How to Use a Leaf Blower

When fall leaves pile up or your driveway, walkways, or deck look dusty, a leaf blower can save you hours of raking and sweeping. But if you haven’t used one before, it may feel a bit intimidating. 

Don’t just switch the blower on and go. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything from wearing safety equipment and using the right techniques to collecting leaves. 

Check the weather

Remove leaves on a calm day when the wind is still. Blowing leaves on a windy day is difficult because they scatter, so you’ll find yourself in an endless cycle of blowing. 

Wet leaves are also a problem, so don’t use your leaf blower on rainy or snowy days, or when the leaves are damp. If you really need to remove wet leaves, use short bursts of concentrated air to loosen them up before moving them into a pile. 

Heed neighborhood quiet hours

Gas-powered blowers are loud, so don’t use them at night or in the early morning. According to the Public Interest Research Group, more than 200 towns restrict leaf blower use to certain hours of the day. So, make sure to check your local rules and regulations. 

Put on safety equipment

Leaf blowers push out air at high speeds, which can blast pebbles, twigs, dirt, and even pollen into your face. Here’s all the safety gear you need to protect yourself: 

• Safety goggles
• Gardening gloves
• Dust mask
• Long sleeves and pants
• Closed-toe shoes
• Earplugs

Clear the area

Before using the blower, pick up any branches, twigs, rocks, or debris that can become dangerous projectiles if the blower hits them. Make sure there are no children or pets in your path, or you could hurt them. 

Check your equipment

You don’t want your leaf blower to stop working halfway through the job, so always inspect it first. If you have a two-stroke gas-powered blower, mix it with fuel and oil at a ratio recommended by the manufacturer. Four-stroke engines run solely on gasoline. 

For a cordless blower, make sure it’s fully charged and keep a spare battery handy in case you need a quick power boost to finish the job.

If you’re using a corded electric blower, make sure there are no frays or cuts in the cord, and use an outdoor extension cord. 

Starting your blower

Each type of blower starts in a different way. Here’s how to start them:

Gas-powered blower

• Turn on the power switch.  
• Press the primer bulb five to six times to make sure there’s enough fuel supply for the carburetor. 
• Set the choke lever to the full choke position. 
• Place the blower on a flat, level surface on the ground and hold it securely. 
• Pull the starter cord until the engine starts. Some blowers have a throttle lock that you need to engage to maintain a constant idling speed.  
• Let the engine warm up for at least a minute. 

Cordless battery-powered blower

• Slide the battery pack into the battery holder. Listen for a click to make sure the battery is locked. 
• Press and hold the power button to turn on the blower. 
• Pull the trigger to start. 

Corded electric blower

• Plug the blower into a heavy-duty outdoor extension cord. 
• Plug the cord into a grounded outlet. 
• Turn on the blower. 

The method to turn on the blower can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and model. 

Use the right technique

Yes, using a blower requires some technique:

• Work with the wind: Always blow the leaves in the same direction as the wind. Blowing in the opposite direction can be counterproductive and scatter leaves everywhere. 
• Adjust the airflow: Too much airflow can send leaves flying in every direction. Use a lower setting when working in tight spaces like flower beds, patios, or near delicate landscaping. Switch to high power when clearing large piles of leaves from open areas. 
• Start at the perimeter: Begin from the outer edge of the yard and work your way toward the center. 
• Use the right angle: Hold the blower to your side, and the nozzle should face the ground at a shallow angle so the leaves move forward. A steeper angle lifts them off the ground. 
• Keep it steady: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart for balance and move the blower in a smooth back-and-forth motion. Avoid blowing too close to the ground, as that can cause dust and debris to fly everywhere. Don’t point directly at a pile of leaves, as that can also cause them to scatter. 
• Use vacuum mode for tight spaces: If your leaf blower has a vacuum mode, switch to it to remove leaves from tight spots like between garden beds or under patio furniture. 
• Create small piles: As you blow the leaves, gather them into smaller piles, as they are easier to collect. They also help prevent the leaves from scattering if the wind picks up. 

I recommend giving your leaf blower a break every 30 minutes to prevent the motor from overheating, and make sure to take breaks yourself as well. 

Collect leaves

Blowing is only half the job. You need to gather the leaves so you can dispose of them or use them as mulch. 

You can either blow the leaves into small piles and then bag them for disposal or use them as mulch. Or you can lay a tarp and blow the leaves onto it. Gather the corners, tie them together, and then either dispose of the leaves or add them to your compost.

Clean up 

Once most of the leaves are gone, walk around your yard and blow any remaining leaves. If there are stray leaves on your sidewalk or driveway, don’t blow them into the street, as that can obstruct storm drains and is also illegal in some areas. 

Store your leaf blower

If you have a gas blower, I recommend letting the engine idle for at least a minute before turning it off to prevent heat from building up in the carburetor and other components. Empty the fuel tank if you won’t use it for several months. 

For battery-powered blowers, you should disconnect the battery when storing it long-term. For corded blowers, turn the switch off and unplug immediately. 

Wipe away dust and debris from the blower. Store it in a dry place, and hang it on hooks to prevent accidental trips. 

FAQs

Tackle leaves faster and smarter

Using a leaf blower can save you hours of time and energy compared to raking and sweeping your yard. But if you’re busy or just don’t want to deal with it, leave it to Lawn Love pros. 

Lawn Love pros can remove leaves from your yard and handle other lawn maintenance tasks like mowing, aeration, fertilization, and weed control. Hire a pro through Lawn Love today to get the job done right at a price you’ll love. 

Main Image: Worker cleaning leaves with a leaf blower. Image Credit: photosaint / Adobe Stock

Abdul Wadood

Abdul Wadood is a professional writer and landscaping hobbyist who thinks beautiful lawns make the world a better place. When he’s not working in the yard, he enjoys visiting botanical gardens and relaxing in nature.

Posts by Abdul Wadood