Let's face it: If you pay a decent amount of money for something, you want to get as much use out of it as possible, right? It's demoralizing to spend money on something that only sees use a few times a year and spends the rest of its time collecting dust.
Sure, it serves its purpose, but are you getting as much out of your leaf blower as you possibly can? Below, you can find out how to use a leaf blower like a professional and some unconventional uses for it.
How to Use a Leaf Blower Like a Pro
Using a leaf blower may seem simple, but there are ways to cut down on the amount of time you're outside blowing leaves around your yard. The first thing you'll want to do is wait until the leaves are dry. Wet leaves are far more difficult to move than dry leaves.
Plan where you want the leaves to go. Starting without a plan of action can cost you a lot of wasted time. If you have a lot of ground to cover, plan on forming multiple piles of leaves.
Next, clear leaves around your bushes and alongside your house. Once all the leaves are out in the open, you can start blowing them towards your pile.
When you start blowing the leaves, if you walk through them with your leaf blower, they will be scattered to the side as you carve a path through them. Instead, walk sideways, and blow the leaves in the direction you want them to move.
Once the leaves are near your designated area, work around the outside of the leaves, moving in a circle. Do this to gather the leaves into a big pile.
Other Uses for Your Leaf Blower
Did you know your leaf blower has multiple uses? Let's check them out below.
Snow Removal
Leaf blowers aren't as powerful as snow blowers, but for a light dusting of snow, they can work really well. Gas-powered leaf blowers are traditionally more powerful than battery-operated or electric leaf blowers.
However, they have begun to fall out of favour and councillors in Toronto are poised to ban gas-powered leaf blowers.
Despite this, no matter what kind of leaf blower you own, loose snow shouldn't pose a problem. If you have more snow than your leaf blower can handle, professional snow removal can keep you out of the cold.
Gutter Cleaning
A clogged gutter can cause various problems for your home, such as flooding. Using a leaf blower can be a quick and convenient way to excise your gutter of leaves, dirt, and debris. Cordless, electric or battery-powered leaf blowers are the best tools for this job.
In and On Your Car
As the weather begins to warm up, you may spend time cleaning the inside and outside of your car.
Electric and battery-powered blowers are excellent for blowing dust and dirt from the inside of your car.
For the outside of your car, a leaf blower is great to blow water off your car after a wash. Air drying can lead to spots and water droplets can also attract dirt.
If you plan on using your leaf blower more, you may wonder if it's time to switch. Gas typically produces the most power, but can also be an annoyance to your neighbours.
Conversely, electric or battery leaf blowers are more lightweight and can be used for more versatile jobs, aside from clearing leaves. If you're looking to make a change, expert guides can point you in the right direction.
Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
If you enjoyed this guide on how to use a leaf blower, Scott's Landscaping is here for all your lawn care, landscape maintenance, and landscape design needs. We also have other blog posts with tips and helpful advice to aid your green thumb.
Contact us for an estimate today!
