The best lawn rollers in the UK 2023

The vagaries of the weather are not always favorable to your green space. Freeze and thaw, heat waves, heavy rains... In short, you need all the tools and equipment you can get to make your garden look like new. After the mower and scarifier, the lawn roller helps you fine-tune your lawn and get a flat, even surface. Pull or push, find your lawn roller through this comparison guide.

Einhell GC-GR 57
9/10

Editor's Choice

Einhell GC-GR 57

The best lawn roller in 2021

The Einhell GC-GR 57 lawn roller will serve you for years. It allows you to efficiently maintain your garden and features a 1.5 mm thick metal drum that is 57 cm wide.

57,50 £ on Amazon

The Einhell GC-GR 57 Lawn Roller is a great help not only when laying a new lawn, but also for the general maintenance of your garden. Its compact design is great for small areas. It measures only 65 x 41 x 36 cm. Transporting it is easy as you only have to push on the handlebars.

The cylinder of this lawn roller has been designed with metal and then coated with a thin layer of epoxy paint. It can be filled with either water or sand or both. When empty, the gardening tool weighs just over 10 kg. Once filled, the Einhell GC-GR 57 offers excellent ground adherence, which will ensure a perfectly flat floor.

Rouleau à gazon TecTake
7/10

The best cheapest

TecTake Lawn Roller

The best entry-level lawn roller

Strong and inexpensive, this TecTake lawn roller has very good operating capabilities. It can be used all year round for both tamping and final seeding.

47,92 £ on Amazon

Is your budget not enough to buy a high-end lawn roller? Don't worry! For less than $70, you can get a functional model like the TecTake. It's capable of smoothing out the ground just right while remaining easy to use. Its versatility is such that it can also treat sandy soils and bury fertilizer or seeds in the ground. It includes a cleaning squeegee that will reduce maintenance time after each use.

With the help of its 107 cm high handlebars, you will be able to push it effortlessly across your lawn. This lawn roller weighs 10 kg when empty. However, you only need to fill it with water or sand to get an effective weight of 60 kg, knowing that the total capacity of the cylinder is 50 L. We can only appreciate its very good resistance especially since it is made of robust steel.

T-MECH 120L 23920
9/10

The best high-end

T-MECH 120L 23920

The best high-end lawn roller

The T-MECH 120L 23920 offers a 120L filling capacity and is perfect for large areas. If you have a garden tractor, this pull-out lawn roller will be your best option.

312 £ on Amazon

The heavier the roller, the more effective the T-MECH 120L 23920 will be! That's why this garden roller will be a must-have in a large garden. In fact, this heavy-duty metal pull-behind model with a durable powder-coated finish gives you the ability to work on your green space without having to put in a lot of effort or time. It has a cylinder with a diameter of 46 cm and a width of 91 cm.

Contrary to the classic models, the T-MECH 120L 23920 does not have a handle, but a hitch that can be easily attached to almost any mower or other 4-wheeled vehicle such as a tractor or a quad bike. You can fill it with water or sand to make it heavier. Its greatest asset is that one pass is enough to obtain a regular and flat ground.

Gardebruk 101165
8/10

Alternative cheap

Gardebruk 101165

A cheap alternative

This sturdy Gardebruk lawn roller is unmatched in its effectiveness on small to medium-sized lawns. It fits all body types thanks to its 109 cm handle.

52,79 £ on Amazon

This well-made lawn roller has a cylinder width of 60 cm and a diameter of 33 cm. The handle is ergonomic and measures 109 cm high, which is suitable for all body types. It is suitable for both occasional and intensive use. Indeed, its metal design gives it a good solidity. Its maximum volume is 48 L, which gives a total weight of 60 kg once the roller is filled with sand or water.

The Gardebruk 101165 is one of the most practical lawn rollers. You can pull or push it across the lawn with the help of the handle, and the handle offers a good grip. The manual gardening tool meets the needs of professionals, but also of private individuals. Note that all the assembly accessories are included in the delivery.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best lawn roller

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The best lawn roller in 2021

The best entry-level lawn roller

The best high-end lawn roller

A cheap alternative

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Comparison table of the best lawn rollers

THE BEST CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Einhell GC-GR 57
9/10
Rouleau à gazon TecTake
7/10
T-MECH 120L 23920
9/10
Gardebruk 101165
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Einhell GC-GR 57
TecTake Lawn Roller
T-MECH 120L 23920
Gardebruk 101165
The Einhell GC-GR 57 lawn roller will serve you for years. It allows you to efficiently maintain your garden and features a 1.5 mm thick metal drum that is 57 cm wide.
Strong and inexpensive, this TecTake lawn roller has very good operating capabilities. It can be used all year round for both tamping and final seeding.
The T-MECH 120L 23920 offers a 120L filling capacity and is perfect for large areas. If you have a garden tractor, this pull-out lawn roller will be your best option.
This sturdy Gardebruk lawn roller is unmatched in its effectiveness on small to medium-sized lawns. It fits all body types thanks to its 109 cm handle.
Material
Metal and epoxy
Steel
Metal, powder coated
Steel
Vacuum weight
10.5 kg
10 kg
23 kg
12.8 kg
Filling capacity
46 L
50 L
120 L
48 L
Roll diameter
32 cm
31 cm
40 cm
33 cm
Roll width
57 cm
60 cm
105 cm
60 cm

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Buying guide - lawn roller

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How to choose your lawn roller

For results that live up to expectations, you will need to choose the right garden roller. Remember, even if it's expensive, the lawn roller won't necessarily be better! To help you make the right choice, discover the 5 criteria to consider:
choisir rouleau à gazon

#1 - The weight

The lawn roller drum is hollow. It must then be weighted with water, sand or concrete depending on the model chosen. The empty weight of the equipment varies depending on the manufacturer, but it is generally between 5 and 15 kg. Once filled, the ideal lawn roller should weigh between 60 and 80 kg. However, these cannot be pulled manually and require the use of a motorized vehicle (mower or tractor). So think about your physical strength and choose heavy but efficient models.

#2 - The material

Other than rounded edges that will avoid unwanted footprints, also pay attention to the material used for the design of your future lawn roller. You have the choice between several types of material namely:

  • Steel : durable and ultra-efficient, it gives you good pressure. Some are to be attached exclusively to the back of a mower because of their heavy weight. This practice remains economical in terms of time and effort. Use it only on dry grass since it is susceptible to rust or corrosion, unless you choose a model that is already treated.
  • Plastic : the least expensive on the market, plastic is just as light. It is suitable for small gardens and lawns. However, the material seems less durable than metal. You can use it regardless of the condition of the grass (dry or wet).
  • Polyethylene : A hair above plastic, polyethylene is best for medium-sized gardens. It is light and portable and is rust resistant. It can only be filled with sand.

#3 - The dimensions

From this criterion depends the coverage capacity of the lawn roller, knowing that the wider the drum will be and the more the tool will be able to cover a larger surface. However, this will not be advantageous to you if your lawn is quite small or has narrow passages. On average, the drum is between 45 and 60 cm wide.

Before making your choice, check the dimensions of the area to be worked. This will determine the size of the drum. As far as the diameter of the roller is concerned, prefer models with a diameter of at least 30 cm for maximum comfort. The tool can then have a strong inertia, simplifying the passage on uneven areas.

#4 - The handle

The presence of an ergonomic handle, in the classic or T format, will facilitate the pushing or pulling of your lawn roller. It can be padded and rubberized to give you an optimal grip. In addition, you also have the option of choosing a model with a retractable handle that makes storage in a garage or shed easier.

#5 - The mudguard

The splash guard is an option that will be important in that it can make using the lawn roller more comfortable. This accessory is placed almost 1 cm from the roller. It is specifically designed to loosen wet, clayey or sticky clods of soil that have embedded themselves on the surface of the drum. Although most of the current models are already equipped with this accessory, make sure that it is present at the time of purchase.

Less water and more sand!

Filling with water is not recommended in hot weather. Water tends to expand when subjected to high temperatures and may spill.

What you need to know about a lawn roller

Gardeners, whether amateurs or professionals, know that if you want to have a beautiful garden, you need to be well equipped. The lawn roller is one of the essential tools. Basically, it is a tool composed of a cylinder, a handle and a scraper. Some can have a fixed weight, between 60 and 80 kg (this is the case of concrete models), while others have a hollow interior that you must fill with sand or water. In the latter cases, you can adjust the weight of the machine to match your physical strength.

Choose models with curved edges

Do you want a perfect result? Then the ideal solution is to choose a lawn roller with curved edges. This way, the gardening tool will not leave any unsightly marks when it passes over your green space. Also, make sure that the drum is not too heavy or it will sag and damage the soil. The weight of the drum should be proportioned so that it can flatten the ground without causing damage. Preferably, roll the turf on the weekend. This way, you have more time to optimize the rolling process.

The different types of infill

It is also possible to distinguish between turf rollers according to their filling mode: with water, sand or concrete.

  • Sand: this type of model is ideal for amateur gardeners. Ballasting with sand can be restrictive, especially when emptying. The weight of the lawn roller is easily adjustable according to the physical strength of the user.
  • Water: Filling and emptying are easier. This type of lawn roller is often equipped with a rustproof coating. A garden hose can be inserted into the opening of the drum to fill it. The biggest drawback is its light weight. This means you won't be able to use the roller on uneven surfaces. The best way to overcome this problem is to mix water and sand.
  • Concrete: Perfect for professionals, concrete infill is one of the heaviest materials available. It is suitable for very large lawns. It is best combined with a motorized vehicle because of its weight. In addition, the price of concrete is expensive compared to water and sand, i.e. about 80 to 100 €/m³. Ballasting by oneself can be tedious and the risks of imbalance, during the drying, are not to be excluded. Therefore, it is better to buy a pre-filled model.

The different types of lawn rollers

Currently, there are 2 main categories of lawn rollers: the manual model and the towed model. They differ according to their mode of use and the size of the lawn to be worked.

Manual turf roller

rouleau à gazon classique

The manual lawn roller has the shape of a hollow cylinder made of steel or plastic on which a handle is placed to push or pull it. On one or both sides of the drum, there is an opening that will facilitate the filling. For the latter, the choice is entirely dependent on the planimetry of the land and the vegetation cover.

This type of lawn roller remains, in general, within the framework of a domestic use. The cylinder has a diameter of 30 to 55 cm and can hold a good quantity of sand or water. It comes with a squeegee that will clean the outer surface of the drum while working.

Towable turf roller

rouleau à gazon à tracter

This is a heavier, wider lawn roller that must be pulled by a tractor, mower or quad bike. In order to use it, you simply need to drive the vehicle by directing the roller with the surface to be leveled. Nevertheless, you must be careful not to change direction while driving if you do not want to have unsightly tracks. On the other hand, you have total freedom in case you want to have nice patterns.

The weight of such equipment is around 100 kg while the width of its drum can reach a maximum of 100 cm. Most of them are composed of balls that offer an optimal protection of the ground and/or aerators with spikes. Their role is to limit the risks of soil accumulation.

Lawn roller mower... Yes, it exists!

The lawn roller can be placed in front or behind the mower. It's lighter, but that won't affect its efficiency. This 2-in-1 gardening tool is perfect for very large areas. The motorized models let you enjoy an impeccable result.

Lawn roller or lawn mower?

Lawn roller

The lawn roller, commonly known as a garden roller or lawn roller, has a drum in the form of a hollow cylinder that must be filled with water, sand or concrete. Made of plastic or steel, it gives you the possibility of eliminating irregularities in the soil and smoothing it out properly thanks to the pressure exerted by the weight. It is also of great importance when creating or maintaining the green space.

Using the integrated handle, you can either push or pull it across the garden to obtain an even surface. Of course, towable models are also available. In order to move them, you must use a motorized vehicle.

Lawn mower

The lawn mower, as its name suggests, is a device specially designed to cut the grass in the garden in order to have a uniform lawn. It can be manual or electric and is very suitable for all frequencies of use. Depending on the type of model you choose, the mower allows you to save both time and money.

There are different types of lawnmowers, including the thermal lawnmower, which offers a large cutting width and excellent mobility. There is also the electric lawnmower, which is not very noisy, but effective on small gardens. The hand-held mower requires very little maintenance and the battery-powered mower promises great freedom of movement.

Verdict

The lawn roller and the lawn mower work differently. However, the two devices can be complementary. The roller will help you prepare the ground or fix your lawn in the best conditions. The lawn mower, on the other hand, will ensure the aesthetic side by cutting the grass for a uniform result.

Why buy a lawn roller?

pourquoi acheter rouleau à gazon

Still hesitating to buy a lawn roller? Let us give you more reasons to choose this type of gardening equipment.

To be used before and after seeding

If you want to install a new lawn, synthetic or natural, you must go through the "rolling" stage. With this step, you will have a well-drained soil before the lawn is even installed. After seeding, the passage of the lawn roller will push your seeds into the ground. This helps the roots to anchor into the soil.

Promotes growth after seeding

The lawn roller optimizes the germination phase of the seedlings. It helps to keep the sprouts in the soil while preventing them from blowing away in the wind or dying from lack of nutrients. Once the plants have sprouted, between 3 and 4 weeks, you can roll the roller again. This will guarantee the growth of new roots.

For the maintenance of the lawn

The use of a lawn roller allows you to maintain your green space properly. This is one of the most important steps, especially when building a new garden or when sowing. An effective complement to the lawn mower, the device will smooth the surface once the cut is complete. The result is a healthy, attractive and relatively dense lawn.

To aerate the lawn

Just after winter and the thaw, it is essential to aerate the lawn. The plants need to breathe, which can only be done by rolling the lawn. In addition to giving the greenery the opportunity to have oxygen, this accessory eliminates, at the same time, any air pockets that have formed.

To have a flat and regular lawn

Whether the garden is newly laid out or already established, you can level the ground with a lawn roller. You don't have to worry about what will happen after the mower, pets or children come along. Take the roller to level the ground and get rid of unsightly holes.

The best brands of lawn rollers

In our opinion, the best brands of lawn rollers in 2022 are :

Einhell
TecTake
Outsunny
AL-KO
VidaXL

Einhell designs and markets a wide range of state-of-the-art DIY and gardening tools. The brand has already seduced many amateurs, DIY enthusiasts and professionals with its various items such as electric lawnmowers or its lawn rollers. It is particularly appreciated for its unbeatable quality/price ratio and the quality of its products.

Despite being a German company, TecTake is also present in other European countries. It asserts itself as a reference brand in leisure, decoration and home articles. Its products are aimed at the general public. In addition to their affordable price, they are also of very good quality.

We can't talk about garden tools and furniture without mentioning the Outsunny brand. If you want to enjoy a summer day and have a good sunbath, turn your green space into a friendly and aesthetic place with Outsunny. Deckchair, deported parasol, garden furniture... and lawn roller are within reach of your hand and wallet.

Expert in the field of garden tools, the brand offers in its complete catalog a vast choice of tillers, mowers, brush cutters, but also lawn rollers. Whether you're a gardener or a landscaper, no matter what your level of knowledge is, you'll find something to take care of your lawn at AL-KO.

Created recently, more precisely in 2006, the VidaXL brand works in several fields, including furniture, sporting goods and gardening tools. It currently sells its products in nearly 27 countries in Europe including Australia and the United States. In terms of price, the brand is among the most competitive on the market.

What is the price for a lawn roller

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
35 £ to 70 £
Mid-range
70 £ to 150 £
High-end
more than 150 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Roll your lawn 2 to 3 times/year

Ideally, the lawn roller should be used 2 to 3 times a year. You can make the first pass after mowing the lawn, which is in early spring. This will give you the opportunity to repair any damage caused by the winter. In addition, you should roll the lawn in order to bring up the grasses and make the soil more compact when you cultivate your garden.

A nice lawn all year round

Use your lawn roller from time to time to not only compact the soil, but also to help the sprouts as well as the freshly planted seeds grow faster. As a result, you'll have a very aesthetically pleasing, green and dense lawn all year round.

Alternatives to the lawn roller

In case your lawn roller is not up to the task, other alternatives can do the job very well. In this sense, you have the choice between the aerating shoe, the board to be placed under the shoes or even the pressing with a shovel. Naturally, they are only suitable for treating a small area, but you can definitely use them as a backup.

Avoid rolling the lawn if...

Avoid using the lawn roller in these cases:

  • Soil that is too frozen : there is a good chance that you will damage the leaves of your plants.
  • Soil that is too dry : when the roller passes over it, the soil becomes brittle, which can only weaken the roots even more and even damage them.
  • Soil is too wet : when the soil is wet, do not take out your lawn roller at the risk of compacting the soil too much and letting all the water out.

Drain the roller before winter

It is strongly recommended that you always empty the cylinder of the lawn roller, if you have weighted it with water, before winter arrives. Indeed, the water could freeze inside, which would damage the drum. Just observe the reaction of the liquid in a bottle. When it freezes, it takes up more space and will burst the container instantly.

FAQ

How to roll the lawn? When to roll the lawn? How to replace a lawn roller? What weight for a lawn roller?

Before using the lawn roller, remember to first mow and then scarify the surface you will be working on. This will ensure that you are satisfied with the result and will even make the rolling process more pleasant. Try to remove anything that could be considered foreign objects (dead leaves, branches, etc.). Water the soil lightly to give the tool a better grip.

It is important touse the lawn roller at the right time as is the case with any other gardening tool. In early spring, between March and April, you can make the first roll. The second pass is done around October, just after the last mowing. Don't neglect the last rolling of the year, which should be done before and after seeding.

If the drum of your lawn roller is damaged, it would be wise to get a new one directly. Also, you can always use alternatives, especially for a small lawn. A weighted bucket or a large wheel can replace the roller. The weight of a lawn roller, without filling, varies between 5 and 15 kg, knowing that the most common models weigh between 10 and 13 kg. Once weighted, the tool becomes heavier and reaches a substantial weight of 50 to 120 kg. Sand and water offer you more possibilities, since you can adjust the final weight of the device according to the effort to be deployed during its use or the type of soil to be compressed.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. How to lay a new lawn, wikihow.com
  2. Do-it-yourself tutorial: here's how to build a small bocce court at home, femina.fr
  3. Fall gardening: it's time to prepare your flower meadow to beautify the spring of 2021, france3-regions.francetvinfo.fr
  4. Tips and tricks for seeding your lawn, femmeactuelle.fr
  5. Sowing green manure: when and how?, jardinage.lemonde.fr
  6. Best Lawn Rollers 2021, thefiltermaster.com
  7. The best lawn rollers to keep your lawn healthy flat & level, horticulture.co.uk
  8. Best Lawn Rollers Tested & Rated, earlyexperts.net
  9. Best Lawn Roller for the Money, thesawguy.com
  10. 8 Best Lawn Rollers to Buy In 2021, yardsurfer.com
  11. Lawn Roller | Leroy Merlin, leroymerlin.fr
  12. Lawn Roller at the best price | Leroy Merlin, leroymerlin.fr
  13. Lawn Roller - ManoMano, manomano.fr
  14. Amazon...., amazon.co.uk
  15. Turf rollers : best price in 2021 : Test and comparison, letempssefige.fr
  16. Home - Lawns of Fontainebleau - Experts of the lawn in ..., gazonsdefontainebleau.fr
  17. Comparative and Tests of the best lawn rollers of the market, testmateriel.net
  18. Second hand lawn rollers, advertisements purchase and sale of ..., paruvendu.fr
  19. Turfing tools (Roller, scarifier, spreader ...., castorama.fr
  20. Lawn Roller Rental - width 48 cm - Kiloutou, kiloutou.fr
  21. Lawn Roller - Gardening Tools and Accessories ..., truffaut.com
  22. Lawn Roller Delivery and Lawn Plates, gazon-duguet.fr
  23. Lawn Roller - BELLI - Mr. Bricolage, mr-bricolage.fr
  24. Lawn Roller 56cm - Loxam, loxam.fr
  25. Geolia Steel Lawn Roller, Metal Handle L.89 Cm, weldom.fr
  26. Lawn Roller - Cdiscount, cdiscount.com
  27. Lawn Roller - Garden Roller for lawn ..., tondeogreen.com
  28. IDGREEN LAWN ROLLER | Gazon-rouleaux.fr | VENTECTE DIRECTE, gazon-rouleaux.fr
  29. Natural grass rollers x 1m2 Rollers of 1m² : 0,4 m x 2 ..., gammvert.fr
  30. Natural grass rollers - Gamm Vert, gammvert.fr
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Einhell GC-GR 57
Einhell GC-GR 57
Rouleau à gazon TecTake
TecTake Lawn Roller
T-MECH 120L 23920
T-MECH 120L 23920
Gardebruk 101165
Gardebruk 101165

Lecteurs

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