As fall ends, many homeowners find themselves dealing with leaves scattered across their yards. While it may be tempting to simply let the leaves pile up, there are several good reasons to clear them away. Leaves can smother grass and prevent it from getting the sunlight and air circulation it needs to stay healthy.
Wet leaves can provide a warm, moist environment ideal for pests like slugs and snails that can harbor diseases that might infect your plants. These leaves can also be used as compost or mulch in garden beds, providing a valuable source of nutrients for your plants.
Leaf blowers have many advantages over manual raking with a leaf rake. They can clear an area in a fraction of the time it would take to rake by hand. They can also target specific areas and move leaves quickly without disturbing other parts of the yard.
Leaf blowers are less strenuous on the body than raking, making them a good option for those with physical limitations. However, before using a leaf blower, it is important to read the instruction manual and familiarize yourself with the safety precautions.
Leaf blowers are essential tools for keeping outdoor areas clean during all seasons. Let’s explore the potential of this powerful garden tool and find out how to easily incorporate it into your maintenance routine.
Types of Leaf Blowers
The type of leaf blower you will need will depend on your budget and the size of your property. Leaf blowers come in four different types, each with its own power and mobility capabilities.
1. Gas-Powered Leaf Blower
A gas-powered leaf blower is one of the most powerful and loudest garden tools. With a CFM rating of up to 500, this leaf blower can be helpful when tackling larger piles of leaves or debris. However, this style of leaf blower also produces a loud sound due to its high decibel levels; these can range between 80 and 90 decibels.
To ensure that your gas-powered leaf blower is in good working order before use, you’ll need to ensure you have the correct two-cycle fuel mixture on hand. This usually consists of a combination of oil and gasoline that must be blended in the proper proportions for optimal performance.
Though it can be noisy, a gas-powered leaf blower is an excellent tool for clearing large areas quickly and efficiently. It is powerful enough to blow large piles of leaves from hard-to-reach places like roof gutters and can also move debris from driveways and sidewalks in vacuum mode.
2. Electric Leaf Blower
An electric leaf blower is an excellent option for those looking for a quieter, more cost-effective model. They are lighter than gas-powered models and don’t require any fuel, making them much easier to maintain.
They are also better for the environment, as they don’t produce emissions. While they may not have as much power as a gas-powered model, they can still easily clear leaves and debris from most areas.
3. Battery-Powered Leaf Blower
Battery-powered leaf blowers offer all the convenience of electric models but with the bonus of being cordless.
Cordless leaf blowers have significantly less power than their gas-powered counterparts. But they are still suitable for smaller jobs like blowing leaves off decks and patios or clearing small piles from the lawn.
4. Backpack Leaf Blower
Backpack leaf blowers are larger than handheld models and are used for more intense jobs like clearing large leaf piles. They feature a backpack-style frame, with the motor and controls attached to the user’s back, allowing them to move around freely while they work.
These power tools typically have more power than handheld models, with engine capacities ranging from 60-80cc. Their larger frame allows for a larger air volume of up to 700 CFM, which makes them more efficient.
How to Operate a Leaf Blower
Before using your new leaf blower, you must provide a power source (an extension cord or a gas can) and wear personal protective equipment (gloves, glasses, and earplugs). Once you have everything you need, follow these steps to operate your leaf blower:
- Start by putting on your PPE. This includes gloves to protect your hands, glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from debris, and earplugs or noise-canceling earmuffs to protect your hearing.
- Connect the power source to the leaf blower properly. If using an extension cord, ensure it is long enough to reach the area where you’ll be blowing leaves. If you’re using a gas-powered leaf blower, fill the gas tank with fuel.
- To start the leaf blower, locate the power switch. This is usually near the handle. Once you’ve found the switch, flip it to the “on” position.
- To blow leaves, hold the leaf blower at waist level at a shallow angle with one hand on the handle and the other hand on the blower chute. Point the nozzle in the direction you want the leaves to go and squeeze the chute.
- Release the trigger when you want to stop. When you’re finished using the leaf blower, turn off the power switch and disconnect the power source (if applicable).
Make Yard Maintenance Easy With HomesNGardens
Leaf blowers are a great way to make yard maintenance a breeze. With so many types available, you’re sure to find one that suits your needs and budget. Read the user manual before using any leaf blower, and always practice safety when operating them.
