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Is a Lawn Leveling Rake Worth Using?

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Pete Fazio | Last updated Feb 7, 2025 2:00 PM ET

If you're dealing with uneven spots in your yard, you might be wondering if a lawn leveling rake is really necessary or if another tool will do the job. Many homeowners try to fix dips and low spots in their uneven lawn with standard garden rakes or push brooms, but those aren’t designed for spreading soil mix evenly. A lawn leveling rake, on the other hand, is made specifically for this task. It helps distribute topsoil or mix of sand smoothly, making the job easier and the results better. But is it worth buying, or can you get by with what you already have? Let’s compare.

What Makes a Lawn Leveling Rake Different?

Most rakes are made for gathering leaves, spreading mulch, or breaking up soil, not creating a level yard. A lawn leveling rake is designed differently. Instead of curved tines, it has a flat metal base with slats that evenly distribute soil and sand mixtures over the grass. This unique shape helps it push dirt or a layer of sand into low spots without pulling up grass or making the surface uneven. It's also not a replacement for a lawn roller, which is meant to try and correct an entire yard or flatten a bumpy lawn.

Here’s what sets a lawn leveling rake apart:

Flat, wide surface – Spreads soil more evenly than standard rakes.
Less effort required – Covers more ground quickly without too much physical labor.
Won’t damage grass – Glides over the grass instead of digging in.
Better results – Helps create a smooth, even surface without patches.

If you’ve ever tried leveling a yard with a regular rake, you know it can be frustrating. Soil clumps together, leaving some areas too thick and others too thin, or you start pulling up excess thatch. A lawn leveling rake fixes this by evenly spreading the soil or a mixture of sand as you push and pull it across the yard.

Can You Use Other Rakes Instead?

You might already have a garden rake or a landscape rake, and you’re probably wondering if you can use one of those instead. While you can use other rakes, they won’t be as effective for lawn leveling.

Garden rakes have curved tines, which are great for loosening soil but not for spreading it evenly. They tend to dig in too much, making it harder to get a smooth surface.
Leaf rakes are too flexible and don’t have enough weight to move soil properly. They’re great for gathering debris but not for leveling.
Landscape rakes are wider and more rigid than garden rakes, so they can work in a pinch. However, they lack the slatted design that makes a lawn leveling rake so effective.

If you’re only making minor adjustments, a landscape rake might be good enough. But if you’re adding a layer of topsoil or fixing larger uneven areas, a lawn leveling rake will save you time and effort.

When Should You Use a Lawn Leveling Rake?

If your yard has a few bumps or dips, you might not need a special tool to get your soil level. But for bigger projects, a lawn leveling rake makes the job much easier. Here are some situations where it’s worth using:

Fixing low spots – Helps fill in dips without leaving thick clumps of soil.
Spreading topsoil or compost – Distributes material evenly for better grass growth.
Smoothing out patchy areas – Helps blend new soil mix with existing grass.
Improving poor drainage – Levels out low spots that might be causing water to pool and drainage issues.
Preparing for overseeding – Creates a smooth base for new grass seed to take root.

If you’re serious about getting a smooth, level lawn, investing in a lawn leveling rake is a smart choice. It’s a simple tool, but it makes a big difference in the final result.

If you're going to level an entire lawn all at once or have a larger yard to deal with, you might consider spreading a lawn leveling mix and using a drag mat behind a lawn tractor.

FAQ

Can I make a DIY lawn leveling rake?

Yes! And it's a really good DIY. Some homeowners build their own using a piece of wood and metal mesh (like pulling a piece of chain link fence behind a lawn mower over the entire yard) or repurpose a landscape rake. Keep in mind, while DIY versions can work, they might not be as sturdy or effective as a professionally designed one (but it'll be "good enough"). If you have a really large area to level, a store-bought rake will probably be more durable and easier to use.

How often should I level my lawn?

It depends on your yard. Most homeowners only need to level once every few years, especially if they’re adding fresh dirt. If your yard sees a lot of wear, you might need to touch up sunken spots more often. The best time for a leveling project is in early spring or fall when grass is actively growing.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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