Most people use metal or plastic rakes when they need to gather the leaves in their yards. If you're not sure which type of rake you want to use, we would like to discuss the pros and cons of metal rakes. This way, you can properly decide if metal or plastic rakes would be the better choice for your situation.

Pros

There are some pros that metal rakes bring to the table, so make sure you consider them.

Durable

Metal rakes are more durable than plastic rakes. Since they're made of metal, they won't break as easily if you pull the rake through thicker parts of your yard. So, if you need more durability, you should go with a metal rake since they're designed to handle the rougher areas of your lawn.

Tines Don't Break

The tines of the metal rake don't break like the plastic ones. Since the plastic ones are made out of a thinner material, the tines could break off and prevent you from raking effectively. Metal rakes have tines that can bend without breaking off, which is useful.

Long Lifespan

Metal rakes, due to their durability and design, will last for a longer period of time compared to plastic rakes. You can have the same metal rake for years without needing to replace it. This makes it a solid investment. In short, if you're worried about the rake's strength, you should go with a metal rake.

Cons

Remember that metal rakes aren't perfect, so let's discuss some of their cons.

Heavy

Metal rakes are much heavier than plastic rakes, so this makes them harder to use and control. Plus, if your kids want to help you rake the yard, then some of them won't be able to use a metal rake effectively.

May Rust

If you leave your metal rake outside, or if you expose it to lots of water, it could end up rusting on you. A rusty rake is more dangerous and it's more likely to break, which makes it a hazard to you and others. If you get a metal rake, you need to take good care of it.

Tines May Damage Grass Roots

The metal tines are stronger, but they can also pull up your grass roots. If you aren't careful as you rake your lawn, a metal rake could cause permanent damage to your grass, which will make your lawn look spotty and dead.

At the end of the day, metal rakes have some pros over plastic rakes, but you still need to consider their cons. Make sure you spend some time reviewing these pros and cons so you can decide on the best rake for your situation.

1. Aerate the Soil

If your lawn needs aeration, there are a few lawn care tips you should follow. Before you start to aerate the soil, you need to make sure the soil is moist. It's best to aerate the soil the day after a rainy day. Because most aeration devices can only cover small parts of the soil for each pass, you may need to make multiple passes over the same area. 

A common aeration myth is that if you apply herbicide to your lawn in the spring, aerating your lawn will destroy the effects of the herbicide. However, this is simply not true, as proven by numerous studies. After you've finished aerating your lawn, it's vital that you continue with other basic lawn maintenance practices like mowing and watering the grass. If your lawn is a good candidate for aeration, you should consider making aeration an important part of your lawn care routine. 

2. Apply an Autumn Fertilizer

For the best result for applying fertilizer in the fall, make sure to follow a 20-8-8 formula and apply the fertilizer either at the end of October or in the beginning of November. After you've finished this step, add a fertilizer with a 13-25-12 formula. This formula will help stimulate the growth of plant roots throughout November and into December. By growing roots before winter, you'll ensure your lawn will be more resistant to plant diseases, grow stronger flowers, and avoid draughts.

3. Apply Pest Control Solutions

When it comes to applying pest control, you'll want to keep certain tips in mind. Try to keep any pets away from areas where pesticides have been added. 

Baits should be the first step you take toward defending your lawn against rodents or other insects. This is because baits can be effective without risking exposure to dangerous pesticides. Speak with your local pest control services for recommendations specific to where you live. 

Pesticides that don't use baits and are more toxic need to be applied to targeted sections of your lawn rather than sprayed over the entire area. Fogging devices should only be used if they're absolutely necessary for your lawn, and you need to remember to read any pesticide labels or safety warnings in their entirety. 

If you want to contact an outside company for help with controlling pests, ask them to find the specific source of the issue before they use pesticides on your lawn. For instance, you might have to fix a leaking toilet in order to properly get rid of a water source. Ask them if they have any bait or crevice devices on hand to use if necessary. Any chemicals used on your lawn should also be approved for use in your home. Write down the EPA registration number of any chemicals the company uses so you can research more information about the pesticides should you need to.