How to Use a Leaf Blower

Stage 1: Move the leaves into a big pile

Using your leaf blower, move all of the fallen leaves into a big pile, so that it’ll make it easier to collect the leaves in one go. A leaf blower tends to be easier to use than a rake as it involves less physical effort and it is more effective. Even with how safe a leaf blower tends to be, it’s important to have all of the necessary safety equipment, such as earmuffs to drown out the loud noise, eye goggles in case any debris blows into your eyes and gloves. 

To use the leaf blower: 

• Always read the user manual before operating your leaf blower. 

• Ensure that your leaf blower is assembled (if it has been disassembled for transportation) and all parts are connected correctly

• Check the fuel level is correct and you are outside before starting the blower. 

• To start your leaf blower firmly place on the ground, pressing the machine body against the ground with your left hand (NOT your foot) and start the engine by pulling the starter cord quickly and firmly. Do not drop start your leaf blower and do not touch parts of the machine other than the handles when in use. 

• Let it run on idle for a few minutes before you start revving to the maximum speed. 

• Once you’ve got the leaf blower running, get the leaves away from your trees and shrubs and then work from the outside of the yard to the centre to make one big pile. 

• Approach the leaves with your leaf blower using a sweeping motion, making sure to not use it too close to the leaves. 

• As you work over an area with your leaf blower, use more of a semi-circular or arc-like pattern so that all of the leaves will move in the same direction. 

When you’re using the leaf blower, there’s no need to put it on full blow, as it’s more effective when you use little bursts of power.

Stage 2: Pick leaves from the pile and put them into a bag

If you’re using your hands, pick up the leaves from the pile and put them in a big bag. It may take several handfuls before you’ve finished picking up the leaves. 

If you think it might be too slow to pick them up by hand or if you think the pile of leaves is too big, you could also use two rakes. Using one rake in each hand, the idea is to use them like salad tongs, so that you can grab a large amount of leaves in one go. 

Stage 3: Dispose of the leaves

Once you’ve put all of the leaves into the bag, it’s time to dispose of the leaves. You can put it straight into the compost, making sure that you’ve got an even mixture of leaves and green material like lawn clippings in there. If you’re not too keen on putting it into the compost, no worries. You can just put them onto the garden bed as mulch.

Ready to start using a leaf blower?

Head over to our Leaf Blower equipment rental page and easily book a professional grade blower or other landscaping equipment to make your DIY jobs easier. It’s simple and quick to book online, or for advice and assistance call into your local Hirepool branch and chat to the team.