Leaf Blowers & Leaf Vacuums

Each autumn, inevitably, the leaves will fall and you as a homeowner will be faced with the task of removing them and cleaning up the yard of other debris. As a result, leaf removal has spawned a category of garden tools all its own: leaf blowers & leaf vacuums.

Yet each tool represents a different method of leaf removal. The former is uses a fan system to move leaves around and gather them for easier bagging. The latter is different in that you remove the bagging step because just as with indoor home vacuum cleaners, the materials are funned into some type of leaf vacuum collector.

Whether you choose a leaf blower or a leaf vacuum, it is generally a matter of preference which determines your choice. Of course, the variety of styles in either separate model can make a difference depending upon your individual needs. Focusing first on different types of leaf blowers, you could choose from different models like the smaller portable batter powered leaf blower, a backpack leaf blower, or a heavy duty gas leaf blower. There are even large capacity leaf blowers on wheels that can be pulled along with a garden tractor. Leaf vacuums, too, come in different styles. You can get portable battery operated leaf vacuums similar in design to leaf blowers, but with a receptacle back to collect the leaves in. Larger commercial leaf vacuums are generally the pull behind type that are attached to lawn tractors or riding lawn mowers and linked by a hose of other system for removing leaves to a canvas or plastic leaf vacuum collector on wheels.

For those who like versatility and would use both methods of leaf removal if given the opportunity, there are newer leaf blower/vacuum models that have dual functionality. Integrated models are available in hand held units with two settings as well as the larger pull-behind models. (Some backpack leaf blowers may also include a vacuum setting as well.)

Popular brands like Stihl offer leaf blowers and vacuums. But again, personal preferences may rule the day when looking for leaf blowers & leaf vacuums. You may rather have an Echo brand leaf blower or choose a leaf vacuum offered by the same manufacturer. So if you are interested in either a leaf vacuum or leaf blower, you need to decide which one and what styles will fit your lawn maintenance purposes.