Cleaning up fallen leaves is an inevitable garden chore for most of us. When you consider how beneficial leaves are in the garden, you'll want to collect and make use of every last one. New leaf vacuums, blowers and improved lawn rakes can make the job easier. The following are top picks of leaf pick-up tools.
Once you choose your tool, be sure to put those leaves to good work.
The popular Blower/Vac now has a low noise design, so you won't go deaf using it. Leaves can be blown into a pile or shredded and vacuumed into a bag. The shredder turns 10 bags of unshredded leaves into one. It has an Anti-clog Vortex® Vacuum System, although leaves should be dry to be effective. The blower offers speed controls from the quietest 150 MPH to a maximum 200 MPH Specs: Electric, 12 Amps, Weight 8.1 lbs , Bag 2 Bushels, Air Speed up to 200 mph, Mulch Ratio 10:1, Decibel 65 dBA
This is a gas model of the above described blower/vac. It still boasts the Anti-clog Vortex Vacuum Systems and low noise design (66 DBA minimum) and the one touch blower/vacuum switch. The gas model is a bit heavier, but has the convenience of no cord.
Husqvarna's blower/vac is pricier than Black & Decker, but features a low vibration level and ergonomic handles, so there is less strain on user's hands, arms and shoulders. The 225BX is designed especially for homeowner's with their E-TECH engine, which reduces exhaust emissions. It's an easy start gas model, so there's no cord to carry. Shredding can turn 16 bags of leaves into 1. Specs: 25cc 2-cycle engine, 1128 MPH air velocity, 11 lbs.
Leaf shredders make quick work of dry leaves. Although funnel shredders are space hogs, considering their limited usage, they offer the convenience over blower/vac of not having to empty bags every time they are full. And you don't have to carry them around. Plop yours next to a pile of leaves and just keep funneling them in. The bottom of the funnel fits easily into a garbage can. Shredders can also be used for other light debris, such as shredding straw. They don't work on branches, but I love how quickly my leaves turn into leaf mold mulch.
The standard lawn rake has evolved into a garden tool. This model from Ames has no metal parts, so there will be no rust. The handle is cushioned to reduce hand stress and the tines are designed to retain their shape and resist clogging. Specs: 26 tines, 24 inch spread
The pivot action allows you to twist the rake head and use it like a broom, to push or pull leaves toward you. The telescoping aluminum handle extends from 3' to 4 3/4' and has a cushioned handle to reduce hand stress.
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