A lawn sweeper (sometimes called a “leaf sweeper”) is a lawn care machine that is moved over a lawn to clear it from debris.

It gets the job done much faster than a rake, and requires much less energy from you to operate.

The most common type of debris that lawn sweepers are used for is leaves.

However, lawn sweepers can also sweep up cut grass, pine needles, acorns, twigs and even man-made objects such as bottles.

While a lawn sweeper is best used on grassy lawns, some models also work on flat surfaces such as concrete or tarmac, making it a versatile tool for general yard care.

The Two Types: Tow Behind + Push Lawn Sweepers

There are two types of lawn sweeper: push and tow behind.

A push lawn sweeper is called so because the user pushes the sweeper over the lawn, just like a push lawn mower.

A tow behind lawn sweeper attaches to the back of a tractor and is towed across the lawn.

How Lawn Sweepers Work

A standard lawn sweeper resembles a small push mower with a light frame and hopper (sometimes called the “bag” or “catcher”) for collecting the debris.

However, instead of reel-type blades (as with lawn mowers), the axle in a lawn sweeper spins high-velocity sweeping brushes that are usually contained within an isolated housing unit.

As you push (or tow – depending on which type you’re using) the machine over your lawn, the turn of the wheels rotates the axle on which the brushes are attached.

During the rolling process, the brushes “comb” through your grass, catching any debris in the way, and tossing it back into the hopper.

When the hopper gets full, you simply dump its contents into a pile that can be disposed of (through composting, burning, or other means available to you).

If you sit on a lawn tractor or riding mower with the lawn sweeper towing behind you, you won’t even need to leave your seat to dump the contents.

Lawn sweepers make your life easier by saving you time, energy, and frustration compared to raking.

To learn about three of the best models on the market, check out the best 3 lawn sweepers.

The Benefits of a Lawn Sweeper

Lawn sweepers are a better option than the most common form of leaf and debris clearance: raking.

Why?

Because lawn sweepers do not require much physical effort and time to operate.

In fact, they hardly require any effort at all if using a tow behind lawn sweeper.

They are much quicker than raking, as they collect the debris in one container (the hopper) while you move it along the lawn. Then you simply dump the contents close to where you will carry out a final disposal of the debris.

Raking, as you might know, requires a lot of physical effort. It puts pressure on the back and arms, which can result in body aches and sever discomfort (such as blisters on the hands).

And raking is inefficient because you end up gathering leaves into smaller piles all over the lawn rather than in one central and organized spot that is easier to clear.

Then you have to collect all the leaves from the smaller piles and transport them – usually with a wheelbarrow – to one larger pile which you eventually dispose.

Very tedious.

Not so with lawn sweepers.

Lawn sweepers can take just a few hours for a job that takes days with raking.

The Bottom Line: Speed, Energy, and Fun

Lawn sweepers are widely used across North America, especially by owners of larger gardens and lawns with trees.

They are a more time and energy efficient alternative to other methods of clearing lawn debris, such as raking and leaf blowing.

And they are a lot more fun to use too, especially if you can ride your tractor or riding mower around with a tow behind.

If you want a lawn to to enjoy fully with your loved ones, it needs to be clear of debris.

A lawn sweeper is the best way to achieve a clean lawn that brings you pride and joy.

How To Buy A Lawn Sweeper

Lawn sweepers are widely available both online and across home and garden retail outlets across North America.

They need to be assembled out of the box, which requires some manual dexterity and patience with instructions.

If you don’t like DIY, you can often get the retail store staff to assemble the product for you at a small cost, before taking it home. Or if you order it online, you can take the box to the local hardware store, get it assembled by them (call and ask first), and take it back home to use.

The best prices for lawn sweepers are found on e-commerce sites.

Check out the best lawn sweepers for more information: