Hello autumn! Trees are turning from green to orange-red hues and gradually turning into bare branches. The falling leaves form a thick layer on your lawn, paths, and driveway. While such an autumn landscape looks picturesque, this blanket of leaves can suffocate your garden if left unchecked. That's where a leaf blower comes in as the ideal gardening tool for every gardener. In this blog post, we delve deep into the world of leaf blowers and why they're an indispensable tool for your autumnal garden.
Why is leaf removal important?
It's tempting to leave the leaves behind and enjoy this beautiful autumn display. Unfortunately, in the long run, this does more harm than good. A thick layer of leaves on your lawn can suffocate the grass, preventing it from receiving the necessary sunlight and water. This can then lead to bare patches and mold growth. Wet leaves on paths and driveways can also become dangerously slippery, posing a risk of slipping!
Regularly removing leaves not only keeps your garden tidy and safe, but also helps keep your lawn healthy. A leaf blower is the ideal way to do this.
The Stihl leaf blower: an indispensable tool
A leaf blower is a versatile tool that can do more than just move leaves. Modern leaf blowers can be used for a variety of garden tasks, such as clearing grass clippings after mowing, cleaning driveways, removing dust and dirt from outdoor furniture, and even cleaning gutters. There are various attachments to expand your leaf blower . But with so many different models on the market, how do you choose the right and best leaf blower?
Which leaf blower is right for you?
When choosing the best leaf blower, there are several factors to consider:
Type of leaf blower:
There are roughly three types of leaf blowers: electric , cordless, and gasoline . Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Electric leaf blowers are lightweight and quiet, but limited by the length of the cord. Cordless leaf blowers, such as the Stihl BGA 57 , offer the mobility of a gasoline blower without the emissions and noise, but battery life can be a limiting factor. Gasoline leaf blowers are powerful and suitable for large gardens, but are noisier and require more maintenance.
Power:
The power of a leaf blower is measured in cubic meters per hour (m³/h) and air speed in kilometers per hour (km/h). For a small garden or patio, a lower-powered model is sufficient. For larger gardens and heavier jobs, a more powerful model is recommended. Also, consider the airflow force, which is often expressed in newtons (N).
Weight and comfort:
A leaf blower should be comfortable to use. Consider the weight of the device and whether it's designed to allow for long periods of fatigue-free use. Models like the Stihl BR 800 CE Petrol Backpack Leaf Blower distribute the weight evenly across your back, making them more comfortable for longer or professional tasks.
Sound:
Leaf blowers can be quite noisy. If you live in a densely populated area, it's wise to choose a quieter model, such as the Stihl BGA 45 , to avoid disturbing your neighbors.
Maintaining your leaf blower
Just like with any other garden tool, proper maintenance of your leaf blower is essential to extend its lifespan and ensure it always performs optimally. Here are some tips to keep your Stihl leaf blower in top condition and enjoy it for years to come:
- Clean regularly: Leaves, dust, and dirt can accumulate in the leaf blower's air intake and exhaust. Clean these areas regularly to prevent blockages and ensure good airflow.
- Check the battery or fuel: If you have a cordless or gasoline leaf blower, always make sure you have enough fuel or a charged battery on hand. For cordless leaf blowers, we recommend fully charging the battery before each job and storing it properly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Replace wear parts regularly: Some parts, such as fan blades and filters, can wear out over time. Check these parts regularly and replace them as needed to maximize your leaf blower's performance.
Read our comprehensive advice on maintaining your garden machinery in this blog.
Stihl: A reliable partner for your autumn garden
Whether you have a small city garden or a sprawling estate, with Stihl you'll always find a leaf blower that can clear your garden of leaves. From the compact and user-friendly Stihl BGA 45 for smaller gardens to the powerful Stihl BR 800 for larger jobs, there's a Stihl leaf blower to suit your garden.
A good leaf blower is essential for keeping your garden tidy and healthy during these colorful months. With the right preparation, you can fully enjoy autumn in your garden!
