The primary use of landscape rakes is to spread and level ground coverings, usually over fairly large areas. They will usually be strong enough for use with a variety of ground coverings, although individual rakes will have different specifications.
Spreading and mixing compost
Compost is used in gardens to improve soil quality for planting. The large head of a landscape rake can easily move and spread these materials. The tines can be used to dig into soil, mixing compost or mulch into the top layer of soil, and evening out the surface. They will also be able to remove stones and other unwanted materials from the soil.
Spreading gravel and stones
Landscape rakes are usually strong enough to move tougher materials such as stones and gravel.
Spreading bark chippings and other mulch
Bark chippings and other material which can be used as mulch for a garden are usually very lightweight. They can easily be spread and levelled with landscape rakes. The wide heads of landscape rakes can quickly cover large areas.
Removing pond weed
Landscape rakes can be used in ponds and lakes to remove pond weeds and other aquatic plant materials. The wide head can collect a lot of material at once. However, it will become heavy when filled with lots of debris, and rakes with wooden parts are not best suited to being soaked in water.
Gathering leaves and other garden debris
A landscape rake can be used to gather fallen leaves and other unwanted plant materials. The wide head means it can cover large areas, but the rigid tines might not be very effective, as their spacing means smaller debris could pass through them. Also, the tines could damage the lawn or ground if they dig into it.
Levelling or grading soil
The flat side of the head on landscape rakes is ideal for grading or levelling ground surfaces like soil. This prepares an area for jobs like planting, or laying turf. The wide head means large amounts of soil can be moved at one time.
