Question: Are There Advantages to Using Leaf Rakes Versus Using Leaf Blowers?
Lots of people use leaf blowers for leaf removal nowadays, instead of leaf rakes. Using leaf rakes is just an old-fashioned method for leaf removal, right? Or are there advantages to using leaf rakes that one could overlook?
Answer:
Don't consign leaf rakes to the annals of history just yet!
Before considering the advantages of using good old-fashioned leaf rakes for leaf removal, let's look at the four advantages residing in the leaf blower's camp:
- Possible time savings (if you're a slow raker and if you don't feel the need to remove every last leaf!).
- Ability to remove leaves from tight spaces.
- Relative ease of use may be attractive to those with disabilities.
- Leaf blowers can also function as lawn vacuums, allowing you to shred up the leaves, creating ready-to-use mulch.
Now let's consider the advantages of using leaf rakes, instead.
- Monetary savings: leaf rakes are cheaper.
- For those reasonably healthy, wielding a leaf rake can serve as an aerobic exercise.
- Since leaf rakes don't have motors, they're not only better for the environment, but also quieter and promise a more serene experience. The sights, sounds and smells of autumn can be better appreciated without having to put up with the drone of a motor.
- You can dethatch the lawn at the same time.
This last is the most important advantage of using leaf rakes over leaf blowers and is discussed in my FAQ, Is There a Right and Wrong Way to Rake Leaves?
