A leaf blower is a great, innovative tool that is often used as a replacement for a rake. Because it makes the work go much more quickly, a leaf blower can become an invaluable part of a landscape maintenance collection. There are many different types of leaf blower available, including varieties with extra features such as vacuums and mulching mechanisms. Regardless of the style of leaf blower that you have chosen, it is essential to your safety and success that you use it correctly.

First, it is necessary to ensure that proper safety measures are taken. If your leaf blower is very noisy, you should wear ear protection. Noise above 85 decibels can begin to damage your ears. You should also wear eye protection because leaves and debris can fly up from the leaf blower and impair or damage your vision. It is also recommended that you wear some type of work gloves that will protect your hands from blisters that may form due to the vibration of the leaf blower and from the acquisition of dirt creating friction. Also make sure that there are no young children playing in the area that may be injured by coming too close to the leaf blower.

Once you have ensured that your working conditions will be safe as you use your leaf blower, you should choose a place where all of the leaves will be gathered. This should be a location that is accessible from all areas of the property. Prepare the destination area by laying down a tarp or providing plastic bags ready for the deposit of leaves. It may be helpful to work with another person who will be in charge of packing the leaves as they are blown. Having two people with distinct jobs ? a leaf blower and a leaf gatherer ? will make the work go much faster.

Choose a starting point. Many people prefer to commence their work in a far corner of the yard. Carry the leaf blower to the starting place before you turn it on. Because it is difficult to effectively relocate large piles of leaves, you should begin a pattern, using your leaf blower to do one row at a time. By working in an organized manner, forming a path with your leaf blower, you avoid confusion and can work more quickly. A leaf blower works best when you blow all leaves in the same direction, collecting all of them at once in a given area.

Once you have blown all of the leaves in your path to the designated area it is important to go slowly so that you don't blow away the leaves you have already gathered. Sweep the leaf blower slowly and fluidly to keep leaves moving. Then return to the next point where you will gather leaves. If you don't have someone to help you, you will need to turn the leaf blower off in order to collect the leaves into a bag and throw them away.

By using a leaf blower correctly and planning your method of collection, you can ensure that your yard work is completed efficiently and correctly.

Leaf Blower