If you’re eyeing your yard this season and thinking about cleanup, you might be asking: Are lawn sweepers any good? Are lawn sweepers worth it—or just another tool that’ll collect dust in the garage? Let’s be honest—lawn care equipment can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure if the investment will pay off or if it’s just going to eat up valuable storage space. According to landscaping pros, the best time to start mowing is at the end of April. The next best time? Today. [CTV News]. That same advice applies to cleanup, too—and lawn sweepers are one of the most underrated tools for tackling that first (and second, and third) wave of grass clippings, leaves, pine needles, and more debris that builds up across your yard. Let’s dive into everything you need to know before you rent or buy a lawn sweeper, and whether this tool’s a must-have or a maybe-not.

What Is a Lawn Sweeper, Exactly?

A lawn sweeper (or yard sweeper) is a piece of equipment designed to sweep up lawn debris—think leaves, grass clippings, pine cones, and other lawn debris like twigs or acorns. They come in a few styles: push lawn sweepers, which are manual and ideal for smaller yards or tight spaces, and tow behind lawn sweepers that can hook onto a riding mower or lawn tractor for larger yards and quicker cleanup. There are also power sweepers and models with dethatcher tines for pulling up thatch while collecting debris.

Are Lawn Sweepers Worth the Money?

Let’s tackle this common question head-on. Lawn sweepers absolutely can be worth the money—but only if you’re using them often and have the space and time to maintain them. For many homeowners in the Peace Region, especially those with moderate lawn sizes or limited outdoor space, owning a sweeper can end up feeling like more of a hassle than a help. That’s why Rentco offers tow-behind lawn sweepers for rent. You can get the benefits without the full price tag or long-term commitment.

Cost vs. Frequency of Use

Here’s the thing: most homeowners only need a sweeper a few times a year. Spring and fall are the big cleanup windows, and maybe again after a storm drops a mess of pine needles or other debris. Spending several hundred dollars through online retailers for a tool you’ll use a handful of times? That’s tough to justify—especially when you can rent high-quality sweepers from Rentco’s lawn & yard equipment lineup only when you need it.

Storage Space Considerations

Even “compact” sweepers take up room. And if you’re using a tow behind model with a large hopper or collapsible hopper, forget squeezing it into your garden shed without some serious Tetris skills. Renting from Rentco means you don’t have to sacrifice precious storage space—grab it when your lawn cleanup is due, and bring it back once the job’s done. That’s it.

Maintenance & Upkeep

If you’ve owned lawn mowers or a leaf blower, you know the drill: things clog, tires go flat, bearings wear out. Sweepers are no different. Debris buildup, misaligned brush height, and overfilled hoppers can all become a maintenance headache. Some models have adjustable brush heights, sure—but if you’re not into tweaking or tuning tools, you might be left frustrated. Rentco handles the maintenance. You get equipment that’s ready to go—no surprise repairs, no fussing with parts.

Not Sure If It’ll Actually Help?

Some folks wonder if a sweeper will really make a difference. And the answer depends on your lawn size, terrain, and debris. If your yard gets layered with grass clippings or other lawn debris after mowing, or your trees drop pine cones like candy in fall, then yes—a sweeper can save you serious time. They’re particularly handy for areas where leaf blowers just push the mess around. Sweepers collect everything into a hopper for easy disposal, with fewer passes than manual raking or blowing.

Is a Lawn Sweeper Better Than a Bagger?

Great question. A lawn mower bagger collects clippings as you mow, which works well for short grass in dry conditions. But sweepers shine when the job is cleanup-only—after mowing, during leaf fall, or when dealing with damp, clumpy debris. And unlike baggers, sweepers don’t bog down in wet grass or need frequent emptying. For large lawns, pairing a riding mower or lawn tractor with a sweeper is a time-saving combo.

Will a Lawn Sweeper Pick Up Poop?

Not its specialty—but yes, some heavier-duty models will pick up dry pet waste along with yard debris. That said, it’s better to remove it first if you want to avoid clogging the brush height mechanism or contaminating your hopper.

What Are the Benefits of a Yard Sweeper?

• Saves Time: Clear your yard in minutes, not hours
• Cleaner Finish: Removes fine yard debris that rakes leave behind
• Protects Lawn: Reduces mold and suffocation caused by leftover grass clippings
• Reduces Manual Labour: Skip the rake—save your back
• Eco-Friendly: Unlike leaf sweepers or leaf blowers, many sweepers are manual or tow-powered

A Push Lawn Sweeper or a Tow Behind Lawn Sweeper?

For smaller yards, a push model is budget-friendly and doesn’t require a mower or tractor. For larger yards, a tow behind model lets you clean while you drive—ideal if you already have a lawn tractor or riding mower. 

Try Before You Buy—Or Just Rent It When You Need It

For many folks, a lawn sweeper falls into that gray area. If you’re only using it a few times a year, buying might not make sense. Rentco offers a smarter way to get the job done. With well-maintained, pro-grade options and friendly service, we’ll help you get in, out, and back to enjoying your free time—without cluttering your shed or draining your wallet.

Ready to make cleanup easier? Explore tow-behind sweepers for rent and more in our lawn & yard equipment catalog.