Are you a busy homeowner struggling to keep up with the endless task of leaf cleanup? You’re not alone.
According to the American Time Use Survey, 85 percent of women and 70 percent of men spend two hours per day doing lawn care activities, including raking leaves.1
With these 12 time-saving leaf blower techniques, you can breeze through your leaf cleanup tasks, leaving you with more time to enjoy your outdoor space.
1. Plan Your Attack
Before starting, survey your yard to identify the most efficient route for clearing leaves. Once you have a clear understanding of your yard’s layout, you need to determine the most efficient path to tackle the task.
Consider factors such as the direction of the wind, the location of nearby drains or gullies, and the accessibility of each area. By taking the time to plan your approach, you can reduce the amount of time spent on leaf removal and avoid unnecessary backtracking.
2. Use the Right Blower
Choose a leaf blower that suits your yard size and leaf coverage. Gas-powered blowers are ideal for larger yards, while electric and cordless blowers are better for smaller to medium-sized yards.
When choosing a leaf blower, consider additional features such as variable speed controls, ergonomic designs, and anti-vibration technology to improve your overall experience. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning air filters and inspecting spark plugs, is best to keep your blower in optimal working condition.
3. Wear Protective Gear
Always wear safety gear like hearing protection, eye protection, and sturdy shoes to protect yourself from flying debris and noise.
Always follow manufacturer guidelines and safety instructions when operating your leaf blower. Regularly inspect your safety gear for any wear or damage and replace them as needed to maintain protection.
4. Hold the Blower Correctly
Hold the leaf blower at a slight angle and by your side, rather than directly in front of you. This allows for better control and a more efficient sweeping motion.
By holding your leaf blower correctly and using proper technique, you’ll be able to achieve better control and increased efficiency while minimizing strain on your body. Always remember to take breaks and listen to your body, as prolonged use can cause fatigue.
5. Use a Sweeping Motion
Keep your arm at a slight angle and move the blower in a steady, shallow motion to clear a wide path. This technique helps you cover more ground quickly.
Be prepared to adjust your sweeping motion based on the type and density of debris you’re clearing. For example, you may need to slow down and make multiple passes over heavier or more compact debris.
6. Work with the Wind
Before starting your yard work, check the weather forecast for wind speed and direction. If possible, blow leaves on a calm day or use the wind to your advantage by blowing leaves in the direction the wind is blowing. This reduces the force required from your leaf blower and lessens your workload.
If the wind is particularly strong, consider working in smaller sections, blowing leaves into a pile and then moving the pile to its final destination.
7. Start High and Work Down
Begin with objects at a greater height, such as cars or outdoor furniture, to prevent leaves from accumulating on them again. After clearing elevated surfaces, focus on removing leaves from plants, shrubs, and garden beds.
As you work your way down, direct the leaves into organized piles or rows. This makes it easier to collect and dispose of the leaves or move them to a designated area.
8. Gather Leaves onto a Tarp
Place a large, lightweight tarp on the grass to blow leaves onto. This makes collection and disposal easier. Using your leaf blower, direct the leaves onto the tarp. You may find it helpful to work in sections, blowing a manageable amount of leaves onto the tarp before moving on to the next area.
When the tarp is full, carefully gather the corners and transport the leaves to a compost pile, curbside for pickup, or another designated disposal area.
9. Don’t Try to Blow Wet Leaves
Dry leaves are lightweight and ideal for blowing. Avoid trying to blow wet leaves, as they can clog your blower and make the job more difficult.
If you encounter wet leaves, consider waiting until they have dried before attempting to blow them. This can make the job significantly easier and minimize the strain on your equipment.
10. Don’t Try to Get Them All
Focus on clearing the majority of leaves, especially in high-traffic areas. It’s often impractical to try to remove every single leaf.
Leaves can provide natural mulch as well as shelter and food sources for various insects, birds, and other wildlife. Leaf blowers can emit air pollution and contribute to noise pollution, so minimizing their use can be beneficial for the environment and your neighbors.
11. Use Mulching Capabilities
Many modern leaf blowers come equipped with mulching capabilities, which shred leaves as they are blown.
Choose a setting that best suits your needs, whether you prefer smaller, finely shredded pieces for mulch or larger pieces for easier disposal.
12. Maintain Your Blower
Regularly follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for operation and maintenance to ensure your leaf blower remains efficient and safe to use. For gas-powered leaf blowers, check and replace the spark plug for signs of wear or damage.
If you’re not comfortable performing maintenance tasks yourself, consider taking your leaf blower to a professional service center for routine checkups and maintenance.
These 12 time-saving leaf blower techniques can transform the way you tackle leaf cleanup as a busy homeowner. You’ll not only save time and energy but also enjoy a well-maintained outdoor space that enhances the beauty of your home.
Source:
- https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/atus.pdf
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.