Before you buy a leaf blower you should check that they are not banned in your community, and then check to sees if there are community regulations governing the emissions from a leaf blower.
If you have a small property, then you won't need a really powerful noisy blower which will annoy your neighbours. The experts recommend you but a light hand held model for small outside jobs, but if you have larger property and woodland, then you may need a backpack type gas blower.
If you decide on a gas leaf blower remember that these pollute the atmosphere, and cannot be called 'green'. They work very well however but are very noisy, and you may need to wear ear protectors if you use them. The decibel level on the manufacturers' packaging is measured at 50 feet away from the leaf blower, but you will have it in your hand or on your back, which means that you will be subjected to a higher decibel level.
Experts suggest that when you are thinking of buying a leaf blower you should compare different makes and models in terms of air speed, measured in miles per hour (mph) and air volume which is measured in cubic feet per minute (cu.ft.)
Small hand held blowers can weigh as little as four pounds and these are good to use in small areas, for patios an small gardens. If you have plants and mulch to protect while you are using a leaf blower you may want to buy a leaf blower that has varying speeds.
Most blowers come with a standard vacuum feature which will compress leaves in a bag and mulch them. However, experts say that they have had many reports of blowers with vacuum features not compressing leaves as well as manufacturers claim. If you buy a leaf blower with a shredder or vacuum feature, then you should go for ones that are metal as the plastic pieces tend to break off and wear out quickly.
You may need to buy a blower with a wide or flared mouth that can swivel as these are better for gathering leaves into heaps. The kinds with tapered ends tend to scatter the leaves, which defeat the whole purpose of having one. The blowers with swivel nozzles are more comfortable to handle, and you should think of this comfort level too when choosing a blower. You could buy one with interchangeable blower tips with a round end for loosening leaves and other garden debris and a flatter end for sweeping the leaves away.
Electric models are quieter than gas blowers and less expensive. Battery powered cordless blowers don't always include a vacuum feature, but they are the lightest kind and are easy to handle. The electric corded ones are the best bet if you have a big area to cover and if the extension cord (normally 150 feet) will adequately cover the area you want to clean.
Obviously a blower with a vacuum feature and one that compress leaves well so that they are at least partially mulched is ideal for most gardeners. Those of you with large properties may well have to use a gas powered model, and if so remember that the backpack type are easier and more comfortable to use. However the gas powered ones do add to atmospheric pollution.
There are many models to choose from and perhaps you should go online and shop around that way. Many sites give helpful tips and advice of how to choose the best blower for you and you can always go to a store to check out models that you have researched online and see them for yourself.
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