How to Rake Leaves (Step-by-Step Guide)

Raking leaves is a lot of work. It’s not for the faint of heart or weak of back, but if you’re new to this annual ritual, we’ll show you how to rake leaves and make the job quicker and easier.

Speaking of quicker and easier… You could learn how to wield a leaf blower like a pro, purchase one of the best mulching lawn mowers to mince your leaves and feed your lawn, or you could hire a local leaf removal pro (we can help with that).

But back to leaf raking. It all starts with choosing the right tools. That’s Step 1 of our 6-Step Guide to How to Rake Leaves.

Step 1: Choose the Right Tools

The right gear can make leaf cleanup much easier and more efficient. Here are some essentials you’ll need:

• Leaf Rake: Go for a leaf rake with wide tines that won’t hurt your grass. A lightweight, adjustable rake is perfect for reaching both tight corners and open spaces. The wider the rake, the more leaves you can gather in one sweep. Check out our guide on Best Leaf Rakes.
• Leaf Scoops: These large handheld “scoops” help you to lift large piles of leaves. Leaf scoops make the job quicker and help prevent back strain.
• Tarp or Leaf Bag: You will need a tarp, a large leaf bag, or several smaller leaf bags to collect the leaves. A wheelbarrow can also aid in moving multiple bags or heavy tarps full of leaves. 
• Gloves and Mask: Wearing gloves will keep your hands from getting blisters while raking. A mask is also a good idea, especially if you have allergies, as it will help you avoid inhaling dust and allergens. 

Step 2: Time Your Rake

The best time to rake your leaves is in the afternoon, and ideally, you should wait to rake your lawn until all of the leaves have fallen from the trees. But that’s not always possible. 

Here’s why you likely will need to rake leaves more often: If the leaves become too thick on the ground, they limit grass exposure to sunlight or water and will choke your lawn. 

Some factors to consider when planning your raking schedule include:

• Leaf Moisture: Wait until the morning dew has dried up and don’t rake after a rain. Morning dew – or a brief shower – can cause leaves to clump together and become heavy. 
• Wind: Strong wind can work for or against you when you rake. Gusts blowing in the direction you’re raking leaves can help move your leaf piles faster. Gusts in any other direction can make your job harder, scattering the leaves you’ve already raked. 
• Size of Your Yard: If your yard is large, raking leaves is going to take more time and it will be much more of a workout. You may need multiple raking sessions spread across the season to keep up with the leaves falling on your big yard. 

Step 3: Rake with Good Posture

Good raking posture can help you avoid injury and make the task less tiring. Here’s the right stance and grip to rake leaves:

• Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Hold your rake with one hand near the top and the other about halfway down the handle. 
• While keeping your back straight, use your arm and shoulders to pull the rake toward you in short, controlled strokes.
• Avoid twisting your back; instead, move your feet to turn. 

Pro Tip: Warm up before starting to prevent aches and pains due to physical strain. 

Step 4: Follow an Efficient Leaf Raking Strategy

Here are some strategies to be smarter about raking so that it goes faster, requires less work, and reduces the strain on your back:

• Start at the Boundaries: Begin your raking from the edges of your yard, moving gradually toward the center. This way, you can prevent pushing leaves back to places you’ve already raked.
• Work in Sections: Divide your lawn into sections and concentrate on one area at a time. This reduces the fatigue of going over the same place countless times.
• Rake Downhill: If your yard has an incline, always rake going downhill. It’s much less tiring than trying to work against gravity. 
• Rake Toward One Point: Instead of one large pile far away from the disposal area, make several smaller piles that can be combined later and moved together to save both time and effort.
• Rake Leaves onto a Tarp: Gathering up leaves by hand can be cumbersome. A fantastic raking hack involves using a tarp or a large piece of plastic. Simply rake your leaf piles onto it, then tug on one corner for easy, efficient carrying to trash bags or your compost pile.
• Use Different Tools for More Challenging Areas: Gently remove leaves from mulch and flower beds using a small hand rake or your hands. For tight spaces like fences or walls, consider using a leaf blower. 

Pro Tip: Be aware of your surroundings to avoid tripping hazards.

Step 5: Dispose of All Those Leaves 

When it comes to disposing of your leaves, take advantage of recycling opportunities: 

• Composting: Leaf compost makes for great free fertilizer for your garden. Note: Don’t load any infected leaves (which are typically marked with spots or blights) in your compost pile.
• Leaf Mold: Keep a separate pile to create leaf mold, a compost produced by decomposed leaves that is great for improving soil structure and retaining moisture.
• Community Waste Programs: Many communities offer fall leaf cleanup services or have disposal sites for yard waste. Check with your local waste facility for guidelines. 

Pro Tip: If bagging your leaves, use biodegradable bags for environmentally friendly disposal.

Step 6: Maintain Your Tools 

After a productive raking season, maintain your tools. Keep your rake clean and dry in a shed or an indoor storage area to prevent rusting or warping of its tines. 

The same goes for any leaf blowers, lawn mowers, and other yard cleanup tools — proper maintenance can ensure longevity.

Too Much Work? Hire a Leaf Removal Pro

Ever felt like the leaves are playing a practical joke with their endless falling? You rake them, blink once, and there’s another pile smirking at you. A wide, flexible leaf rake, proper technique, and a dash of patience can certainly help tip this game of nature in your favor. 

And remember what we said at the outset about how raking leaves is A LOT of work… 

If you’re laughing on the inside, saying, “Who has time for that?” or simply prefer a leaf-free weekend, LawnStarter connects you to the best leaf removal pros near you. From mowing and raking to bagging and hauling, count on a local leaf removal pro to take the stress away. 

Main Photo Credit: Pixel-Shot / Adobe Stock Free / License

Luminita Toma

Luminita Toma is a nature-loving writer who simply adores pretty flowers and lawns. After plenty of research and writing on lawn care and gardening, she has a keen eye for plants and their maintenance. When she has some spare time, there's nothing she enjoys more than chilling with her friends, hitting the theatre, or traveling.

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