Cleaning fallen leaves may be one of the most frustrating things when it comes to garden work. It seems like they cannot be "tamed" and the time spent in swiping is endless.
This is why every house with a yard needs suitable tools that would help in maintaining the lawn. If you're eyeing a blower tool, you should know that besides cleaning the leaves off your lawn and patio, you can also use for many different things like cleaning debris and dust off from any part of your yard and house, but also your car.
Before you buy leaf blower, let's see some types of this tool that may be suitable for you.
Types
Although they all do the same work, each type is designed for a specific space. Maybe you're looking for a machine that doesn't make too much noise, or you seek something powerful enough to help clean a larger yard, for instance. Depending on your needs, here are three types of leaf blowers.
Handheld Leaf Blower
This type is ideal for smaller areas such as small lawn, gazebo or porch. It doesn't have the power to blow large debris away, but it will serve you well if you want to blow light snow, sawdust, and dust. You can find models that work on batteries for even better mobility (however, the power might not be too strong).
Backpack Leaf Blower
If you're looking for a model that has more power and can work for a longer time, the backpack leaf blower will do miracles for you. It's an excellent choice for larger spaces like garages, shops and fields that have a lot of fo ground. This model can blow away even wet leaves (which is a huge advantage), pebbles, twigs and metal shavings.
Walk-Behind Leaf Blower
This one is suitable for very big lawns or areas that need high power to blow leaves, cardboard and heavy paper or other garbage. It's practical because you don't have to hold it, but push it like a lawnmower. Usually these models are considered professional (you can expect them to be loud). Unless you have a huge lawn, or area that cannot be cleaned anyhow (loft, shops, fields, etc.).
USES
Snow Removal And Lawn Care
Taking care of your lawn is a work that seeks dedication. It recuires more than just mowing. Every time leaves fall on the lawn, you'll have to clean them. Using a rake is a good way to do it, but it will take a lot of effort and time. A leaf blower would cut that time in half and will help you clean even the most stubborn and smallest leaves and debris.
Besides leaves and debris, snow can also be a problem. It can suffocate it and may reduce the sunlight that would cause it to wilt. The last thing you want is to see that after dedicating so much time and love to turn that lawn into a nice green oasis
Leaf blowers will easily remove the snow, from both the lawn and pathway, so you can always have a safe and dry area to walk. You can forget about that annoying shovelling and backpain.
This tool will help you clean everything within a short time, without wasting your energy.
Removes Leaves
This is the main thing that people buy leaf blowers for. Removing the leaves from their gardens, road, pathways, patios, just anywhere. Blow the leaves into a large pile, and then just throw them into bags. It's practical and will spare from the frustration of going back and forth while wind disrupts your work. Blow the leaves in the same direction as the wind. A cordless leaf blower would be an ideal tool for this task.
Dust and Debris
Leaves, dust, and debris might be impossible to clean if you only sweep them away. This is especially challenging if there is a large layer of these. In winter, wet leaves and snow can be an additional risk for slip and falls. Your pathways should be clean if not for aesthetical reasons, then for safety reasons.
Your powerful leaf blower will efficiently remove all the dust and debris, snow and wet leaves. In the end, you can jet wash the pathway.
Clearing Gutters
This is not an easy job but has to be done occasionally. It takes a lot of time and is risky because you have to climb up and do it. Many people stand on the roof and bend down while doing this job, or use a ladder, clearing part by part.
Leaf blowers would cut that work in half. Just blow all the leaves, dust, and other debris to a corner where you can remove everything. You can just push all the debris down, but be careful - always check if there is someone or something below (car, table, etc.).
Cleaning Your Car
The great thing about this tool is that you can use for so many different things. All the dirt on your car (especially in areas that are hard to reach) can be easily removed with a leaf blower. Within a few minutes, you can clear dust and other particles around the seat belt fastener, between cup holders, groves in the dash. Just blow the dirt to an area where you can easily remove it.
A Few More Tips
If you're buying this tool for the first time, battery-operated is a good option. In fact, this one is great if you are going to use the leaf blower for smaller areas.
If you aren't a fan of batteries, you can go with a corded leaf blower. They're middle ground between electric and gas-powered tools. It's clean and practical and much more powerful than the battery-operated one.
In case you need something that won't tie you too close to the power outlet, then go for a gas or oil blower. You'll have to learn more about how to add the gas. They have the highest power but also require a lot of care and maintenance. Keep in mind that these are the loudest among these three options.