Fall is here and so are the leaves! They’re in the gutters, on the porch, in the yard, and even in your landscaping rock. The best thing to rid those leaves this fall is to use a leaf blower. If you have never used a leaf blower before or just want to be more effective this season, follow these great leaf-blowing tips and tricks:
Safety first! Use eye wear, work gloves, sturdy shoes, ear protection, protective clothing, and make sure to keep hair up and out of the way when blowing leaves. Never let children use the leaf blower and never point a leaf blower at people or pets.
Wind can help and hurt you. Blowing your leaves with the wind is much easier than against. Consider the direction of the wind before you start blowing your leaves.
Think of an appropriate time of day. Leaf blowers are loud machines and can disturb your neighbors if you are blowing leaves too early or too late. Between the hours of 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. is a good rule to follow.
Make sure the leaves are dry. Wet leaves are too heavy and will stick to the ground when using a leaf blower. Wait for a dry day in order to utilize your leaf blower.
Have a plan. Before you begin, put down a tarp to blow the leaves onto. This makes it easy to haul the leaves. If you are moving the leaves into a wooded or compost area, make it easier for yourself by blowing them into sections rather than trying to move it all from one end to another.
Pick a direction. Make sure you only blow your leaves in 1 direction so you don’t have to keep going back or blow leaves in an area you already completed.
Watch for dust and dirt! Raise the leaf blower and wet down dusty areas so dirt doesn’t come flying back at you. Don’t forget certain nozzle attachments can help reduce dust.
Follow up with a rake. Blowing the leaves is sometime not enough. Using a rake afterwards helps to get stragglers.
Save those leaves! Hold onto the leaves and compost them into your garden. Leaves are also great to use around trees, bushes, and perennials for protection during the winter.