Even though fall does not technically start until Sunday, September 22, the unofficial beginning of autumn is the day after Labor Day. Basically, we are already into fall, and this means that we all need to turn our attention away from summer lawn care and begin thinking about fall. We recently discussed the many different ways that you can deal with the leaves that will start populating your lawn in the coming weeks, from taking the leaves to a landfill to shredding and mulching. One of the most common ways of collecting leaves is to use a leaf blower, but it can be a real challenge to sort through the market and find the leaf blower that is right for you. In order to clear things up, this post offers a basic guide to finding the right leaf blower.
A Leaf Blower is an Important Fall Lawn Care Tool
Gas or Electric?
Simply put, leaf blowers come in two main categories: gas and electric. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, but they are different enough from each other that it should not really be that difficult to know which is appropriate for your lawn. The big bonus to gas leaf blowers is that they are more powerful. For this reason, if your yard is larger than a half acre, it is important to get a gas leaf blower. Another plus is that you don’t need to plug the leaf blower into an outlet when using a gas leaf blower. Still, some areas of the country prohibit gas blowers, so it is important to double-check whether they are permitted in your region. If you do get a gas blower, purchasing one with a clear gas tank is useful for allowing you to always know how much gas you have.
Electric blowers, on the other hand, are great for smaller lawns. Because they weigh less, they are easier to use, and will not require the maintenance of a gas blower. They are also better for the environment, as they do not produce any emissions. Still, you have to be within 100 feet of an electrical outlet at all times, which is a deal-breaker for many lawn owners.
Other factors
You also need to consider whether you want just the blower or whether you want a blower and vacuum. This latter style is better for larger projects, as it will actually scoop up the leaves. Regardless of the type you buy, make sure to follow safety protocol, including wearing hearing and eye protection and keeping kids at bay.
The leaf blower makes leaf removal so much easier. Consider the size of your lawn and whether or not you want a vacuum function when deciding which leaf blower to buy.
