Best rakes according to redditors

They're 'Nut Gatherers/Harvesters': https://www.amazon.com/Nut-Wizard-Picker-Walnuts-Gumball/dp/B018YSTIB6

Try using one of these. http://www.amazon.com/Bond-9164-Handle-Harvester-Basket/dp/B000AQJ3WU/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1376775020&sr=1-1&keywords=fruit+harvester+basket

Looks like one of these.

I can't find it online, but I have a mattock/cultivator that is about five feet long that I think is great. It has a flat rectangular hoe like blade on one side and four large tines on the other side. The tines are great for getting into the roots of a weed and pulling out the root structure. Looks like a large version of this.

We'll need some of these

Probably a little late to see what was used, although if you just grab a shovel full of dirt, you can get a good idea of the mix. Sand will be visible and organic content makes it darker, clay lighter. The best bet is to not worry about it and just send a sample for analysis ( https://novascotia.ca/agri/documents/lab-services/analytical-lab-soil-analysis.pdf ) which will cost around $25-35, depending on options chosen. The analysis will include recommendations.

As another tip, you can get amazing results by top-dressing every spring with a good soil mix and then using a harrow rake ( https://www.amazon.com/NorTrac-Harrow-Cleaning-Leveling-Stimulating/dp/B00UAOU3MG ) to drag it into your lawn. It will fill the little depressions and over time give you a very level lawn. If the underlying mix is poor, top dressing can completely change the top level over time.

What kind of rake did you use ? I use this type of rake and have never had any problems pulling up grass.

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PS-Nice looking yard!

I love me a good landscape rake. If you ever have to level any dirt surface that's wider than about 4 feet, this is the tool. Also for spreading out wood chips.

It all depends on what you are doing, basically you need a small set of snips/sissors. I can't speak to the quality of the tools below but these are the types of tools you will need to start with. (http://www.amazon.com/ThinkBamboo-Bonsai-Basics-Set-Trimming/dp/B006PJ401U/ref=lp_10802761_1_22?ie=UTF8&qid=1376013385&sr=). I have various snips and sissors, many of them are from Harbor freight so don't get hung up on having "official bonsai tools" because you don't NEED them.

It’s a firefighter took. It has a flat axe on one end and a rake on the other

Truper 33033 Tru Pro Forest Service McLeod Fire Tool, 48-Inch Ash Handle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0052X8UV6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_LaArDbCAY4P00

I have a turf rake, but my leaf blower does fine all on its own.

Maybe you'd like https://www.amazon.com/115-RPM-ez-Hand-Rake/dp/B00BDT9BPM?ie=UTF8&ref_=pe_385040_30332200_pe_309540_26725410_item

Have you considered a small shrub rake or child rake for gardening...seriously?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00JO67NXS?pc_redir=1405277149&robot_redir=1

Yes. I'd go with the Groundskeeper II. It is still a lot of work if you have a large lawn but it does a better job at pulling up thatch and debris than any other rake I have ever used.

Wow fantastic help so far, thank you very much.

So I ripped up my yard several months ago, since then I have had many many heavy snows and several rains, in fact yesterday I ended up "walking" all of the mud to help compact it bc it rained all weekend and yesterday was actually dry. Is this okay? I'm not sure if manually watering it will do anything now, what do you say? Is there a way to really say "this is finally settled?" I mean it has been several months now.

>Rake down the disturbed (or top) soil so that it is even and presents a 'fine tilth'

Just to clarify you're talking about raking down what is the mud/dirt/rock I currently have right? Or are you saying to just put top soil right on top of what's already existing? Do you suggest a certain type of rake maybe something like this?

I'm for sure going with seed over sod. When you say just use "regular top soil" do you suggest something from a big box store you can guide me to? Like Lowes or HD?

Okay so after re-reading your post, it sounds like I don't worry about the current mess at all. I just throw down top soil and then the seed. My issue is that the mounds of mud/dirt that I'm trying to fix are higher than I want them to be in certain areas. Obviously I don't want bumps or large elevations in my lawn.

Finally, when you state "then lightly cover - just enough to cover the seed - with fine soil, then tamp it down." Are you stating topsoil and then seed and then that same top soil?

This hand mattock/cultivator thing is pretty awesome for weeding around flowers and veggies

Edit: changed link, previous one here, same thing but other version is newer and in stock it looks like