7 Tips For Using a Leaf Blower
|
Are you fed up spending hours raking leaves each fall? It's time to put down the rake and pick up a leaf blower! Whether you've never used a leaf blower or want to improve your technique, we're here to give you all the info you need to become a leaf-blowing lawn care legend of the fall.
Leaf Blower Tips
Step 1: Choose the Right Time and Weather
Dry Weather is Best: Dry fall leaves are much lighter and easier to move around. Wet leaves get heavy, clump together, and stubbornly stick to surfaces. If your leaves are soaked, don't even bother unless it's an emergency (if there's even such a thing as a leaf emergency).
Avoid Windy Days: Don't add more work to your yard work. Blowing leaves on a windy day can be counterproductive, as the wind may scatter them in unintended places. However, you may get lucky, and your leaves will blow into your neighbor's yard.
Mind Local Noise Ordinances: Follow local regulations about noise levels, especially in the early morning or late evening. Consider an electric leaf blower if noise is a concern; they're much quieter than gas-powered leaf blowers.
Step 2: Prepare Your Lawn
Clear Obstacles: Before starting, check your outdoor spaces for toys, branches, rocks, or anything that could obstruct your work or become dangerous projectiles.
Plan Your Piles: Decide where to make your piles beforehand to save time and effort. For reference, leaf piles should be about 4 feet around and 3 feet high but no more than 10 feet around and 5 feet high. Piles too small won't allow leaves to decompose quickly, and piles too big will smother your grass. We'd recommend making large piles so there's more cushion when you jump in.
Step 3: Dress Appropriately
Wear Protective Gear: Use safety goggles or glasses to shield your eyes from swirling dust and debris. Use ear protection like earmuffs or earplugs to guard against extended exposure to loud noise, especially when using a gas blower.
Dress for Safety and Comfort: Wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin, and opt for breathable clothing like cotton and linen to stay comfy.
Choose Solid Footwear: Always wear closed-toe shoes or boots with good traction when performing yard work.
Step 4: Use a Good Technique
Keep the Nozzle Down: Maintain a firm grip and keep the blower nozzle pointed down at a shallow angle to the ground.
Start from the Edges: Blow from the outer edges of your landscaping or driveway and work inward toward your designated leaf pile area. This prevents leaves from scattering back onto already cleared areas.
Use Controlled Movements: Use smooth, sweeping motions to guide leaves toward your pile zones. Avoid rapid or jerky movements that can kick up leaves unpredictably and force you to backtrack.
Step 5: Strategize Your Approach
Work with the Wind: If there's a slight breeze, work in the same direction to get an assist from Mother Nature.
Blow Leaves onto Tarps: For easy disposal, blow leaves onto tarps, then drag them to a compost bin or curbside pickup.
Tackle High Areas First: Clear leaves from gutters, decks, or elevated areas before addressing the ground level. This prevents leaves from falling onto areas you've already cleared.
For more gutter cleaning guidance, check out our article Using a Leaf Blower to Clean Gutters: A Step-By-Step Guide.
Step 6: Split the Work into Sections
Divide Your Yard: Mentally break up your lawn into smaller areas, tackling one at a time for a thorough job without feeling overwhelmed.
Take Breaks: Leaf blowing can be physically demanding when working larger yards—though less so with lightweight Greenworks leaf blowers! Taking regular breaks helps maintain energy levels and focus (tell that to your partner when they ask you why you've stopped working).
Step 7: Maintain Your Leaf Blower
Clean Regularly: After use, wipe down the exterior and remove any debris from the air intake and exhaust areas.
Check for Wear and Tear: Inspect the blower for any signs of damaged or worn-out parts, then replace them as necessary.
Follow Manufacturer's Guidelines: Follow the maintenance schedule provided in the user manual, including battery care for cordless leaf blowers.
Using a Leaf Blower FAQs
What should you not do with a leaf blower?
Avoid using a leaf blower to move heavy objects, clear gravel, blow debris toward people, pets, or open windows, or propel yourself forward on a chair with wheels (okay, maybe try this one—but legally, you didn't hear it from us). If you have a gas-powered model, don't operate it in enclosed spaces due to potential exhaust fumes. Also, avoid violating local noise ordinances by using the blower during inappropriate hours.
Can you use a leaf blower on grass?
Yes! You can use a leaf blower on grass. It removes leaves, twigs, and small debris from your lawn without damaging the grass. Use appropriate speed settings to avoid uprooting grass, especially on newly seeded or delicate lawns. Blowing leaves off grass helps maintain lawn health by preventing smothering and mold growth caused by compacted leaves.
Is it better to blow leaves wet or dry?
It's better to blow leaves when they're dry. Dry leaves are lighter and a lot easier to control. Wet leaves can be heavy, stick together, and need more effort to move.
By following these tips, you'll make quick work of yard cleanup this fall! Looking for a new battery-powered leaf blower? Start here.
Written by The Green Team, a creative arm within Greenworks Tools.
Our team of writers, designers and content creators bring a breadth of experience and a touch of fun to all things tools. With an assist from the Greenworks product teams and technology experts, we’re here to provide helpful and engaging content to make your yard (and life!) beautiful.
