Is a Leaf Blower Worth the Investment?

Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by Real Men Sow

On average, Brits forked out £670 on garden upgrades in 2021. The nation reignited an enduring love for gardening amongst pandemic restrictions and more time due to many working from home. If you’ve invested so much time and effort into the outdoor area of your home, it’s only natural to want to preserve the result and enjoy the space.

However, it can be tough to keep your garden tidy when debris accumulates so quickly. If you’re keen to keep it looking fresh, you may be wondering whether a leaf blower is worth the investment.

What is a leaf blower?

Is a leaf blower worth the investment2

A Leaf blower is petrol, electric or battery-powered handheld tool. They have a long nozzle attached to a motor which directs air to blow leaves and rubbish. Some models even have a suction setting with a bag attached to collective the debris. Models on the market come in a range of sizes, speeds and corded or cordless options.

Pros of a leaf blower

Given the speed of area coverage you can get in comparison to manual raking, they’re great for large properties or industrial use. As a time-saver, you really can’t beat them. As tools go, they’re very easy to use.

A leaf blower can also be used for other purposes, such as moving fallen snow, making them good for hard-to-reach areas. A battery leaf blower is even more versatile, as you don’t have to worry about being close to a power point or causing a hazard by dragging a long cable around the garden. You’ll also be able to save a lot of backache from leaning over a rake, as you can stand upright with a leaf blower.

Cons of a leaf blower

Petrol-powered models can be loud and therefore anti-social to neighbours or disruptive to pets. Likewise, they may be heavy for anyone older or less steady on their feet. Even a narrow nozzle on a smaller model may not move enough leaves at the same time, reducing efficiency.

They do stir up particles, potentially impacting some health problems like asthma. Vibrations may also be painful for those with joint problems or circulation issues like Reynaud’s phenomenon.

If you have a small garden which doesn’t get much fall from trees, it may not balance out the initial expense of investing.

It’s also not wise to use the blowing or sucking function on wet leaves, as it can damage the machine, so you have to wait for a dry day. This is one of several things you shouldn’t use a leaf blower for.

Verdict

The bottom line is that there are multiple benefits to using a leaf blower, so they can make a great investment for the right property and the right user. Run through our pros and cons above and decide if they’re for you!

Real Men Sow
Real Men Sow

Hello, I’m Pete and I’m currently based in the west of Scotland, in a small place called Rosneath, where I’m exploring my garden adventures. I personally started gardening around 6 years ago and initially, I started out by growing my favorite fruits and berries, such as strawberries, Raspberries & Gooseberries. Since then I’ve added a lot of vegetables and working closely with my neighbor, it’s been a lot of fun.