With a small investment, you can rake it in

Jerry Lambert, acting district manager with the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, drives a heavy-duty sweeper to pick up leaves and grass clippings from the expansive Pope John Paul II Park in Dorchester.

''This is the Caddy," he says while walking through the department's garage on Neponset Avenue.

At a whopping $22,000, most homeowners are not likely to own one. But most homeowners probably don't need one, either. A simple rake is still the ''tried and true" method for picking up leaves, says Lambert, whose job involves maintaining city parkways such as the Arborway and Riverway. Even if you use a leaf blower to put leaves in piles, you probably will still need a rake to bag them or clean out small areas near fences.

A metal rake might be heavier, but it will last longer, Lambert says, demonstrating a model with a spring in its tines -- the spokes of a rake that give it some flexibility. Size and height is a personal preference.

''It's what's comfortable for you," Lambert says.

Lowe's carries leaf rakes for as little as $4. The chain is also offering this fall a new, $12.98 True Temper Clog Free rake that features patented wave-shaped tines to prevent clogging and an oversize grip handle to reduce hand fatigue.

You can use one rake to scoop piles into a bag, but Lambert also suggests using two -- held together like a big claw -- to pick leaves up and put them in a bin. Many towns will cart those leaves away and turn them into compost.

Lambert's crew often uses leaf blowers, which can be hand-held, worn as a backpack, or mounted on wheels. He prefers the backpack version because the weight is more evenly distributed and manageable. He says Sears carries a good hand-held Craftsman model for a reasonable $130.

With different attachments, lawnmowers can also be used to clean up leaves. At home, Lambert uses a John Deere riding mower. Some lawnmowers have bags on the side, which are convenient for collecting leaves but also can fill quickly and clog the machine, Lambert says. If your lawnmower has a side-discharge chute, you can push it back and forth over leaves until they are moved to the side of the lawn.

From Lambert's perspective, clearing leaves is important not only for keeping lawns healthy, but also for keeping catch basins at the side of the road clear to prevent flooding. Lambert predicts his crew will be picking up leaves even as winter sets in, but it's a task he suggests homeowners tackle sooner rather than later.

In fact, he says it's better to rake leaves as they fall. You don't want them to stay on the ground too long or once snow has fallen, because they can damage the grass. While wet leaves may be a little heavier, they're less dusty. But he says the best time to rake leaves is when they are dry because they're lighter and easier to move.

And remember that raking can be hard work. ''It's like shoveling snow," said Lambert. ''You've got to be careful."

Emily Shartin can be reached at eshartin@globe.com.