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Lawn Sweepers: Worth It or Waste of Space?
Updated on May 29, 2025
Raking leaves, picking up lawn debris and keeping your lawn looking clean and neat is a seemingly endless chore. Not only can it be hard on your back and joints, but it’s time consuming, leaving you little free time on weekends. Lawn sweepers promise to make quick work of leaves, grass clippings and other light debris on your lawn, but are they really worth the investment?
In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of lawn sweepers to help you decide if this is a lawn care tool you can’t do without or one you should skip. Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking for a shortcut or a meticulous gardener looking for perfection, learn all about lawn sweepers, with input from Tom Perron of Boyden and Perron, an outdoor power equipment retailer.
Best Lawn Sweepers
Best Lawn Sweeper Overall
Agri-Fab 44-inch
Tow-behind lawn sweepers generally cost $300 to $400. One of the top-rated models on Amazon is the Agri-Fab 44-inch lawn sweeper.
On Sale
Best Push Lawn Sweeper
Earthwise 21-inch
Push models cost around $100 to $200. One of the top-rated models on Amazon is the Earthwise push lawn sweeper.
Best Lawn Sweeper for Acorns
Ohio Steel 42-inch
If you have a really large lawn, this professional-grade Ohio Steel 50SWP26 Pro Sweeper will clean up acorns quickly and efficiently time and time again. The size of your lawn and the amount of acorns you have to clean up each year will determine the best lawn sweeper for acorns for you. For small yards, the best lawn sweeper for acorns is this Garden Weasel Nut Gatherer.
Best Lawn Sweeper for Leaves
Brinly 42-inch
For cleaning up a lot of leaves, this features six high-velocity brushes that pick up a lot of debris in fewer passes. Not only is this the best lawn sweeper for leaves, it also does an excellent job picking up pine needles and old grass clippings after dethatching.
Types of Lawn Sweepers
A lawn sweeper has a rotating sweeping brush that gathers up the lawn debris into an attached hopper bag. When the bag fills up, you empty it into a lawn bag or compost pile. Simple! There are two main types:
- Tow-behind lawn sweeper: A tow-behind lawn sweeper is usually pulled by a lawn tractor or a riding mower.
- Push lawn sweeper: A push lawn sweeper is operated manually and is suited to people with smaller lawns or those who enjoy using yard work as a form of exercise.
Is a Lawn Sweeper Worth It? What to Consider When Buying a Lawn Sweeper
If you have a big yard and dislike yard cleanup tasks, then perhaps a lawn sweeper is a good choice because it can save you hours of time (and sore muscles).
However, for lawn sweepers to be effective, a few conditions have to be in place first. “Lawn sweepers are most effective on short grass,” Perron says, so you’ll want to keep your grass trimmed. “They also don’t do well in deep leaves, but can pick up a light coating of leaves,” he adds. So, if you’re expecting lots of leaves during your fall cleanup, you’ll need to use the lawn sweeper frequently to prevent them from piling up, which may not be a time saver in the end. “As most lawn mowers are now bagging mowers, lawn sweepers are usually overlooked,” Perron says.
But lawn sweepers are not all bad. They can be effective at cleaning up pine needles, grass clippings, light leaf litter and small twigs. While they will not pick up sticks and branches, most models can pick up freshly fallen acorns. Another lawn sweeper benefit is one can also help you clear out dust and dirt from your patio, walkway or driveway.
Lawn sweepers are available at home improvement stores such as Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Tractor Supply and Menards, and online retailers. Some stores rent them, so you can try them out before buying.
 FAQ
Are lawn sweepers worth it?
Absolutely! If you’re tired or raking, lawn sweepers make short work of leaves, grass clippings and debris. Using a lawn sweeper will save you a lot of time and effort.
What is the best lawn sweeper?
The best one depends on your yard size and mower setup, but top-rated models from brands like Agri-Fab, Earthwise, Brinly and Ohio Steel consistently get high marks for performance and durability.
What is better, a lawn sweeper or a bagger?
It depends on your needs. Baggers are great for mowing and collecting at the same time, while sweepers can clean up after the fact and handle larger debris like twigs and acorns.
What will a yard sweeper pick up?
Lawn sweepers can collect leaves, grass clippings, pine needles, small twigs and even light gravel. They’re perfect for post-mowing cleanup or fall yard work.
About the Expert
- Tom Perron is a second-generation owner of Boyden and Perron, an outdoor power equipment retailer in Amherst, Massachusetts.
