It’s leaf-clearing season in much of the United States, and nothing beats a good rake in terms of completing this chore with minimal noise, air pollution and cost. Raking also counts as exercise. But not all rakes are created equal. “Different rakes serve different purposes, and some perform unique tasks,” says Kim Roman, who runs Square Foot Gardening 4 U, a business that teaches small-space vegetable-gardening methods.

To clear leaves off a lawn, for example, you need a lawn rake, which has long, thin, flexible tines spread in a fan shape, Roman says. A bow rake, which has short, sturdy tines in a straight line, works for removing weeds, leveling soil or spreading mulch. Adjustable lawn rakes can be made narrow to get under bushes. There are also potato hoes that can be used as rakes, landscape rakes and even functional child-size rakes for your favorite little helpers.

Once settled on a type of rake, test the weight of a few options. “You’re moving heavy stuff. There’s no reason the rake should be heavy, too,” says Daryl Beyers, author of “The New Gardener’s Handbook.” Beyers prefers rakes with fiberglass or wooden handles for their durability. Aluminum handles are light but might not last as long, he says. Steer clear of plastic rakes. “They’re usually not of good quality and may break easily,” Roman says. And don’t worry about ergonomic handles or anything “extra.” It’s easy enough to add foam-pipe insulation around the handle for comfort, an idea Roman borrowed from her friend Toni Gattone, a master gardener.

We asked Roman, Beyers and Coleman Cosby, owner of Coleman Cosby Landscape Design and project manager at online landscape design company Yardzen, to share their favorite rakes for any job. Here are their picks.

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