Leaf blowers are the go-to tool for taking care of leaves in the fall, just like lawn mowers are for cutting grass in the spring. They’re strong and can quickly clean up your yard, making it look nicer and more enjoyable. Luckily, leaf blowers are easy for most adults to use safely and effectively once you know a few tips and safety measures. That said, let’s dive into how to blow leaves safely and effectively.
Type of Leaf Blower
Start by figuring out what type of leaf blower you need. There are many kinds, like cordless, gas-powered, backpack, electric, and corded leaf blowers. Although they’re all fairly easy to use, picking the right one can make your job easier and more enjoyable.
It might be tempting to choose the biggest leaf blower at the store, but remember that larger blowers are often bulkier and heavier. It’s best to choose a leaf blower that suits the size of your yard.
Here’s a simple guide to help you choose:
- If you have a small yard, a small, lightweight leaf blower should do the trick. A corded model could work well since you won’t be moving around much, and it’s cheaper because you don’t need gas.
- For medium to large yards, you’ll need a more powerful leaf blower, probably one that runs on batteries or gas so you can move around freely.
- Think about your own size and strength, as well as any accessories you might need to use the leaf blower comfortably. A powerful blower might seem appealing, but it won’t be useful if it’s too heavy for you to handle regularly. Also, consider getting safety gear like protective glasses and noise-canceling earmuffs.
Some Safety Precautions
Leaf blowers are easy to use but powerful, so it’s important to handle them safely. Here are some safety tips to follow before you start using your leaf blower:
- Always wear protective glasses to shield your eyes from leaves and debris that get tossed around. This is especially important on windy days to keep your eyes safe.
- Wear sturdy shoes and dress in long sleeves and pants to protect your skin from flying debris.
- Use noise-canceling earmuffs or earplugs because leaf blowers are very loud and could damage your hearing over time. Consider offering ear protection to anyone else who is nearby.
- Think about wearing a mask or face covering to keep dust and debris out of your lungs while you’re blowing leaves.
How to Properly Blow Leaves into a Pile
Before starting any leaf blowing or home improvement project, it’s important to plan ahead. First, check that your leaf blower is in good working condition and has enough fuel or battery. Next gather safety gear, a rake, and trash bags, and consider laying a tarp in large yards for easy leaf collection.
You should also review your yard and decide where to gather leaves, starting from the edges towards the center in small, manageable piles rather than one big pile to prevent them from scattering back. Finally, the best way to blow leaves is in short bursts to avoid overheating and keep better control over leaf accumulation.
The Right Condition Matters
Check the weather before you use your leaf blower to make sure you get the best results.
Here’s what you should do:
- Remove any sticks, branches, or debris from your yard first so they don’t get caught in the leaf blower. If there are big or broken branches, you might need to cut them with a chainsaw or trimmer.
- Let wet leaves dry out. If it has just rained or snowed, leaves will be wet and hard to move, even if you turn your leaf blower up to the highest setting. It’s easier if you wait a day for the leaves to dry.
- Choose a calm day to blow leaves because wind can mess up your work and make it frustrating. It’s best to wait for a day when there’s little or no wind, or when the wind is blowing the leaves in the direction you want them to go.
What to Do with the Leaves
After you’ve gathered lots of bags of leaves, you might wonder what to do with them, especially if you have too many to throw away with your usual trash.
Here are some options for dealing with yard waste:
- Check if your local area has special days for collecting yard waste. Many places pick up yard waste in April and November. You can put your bags next to your trash bin for collection on these days.
- Turn the leaves into compost or use them as mulch in your garden.
- Take the leaves to a local compost site.
- Remember, don’t blow the leaves into the street or onto someone else’s property, as that’s against the law.
Learn How to Use a Leaf Blower for Proper Cleanup of Your Yard
Now that you know how to use a leaf blower safely and well, you’re ready to clean up your yard and make it look nice again. Take a moment to plan, especially what you’ll do with the leaves, and think about the kind of leaf blower and safety gear you need before you start. Planning ahead will definitely save you time, frustration, and maybe even money in the long run.