As the leaves continue to descend, and fall enters its last month, it’s been interesting to see how the leaf blower has taken over from the humble rake to clear away nature’s debris in many of our neighbourhoods.
Is this a good adoption of technology? Is trading a little physical effort for battery-powered convenience the right way to go?
Perhaps you have a particular point of view, especially if the peace and quiet of your neighbourhood is continually interrupted by noisy blowers that do little more than push leaves into the gutters.
Some authorities have banned leaf blowers while others apply a decibel limit. That’s because they disturb wildlife habitat. They also force pollen, mould and other irritants into the air.
One thing is for sure, however – when selling your home, you want your front and backyards to look their best, and a brown carpet of dead leaves will not make a great first impression with prospective buyers.
So, which is the best method to handle fallen leaves – a rake or leaf blower?
Here’s a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of each:
Leaf Blowers
No sweat – The convenience is undeniable. Blowers come in a variety of models that either strap to your back or you can hand-carry. Some will also suck leaves into a catch-all bag.
Quick work – A leaf blower is great if you have a large garden or yard because it allows you to move around quickly. It will also remove leaves and dirt from difficult-to-reach areas.
Hard surfaces – If you have a deck, patio or paving, a leaf blower is by far the easiest option. Raking over pavers is not much fun.
Not so green – On the negative side, they are not the most environmentally-friendly approach, as they are powered by battery or electricity. (There are some gas models, mostly for commercial use, which emit pollution). And then there’s the wildlife factor and the potential for blowers to disturb local bird habitats.
Health concern – If you use a leaf blower regularly, always wear ear protection to avoid the risk of hearing loss.
The Rake
Enjoy the silence – Raking leaves might be slower, but at least you won’t disturb your neighbours and friends in the immediate vicinity.
You’re active – Raking is a gentle form of exercise. Sure, it’s not like training for a marathon, but a little physical excursion can be good for you.
Soil protection – Leaf blowers can remove the very top of the soil in your flowerbeds. Raking will aerate the soil, which is good for the plants.
Leaf piles – Arguably, by using a rake, it’s easier to gather piles of leaves to put them in the bin. Also, you might consider using your mower to go over small piles and mulch the leaves for compost for your flowerbeds.
Time thief – On the negative side, you’ll require more time to complete the task if you’re using a rake. You may also need to take a couple of breaks if you’re cleaning up leaves in a big yard and feeling a little weary.