with a rake!
If you’re above average height, you’ll want a rake with a longer handle so that you don’t have to stoop while using it. Look for something that is adjustable or 5 feet or more in length. This should be plenty enough to give you an easy working position.
Rake Head
The rake heads are quite similar in design; the only difference is the material. You should seek for one that is stainless or tempered steel, if possible.
Make sure you pay attention to the bracket that connects the handle to the rake head. That bracket receives a lot of stress, and from many different angles. A stainless steel bracket should last a long time. Make sure it moves freely so you can maneuver it over rough terrain.
Top 6 Lawn Leveling Rakes
After learning which factors are the most important to consider when shopping around for a lawn leveling rake, you should now be ready to read through our recommendations and decide which one would be best for you! Here are the top 6 rakes to help you level your lawn in 2023.
#1. Standard Golf Levelawn
- ACHIEVE WIDER COVERAGE AND FASTER LEVELING - The 30” wide head of our leveler allows you to cover a larger area with each pass, reducing the overall time and effort required to achieve a perfectly level surface. Whether you're working on a golf course, a sprawling lawn, or a garden, this broader coverage helps you complete the job more efficiently.
- EFFORTLY DISTRIBUTE FOR SUPERIOR RESULTS - Thanks to its well-crafted construction, the Levelawn Tool ensures a smooth and uniform distribution of top dressing materials. The stainless steel tray provides a durable and reliable surface for holding the materials, preventing clumping or uneven distribution. As you glide the tool across the targeted area, the materials are evenly dispersed, ensuring consistent coverage and eliminating the risk of patchy spots or excess accumulation in certain areas
- TRUSTED BY GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS WORLDWIDE - The Levelawn Tool's popularity among golf course superintendents can be attributed to its durable construction and reliable performance under demanding conditions. Crafted with a stainless steel tray and a sturdy 72-inch handle, this tool is designed to withstand the rigors of regular use in various weather. Its longevity and resilience ensure that golf course superintendents can rely on it, minimizing the need for replacements or repairs.
- TWO PIECE WOOD HANDLE - The Levelawn Tool from Standard Golf Company is equipped with a high-quality two-piece wood handle, specially designed to provide enhanced durability and comfort during operation. This thoughtfully crafted handle adds an extra layer of reliability and convenience, making the Levelawn Tool a top choice for leveling golf courses, lawns, and gardens.
- MADE IN THE USA - When you choose the Levelawn Tool, you're not just acquiring a reliable and efficient tool for leveling golf courses, lawns, and gardens. You're also supporting American manufacturing and the skilled workforce that takes great pride in producing superior products. Each Levelawn Tool is meticulously crafted in Cedar Falls, Iowa, adhering to the highest standards of precision and attention to detail.
The Standard Golf Levelawn Rake is the cream of the crop when it comes to lawn leveling rakes. There’s a reason it is the gold standard to use in golf clubs and country clubs throughout the United States. It has a head with a width of 30 inches, or 76 centimeters, and it easily distributes any top dressing soil and other debris into uneven holes and smooths out bumps along the way.
The rake head is made of aluminum, and is 30 inches wide by 10 inches in depth. The handle is made of wood, 6 feet long, and comes in two pieces.
This rake is used to break up clods, level sports fields and lawns, remove stones, and ready the soil for planting. I recommend trimming your grass a little before tilling the dirt if it is lengthy and thick, because this tool is rather light and may not deal with long grass.
#2. Rocklin Industry 48″ Levelawn Tool
- 🌱 Levels soil and dirt evenly. Get rid of unwanted dips and divots by filling them with dirt and leveling it out with the Rocklin Industry Levelawn.
- 🌱 Ground plate measures 48” x 10”. The perfect size for easy mobility, functionality, and maneuverability.
- 🌱 78” Extra long handle lets you cover more ground with less effort. Removable handle section allows shorter 50” handle if desired.
- 🌱 Will work on any type of grass including Bermuda, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, St. Augustine, and Fescue. Works best when grass is cut to 1.5” or less.
- 🌱 Double Spot Welded Stainless Steel Fabrication. 15 lbs Total Weight.
The Rocklin Industry 48″ Levelawn Tool is another great option for a lawn leveling rake. It boasts a massive rake head that is 48 inches wide and 10 inches deep, which means you will be able to level a huge amount of your grass in a relatively short amount of time, and you get a great combination of functionality, mobility, and maneuverability.
The handle is adjustable. Use the full 78 inch length in order to cover more ground with less effort, or remove one section and use the shorter, 50 inch handle if you would rather. This rake will help you level soil and dirt evenly by filling any unwanted dips and divots with loose soil and dirt, and it works on many types of grasses, including Bluegrass, Bermuda Grass, Ryegrass, St. Augustine Grass, and Fescue.
#3. Agri-Fab Poly Tow Lawn Roller
- Durable 18" diameter, 36" wide, no rust, internally reinforced, poly roller drum
- 400 lbs weight with water to help flatten uneven grass and level new soil in 36" wide swaths
- Less than 50 lbs without water for easy storage and transport and roller drain/fill plug empties easily and fills with a regular garden hose
- Includes removable drain plug and poly scraper bar; center baffler provides additional stability
- 3 Year Limited Consumer Warranty; Made in USA with some imported components
Next on our list of the top 6 lawn leveling tools we have the Agri-Fab Poly Tow Lawn Roller. This is actually a lawn roller rather than a rake, and you can use it by towing it behind a truck or tractor over your lawn. It weighs less than 50 pounds without water, which makes for easy transport from your lawn to wherever you need it stored, and then you can fill it up with water until it reaches a max weight of 400 pounds.
The width of the roller is 36 inches, which is fairly wide for a fast and convenient leveling job. The drum is made from durable, rustproof, internally reinforced poly, so it will last a long time, and the center baffler is included for additional stability when in use. The drain plug empties quickly and easily so you can immediately relax after a hard day’s work.
#4. Brinly PRC-241BH Push/Tow Poly Lawn Roller
- NEW Easy-Turn Plug: Brinly Rollers now feature a new drum plug design, making filling and emptying your roller quicker and easier than ever
- Push/Pull Combination: Convenient push or tow-behind design provides versatility for rolling tight areas or larger open spaces. Perfect tool for erasing lawn damage from moles and frost, or packing down loose dirt, seed, or sod.
- 28 Gallon Capacity: Sturdy roller holds up to 28 gallons (270 lbs.) of water or sand and is both light enough to push through the yard and rugged enough to withstand towing behind a tractor.
- Durable Construction: Sturdy poly roller drum won't dent or rust, and resists weather damage for use season after season. Measures 24" in width.
- Faster Filling: Includes fill opening with extra-large diameter to expedite filling and emptying of the drum. Can be easily filled with a garden hose.
The Brinly PRC-241BH Push/Tow Poly Lawn Roller is another great option for those looking for a lawn roller rather than a rake. It has a 28 gallon capacity, which means it can weigh up to 270 pounds – that will make your lawn level really quick. It’s a fantastic product for removing mole damage, repairing cracks in lawns, or packing down loose dirt, seed, or sod.
The Brinly PRC-241BH boasts a convenient push and tow-behind design for extra versatility; it can roll both in tight areas and larger open spaces. It features a sturdy poly drum that won’t rust or dent, and it can withstand lots of adverse weather damage for use season after season. There’s even an opening in the barrel with an extra large diameter for quick filling and emptying.
#5. Varomorus Stainless Steel Lawn Level Tool
- Achieve a Smooth, Even Lawn: Start your leveling or reseeding project with the ultimate Varomorus Lawn Rake. This tool is designed to eliminate bumps and depressions, giving you a smooth and even lawn surface.
- Create Your Ideal Outdoor Space: With the Varomorus leveling tool, you can transform your lawn into a beautiful and enjoyable outdoor space. Say goodbye to uneven areas and experience a more aesthetically pleasing environment for your activities and relaxation.
- Time-Saving Solution: Save time and effort with the Varomorus leveling rake. It efficiently spreads and works topsoil into the grass, making a significant difference in the quality of your lawn. Get impressive results while reducing the time spent on leveling tasks.
- User-Friendly Design: The Varomorus Lawn Rake features a 42"x10" plate size and a 72-inch long handle, providing optimal coverage for efficient leveling. Its stainless steel construction ensures durability and longevity.
- Versatile Applications: This versatile rake is perfect for various lawn care tasks. Use it to fill in holes and low spots, renovate your lawn turf, provide a smoother surface for seeding new grass, solve unevenness or depressions, evenly distribute leveling materials like topsoil and sand, and remove stones and debris while leveling.
Next on our list, we have the Varomorus Stainless Steel Lawn Level Tool. This is a durable, stainless steel lawn leveling rake that is made of very high quality material. It comes equipped with a 72 inch handle, so if you are very tall or need to stretch for hard to reach places in your lawn, this is a great rake option for you. However, it comes in three pieces and can be brought down to 50 inches as well, for maximum versatility in your lawn care.
The rake head has a width of 42 inches as well, so you can use it to level wide swaths of land in little time. This rake will help you create a smooth, level lawn without holes or dips, ensuring proper drainage and water distribution throughout. It is a universal tool that works correctly on all types of grass, like Bermuda Grass, Ryegrass, St. Augustine Grass, Zoysia Grass, Fescue, Bluegrass, and Bentgrass.
#6. FLY HAWK Lawn Leveling rake
- 🌱 Level the soil and dirt evenly. Eliminate unnecessary tilting and turf by filling up the dirt and leveling it with lawn leveling rake.
- 🌱The ground plate is 17 "x 10". The perfect size for easy movement, function and maneuverability.
- 🌱The 6-foot extra-long handle makes it easy to cover more ground. If needed, the removable handle section can be shortened by 50 inches.
- 🌱Cormorants can work on any type of grass, including Bermuda, Kentucky Bluegrass, Ryegrass, St. Augustine and Fescue. This works best when the grass is cut to 1.5 inches or less.
- 🌱Double spot welded stainless steel structure. Total weight is 6 pounds.
The FLY HAWK Lawn Leveling rake is the least expensive option on this list, while still being a quality product and capable of getting even tough jobs done. So, if you are conscious of your budget limitations, this could be the best lawn leveling rake for you. It has a 6 foot handle that is helpful to those who wish to cover more ground at once, though it also comes apart and breaks down to 50 inches if you want a shorter, more maneuverable rake.
Both the head and handle of the rake are made of stainless steel, which will not rust and is very durable so you will be able to use it for a long time. The head is 17 inches by 10 inches, which is the smallest on this list, but it is still wide enough to get a lot of work done on your lawn, while also being narrow enough to fit in tight corners and maneuver around lawn obstacles.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a great lawn leveling rake, we hope you’ve consider the aforementioned factors before making your purchase. The best rake for you might be different than your neighbor, so make sure to base your decision with your needs and your lawn’s needs in mind.
A good rule of thumb is to invest in a quality product from a reputable brand so you know they stand behind their products 100%, which is why we’ve only listed models from quality manufacturers.
If you want our recommendation for the best lawn leveling rake, then look no further than the Standard Golf Levelawn Rake. This classic rake is perfect for any soil type or grass length, and is used by professional landscapers in golf courses all over the country. This tool can be used to level out your yard in minutes so it looks like you hired an expert landscaper.
We hope that our advice has helped make choosing easier for you! If this post has been helpful please share with friends who may need help deciding on which type would work best for them, and if you have any comments or questions don’t hesitate to contact us. Thanks again for reading!
