Season of mists and - leaf blowers...

Wed 19 Nov, 07:57

Interesting views, I usually wait for the first frosts before using my leaf blower in the hope the lady birds won’t be effected.

Tue 18 Nov, 17:02

Leaf blowers rip the wings of ladybirds, lacewings etc. A rake and broom is much better.

Tue 18 Nov, 08:23

All depends on the area you have to clear and the surface on which the leaves fall. Here at Wychwood House we have some 70  'tree preservation order' trees shedding leaves over nearly 2 acres, on lawn - where if left encourages moss; on hard surface where if left become slippery and a danger to pedestrians, and liable to wash out into the road and block drains. This year it has taken 3 people some 8 hours spread over3 weeks blowing/raking/ wheelbarrowing the leaves to heaps where they will compost over two years and be ready to putback on the borders.

Mon 17 Nov, 19:14

Surely leaf suckers, not blowers, is the way to go. Mine shreds the leaves (which justifies me in not raking them), so that they rot overwinter on the compost heap .. which unshredded leaves don't. Any surplus are raked up for the green bin .. with plenty still left for the worms.

I agree that blowing them is bonkers.

Mon 17 Nov, 17:32

Leave them for the worms.

Mon 17 Nov, 16:10

I use a thing called a Leaf Rake. It works very well, and has the added advantage that it can clear up moss as well. I recommend it! 

Mon 17 Nov, 16:02

I guess whether it depends on how much you're prepared to pay to have your leaves cleared? Bear in mind minimum wage is £12.21 per hour, so a minimum of that, because whoever you're paying also needs to pay tax, insurance etc. I think when given figures like that most people go for leaf blowers.

Mon 17 Nov, 12:37

Surely the most unnecessary waste of energy - and irritating bits of garden 'machinery' ever devised?!  Rake & besom anyone??