Using a Leaf Blower Throughout the Year

This fall, leaf blowers are useful for more than just clearing leaves. Here's how to use your leaf blower all year.

Leaf blowers aren't just for blowing those pesky fall leaves into a pile in the fall. The weather will change with each season, and it may be difficult to get outside (especially during the cold winters), but the need for backyard maintenance will remain constant. Fortunately, your leaf blower can be used in any season.

Leaf blowers are extremely versatile. They can help keep your yard looking nice while also helping with other projects around the house. This guide will show you some of the ways you can use them throughout the year.

Spring

When the snow melts and the ground thaws, it's time to do some spring yard work. It's common to find lawn debris accumulated from the previous fall after the snow and ice melt. Everything from fallen leaves to stray branches to old grass clippings could be strewn about your yard. Don't worry, a leaf blower will come in handy.

But, before you jump in, look around for pebbles, gravel, glass, or other hard or sharp objects. You don't want dangerous projectiles flying through the air and ricocheting everywhere. Furthermore, wearing eye goggles that run flush with your face is a good idea. This keeps debris out of your eyes, where it could cause serious injury.

In addition to clearing debris from your property, you can use the warmer weather to inspect your home's roof. Examine the gutters for any debris, such as old leaves or branches. While you can remove any material the old-fashioned way by standing on a ladder, it is risky.

Purchasing an aftermarket leaf blower attachment designed for cleaning gutters is a less risky option. You won't have to teeter precariously as you clear your gutters by hand this way.

Summer

Warm weather usually necessitates more yard work. Grass and other plants grow rapidly, resulting in a rapid accumulation of lawn and hedge trimmings. Blow the debris off your driveway, porch, patio, and sidewalks with your leaf blower. When you're done with your yard work, use the blower to clean off your mower, weed whacker, and other lawn equipment.

Summer is thunderstorm season, and all that rain can make it difficult to enjoy your outdoor spaces. Your leaf blower can also come in handy here. Use your blower to remove standing water from your patio, chairs, and tables after a rainstorm. It allows them to dry faster, allowing you to use them more quickly.

Summer is also a great time for family road trips. These excursions frequently wreak havoc on car interiors. When you return from your adventure, you will most likely need to thoroughly clean the inside of your vehicle. Use your leaf blower to remove food crumbs, pet hair, and other debris that has accumulated while you were driving.

Fall

When you think of fall, you probably imagine colorful leaves seesawing down from the treetops above. The problem is that they'll quickly cover your lawn. Dealing with this situation, on the other hand, is what leaf blowers are designed for. Use yours to quickly group leaves into piles. To accomplish this, direct your blower in the same direction as much as possible. This will help you avoid scattering previously formed clusters.

Another good time to inspect your home's gutters is in the fall. Leaves, tree branch fragments, and other debris frequently accumulate here and on your roof. A quick and thorough blow with your leaf blower is an easy way to keep these areas clear. Just make sure to do it when the weather is nice and dry. Wet leaves are much heavier and more difficult to remove.

You could also use your blower in the fall to clean patio tables and chairs, grills, and other summer lawn equipment before storing it for the winter. Also, if you have an attic, make sure to blast the dust from the soffits. This can help to keep water and ice from accumulating during the cold winter months.

Winter

Your leaf blower can also be used as a snow blower in the right conditions. It can be used to clear light snow from your vehicles, mailbox, and driveway. Because leaf blowers have limited power, you should only use them for light snow dustings (1 inch or less). If the temperature rises above 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the snow will become slushy and too heavy to blow away.

A few leaf blower pointers

Leaf blowers are typically divided into two types: those that are powered by gas and those that are powered by electricity. Electric models are less expensive to operate and easier to handle due to their lighter weight.

Leaf blowers powered by gasoline are typically heavier and more expensive. They do, however, have enough power to get through a larger yard. This implies the ability to deal with more leaves or other debris. Yard size, blower power, weight, and price are all important factors to consider when selecting the best model for you.

Keep in mind that leaf blowers make a lot of noise as well. Wear headphones or earplugs to protect your ears from potential hearing damage.

Do you require additional lawn and outdoor advice? Here are some more yard-management tips and technological advancements:

What you should know before purchasing a riding lawn mower

Clean, change the oil, and sharpen the blades of your lawn mower.

iRobot has put its Terra robotic lawn mower on hold.

Everything you need to know about privacy fences before installing them

The benefits and drawbacks of electric lawn mowers