How To Use A Leaf Blower | A Complete Guide

Taking care of your garden can become a challenging task, especially when fall comes and leaves drop, causing your garden to get messy. It might seem like a lot of work to deal with fallen leaves, but it doesn’t need to be! Leaf blowers will be fantastic tools to help you clean leaves and debris from your yard, driveway, and sidewalks. Don’t worry if you’ve never used one before;this detailed guide will bring you through the basics of using a leaf blower properly.

Pick the right leaf blower that suits your yard size

When it comes to choosing a leaf blower, you have numerous options available. So, how do you make the right choice? 

Well, it depends on the size and layout of your yard and how many leaves typically fall during the season. If you have a small yard with only a few leaves, a less powerful blower with a cord might suffice. However, if you’re dealing with a medium to large yard and lots of fallen leaves, you’ll need a more powerful blower that can operate using batteries or gas. 

Just keep in mind that while larger models can provide more power, they can also be more challenging to handle.

Types of Leaf Blowers You Need To Know

Based on your specific backyard requirements, these are the different types of leaf blower that fit every space.

Handheld leaf blowers: This is a popular type for home use, especially for small areas, because of its compact and lightweight design. The majority of these models are electric and come in either corded or battery-powered versions. Corded models are usually cheaper but require an extension cord to cover your entire yard.

Backpack leaf blowers: As the name suggests, these leaf blowers feature a motor that you wear on a comfortable shoulder harness while you hold the blower tube in your hand. These models are generally more potent than handheld ones and are well-suited for medium to large backyard areas. They are typically powered by gas.

Walk-behind leaf blowers: These types represent the most powerful blowers and are most suitable for large yards or expansive spaces. Similar to backpack leaf blowers, they also typically run on gas.

Electric Corded Leaf Blowers: An electric leaf blower is a machine that demands minimal upkeep. When compared to their gasoline-powered counterparts, these models are easier to maintain, lighter in weight, and produce less noise. The electric corded leaf blower is great for small yards. 

Cordless Leaf Blowers: A cordless leaf blower, often referred to as a battery-powered leaf blower, is known for its mobility and convenience. High-voltage batteries in top-notch models offer extended runtimes. To ensure continuous operation, it’s a good idea to have a spare battery on hand and periodically recharge it, especially if you have a sizable yard.

How to Use a Leaf Blower

Step 1: Check the weather

Wait when there is no wind

If possible, choose a day for leaf removal when the wind is blowing in the desired direction or when the wind stills. You’ll discover that any other way can be highly counterproductive.

When possible, hold off on working with damp leaves until they dry

Using a blower to clear dry leaves is more efficient compared to tackling wet ones. To check if a leaf pile is dry enough, simply point your blower at its base. If the leaves hardly move, it’s probably a good idea to postpone leaf clearing and return the following day.

Step 2: Recognize leaf trap areas where leaves tend to collect

Prior to commencing the operation of your leaf blower, it’s advisable to spend a few minutes inspecting the area you intend to work in. Besides, it is necessary to locate the spots where leaves have naturally accumulated, such as around storm drains or in proximity to shrubs and tall ornamental grasses.

Step 3: Wear safety gear

Before you start using a leaf blower, make sure you wear the right safety gear. This means wearing protective glasses, gardening gloves, a face mask or covering,  and noise-canceling ear protection. 

Even though they might not seem very dangerous, leaf blowers are powerful machines, and using the correct safety equipment will help you avoid getting hurt by flying debris. Also, keep in mind that most leaf blowers are pretty loud, around 70 to 75 decibels, which can harm your hearing if you’re exposed to it for a long time. 

Step 4: Prepare your leaf blower

Make sure your cordless leaf blower battery is fully charged, or keep an extra battery on hand. You can purchase cordless leaf blowers that come with two batteries.

If you’re using a gas-powered leaf blower, ensure the fuel tank is filled, and check the oil levels before you begin your task.

Step 5: Plan a smart strategy to maximize its efficiency

• Leaf blower efficiency lies in gathering leaves into large piles for easy removal.
• Avoid blowing away every single leaf from your lawn with a leaf blower. It’s better to not be overly meticulous in this regard. You can use a leaf rake to deal with any remaining stray leaves.
• The vacuum function of a leaf blower should be saved for smaller and less accessible tasks where using a leaf rake might be impractical. It’s ideal for clearing leaves that are stuck around rocks, near the base of fences, or in tight spaces around your home. 
• Additionally, it’s useful for removing leaves from your deck or for cleaning up small amounts of dirt and grass clippings from your driveway.

Step 6: Clear your outdoor area

To make the leaf-clearing process easier, take a stroll through your outdoor area and collect any big branches, clutter, and even lawn decorations that might obstruct your path. It’s also a good idea to relocate any garden furniture before you begin blowing the leaves.

Step 7: Modify your power settings

Before you point the blower at the leaves, make sure to set the airflow at an appropriate level. Excessive power and airflow will only result in a chaotic mess, and it’s usually better to use the blower to gather leaves into smaller piles rather than scattering them all over the yard.

If your blower has a ‘vacuum mode,’ you can use it in smaller areas, under hedges, or other tight spots where it’s challenging to use a traditional leaf rake.

Step 8: Adhere to a Leaf Blowing method

As advised by our specialists, when using the blower, initiate the process by starting along the outer perimeter of your yard and directing the leaves toward the central area. 

Hold the blower at your side with the front nozzle angled toward the ground at a shallow degree. The objective is to channel the airflow underneath the leaves rather than over them. While moving slowly with the blower, oscillate the nozzle from side to side to create a sweeping motion, which is crucial for the technique.

Determine the ultimate destination for the leaves, and gently oscillate the leaf blower back and forth as you walk steadily ahead. Ensure that you proceed in one direction only to prevent pushing leaves back into areas you’ve already cleared. Exercise patience before commencing the blowing process;it’s important to avoid hasty actions. 

Pushing too forcefully at the debris you intend to move can result in it being blown back and causing a larger mess. Instead, start at a slightly greater distance, navigate around the objects you wish to clear, and gently direct them to the desired location. This cautious and strategic approach is essential to achieve effective results.

Step 9: Blow your leaves onto a tarp

An effective approach to collecting leaves and debris all at once is to use the blower to blow them directly onto a large tarp. Once you’ve gathered all the leaves, simply pull together the tarp’s corners and secure them with a knot. This simplifies the process of disposal or utilizing the leaves for composting in your garden. It’s worth noting that professional landscapers often employ this technique for easy transport.

Step 10: Store Leaf Blower 

After you’ve finished using the leaf blower, store it in a dry place. Hanging the leaf blower on hooks is a highly convenient way to store it in a garage or shed. This helps prevent wear and tear and reduces the risk of accidents that might occur if it’s left on the ground.

How Does a Leaf Blower Work?

A leaf blower operates by drawing in external air and spins it by using a motor and a fan with multiple blades, known as an impeller.

As the air gets spun within the blower, it generates a centrifugal force, propelling it through the narrower blower tube. Centrifugal force pertains to an outward force experienced in a rotating reference frame.

In the inner casing, you’ll find a motor and a fan featuring blades, often referred to as an impeller. The leaf blower functions by taking in external air and setting it into motion with the help of these fan blades. As a result of the pressure buildup created by centrifugal force inside the casing, the air gets expelled from the blower tube at a high velocity.

Conclusion

Using a leaf blower is a practical and efficient way to put your garden in order, especially during the leafy autumn season. By choosing the right blower, understanding its operation, and following some basic techniques, you can easily keep your outdoor space clean and tidy. With these tips, you’ll keep your outdoor space looking great without the heavy job of traditional leaf raking.