Leaf Blowers vs. Leaf Vacuums
It's that dreaded time of year again: instead of seeing the beauty of fall foliage, you just see one big mess on your lawn. You visualize every Saturday afternoon being wasted because you have to ''maintain'' your yard, otherwise the neighbors will give you dirty looks. But no more raking for you! You want to destroy those leaves with extreme horsepower! The only question that remains now is, "How can I efficiently destroy them?"
Leaf Blowers
* In just a matter of minutes, a
leaf blower can easily make piles of leaves on your lawn or driveway.
* Leaf blowers are either
gas powered. Electric blowers also come in corded or cordless versions.
** Gas powered blowers tend to be more expensive and much heavier, but they are more powerful. They are not environmentally friendly.
** You will also have to spend more money to constantly refill the fuel tank and they are extremely noisy.
* Leaf blowers are available in three different types: handheld, backpack, wheeled/walk-behind machines.
**
blower/vacuum, you will need to find a way to get rid of that mountain of leaves. Most people blow the leaves onto a tarp, which they then fold up.
* Although a leaf blower may seem a bit of work, they are still cheaper and more popular than investing in a vacuum.
Leaf Vacuums
* Once you've blown those leaves into a pile, and after your kids have jumped around in them, you're still left with a need to dispose of the clutter.
* Although combination blower/vacuums will save you money and space, they are not as efficient when it comes to vacuuming up leaves.
** Most just won't be able to vacuum up the leaves quickly, nor do their bags hold a sufficient amount of detritus.
* There are four main types of vacuums: handheld, push vacuums, walkon vacuums.
** The handheld vacuums combination blower/vacuums (and sometimes mulchers). Carrying a bag of shredded leaves around on your back can seriously weigh you down though.
** A
push vacuum is similar to your household upright vacuum except this is intended for outdoor use. These vacuums are only for driveways, patios, decks, garages, etc. The main drawback is that you'll have to make small piles of the leaves on these surfaces.
**
is quite expensive and large, but it will do an easy and quick job of getting rid of those leaves and other debris.
* The main advantage to a vacuum is that it can eliminate the extra step of blowing around the leaves. It will also provide you with mulch for your lawn.
** The disadvantage is the cost. The only vacuums that perform better than leaf blowers are large and expensive. A large vacuum is worthwhile if you have extensive property or live in a wooded area.
Related Guides
* Leaf Blowers
*
Upgrading Leaf Blowers
*
Ryobi Blowers and Vacs
*
Toro Blowers and Vacs
*
Lawn Tractors
