So, you’ve just purchased a new leaf blower and you’re ready to start blowing leaves. Where to start? Before heading outside and firing up your new toy tool there are a few things to be mindful of.
First, check local regulations
Hopefully you did this before purchasing a leaf blower, but if not, be sure that your local regulations allow for leaf blowers at your sound level. Many cities ban the use of loud leaf blowers either outright or at certain times of the day. Additionally, your homeowner’s association may have its own rules around the use of leaf blowers. Make sure that you’re mindful of the laws.
Choose the right day and time to blow leaves
This might sound silly, but there are days that are good and bad for blowing leaves. For starters, you don’t want to try to blow leaves during the rain, or when it has rained recently. Wet leaves simply don’t blow very well!
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that the wind is working with you, or at least not against you. If you need to blow leaves to the curb, make sure you don’t try and blow the leaves when the wind is blowing the opposite direction. If you’re just trying to blow the leaves into a pile, you can always decide where the pile will be based on the wind’s direction.
Be sure you have the right fuel type
Most gas-powered leaf blowers are powered by 2-cycle engines, which require a fuel mix of gasoline and motor oil. Read your owner’s manual to find the recommended mix, because if you get this wrong your engine will get destroyed in no time.
How to start your leaf blower
Electric leaf blowers are pretty easy – either plug them in or attach a charged battery and turn the switch to on.
If you have a gas-powered leaf blower, chances are you’ll have to start it with a pull start. This can be a little tricky for those who aren’t used to two-stroke engines.
Often, a gas blower will have a bulb on it called a primer. By pushing this several times, you are able to ‘prime’ the gas tank, meaning you’re putting a tiny bit of fuel in it. Press that 3-8 times, and the engine is primed.
Then, make sure your leaf blower is set to on, and that the fuel tank is filled. You also might want to adjust your engine choke, depending on the model. Pull on the starter rope until the engine starts. If it’s cold out and you pull more than 10 times without starting, you’ve probably flooded the engine. Let it be for 15 minutes, then try again. For more info, watch the video below.
Using your leaf blower
The general strategy behind using a leaf blower is to get all of your leaves into a pile. Decide where you want your pile, and then walk as far back as you plan on blowing. Always work your way from the outside in.
As you use your blower, swing it from side to side in an even manner at a medium speed. Work your way in until the leaves get into a pile.
Don’t worry about getting every single leaf with the blower – that’s simply not what the tool is designed for. Most jobs don’t require every leaf to be gone, but if you do, followup with a hand rake afterwards.
Using a leaf blower in and around flowerbeds
Take extreme caution when using your leaf blower around flowerbeds for two reasons. First, you may damage any weak plants or flowers with the fast stream of air. Secondly, you may kick up all of your mulch into your yard and make an even bigger mess than what you started with. If you decide you must use your leaf blower in a flowerbed, start with your lowest setting at a far distance and work your way closer until you’re comfortable with the air speed.
To learn more, check out this video by Husqvarna
Conclusion
Using a leaf blower to clear leaves, grass clippings and debris out of your yard isn’t rocket science, but the results are a lot better if you do it right. Let me know if you have any other questions in the comments below!
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