Leaf-Blowing Tips To Avoid Any Issues With Neighbors Or The Law

When you live somewhere that has trees with large canopies, at some point, their pretty leaves will eventually fall, blanketing your yard with crispy foliage. Picking up the fallen leaves can be backbreaking if you don't have a leaf blower. But before you buy one or grab yours from the garage, there are some easy things you can do so you're not annoying your neighbors or breaking any local rules, because what you decide to do with those leaf piles can mean the difference between a peaceful existence and being tacked with fines.

From drying your car to blowing out your garage, a leaf blower is a multifunctional gadget, but its basic function is to blow leaves into a tidy pile. As handy as they are, leaf blowers have rules, even if they're mostly unspoken. While there are currently no federal U.S. regulations on leaf blowers, some cities and counties have restrictions, including noise ordinances, time-of-day usage, leaf disposal, and even the type of leaf blower (gas or electric) you can use. Some states have banned using or selling gas-powered leaf blowers, so check your city, county, and state laws first. Make a plan for disposing of the leaves, whether turning them into compost or mulch or scooping them into a lawn bag. To help you keep a friendly vibe in and around your neighborhood, we have some essential tips to keep in mind – especially in noise-sensitive areas — next time you're breaking out your leaf blower.

To keep everything copacetic in your 'hood and within the law, there are steps to take before, during, and after you use a leaf blower. Before you begin, efficiency is key, so even if you think you're an expert, brush up on the leaf blower's instructions. A little refresher can save time. And if it's been awhile since you last used the leaf blower, check that everything is working correctly.

Although there's no way to soundproof a leaf blower, you can reduce some of its noise by using an attachment, provided yours came with some. When it comes to actually blowing, blow the leaves at the lowest (and quietest) speed in small bursts and point the tip downward and closer to the ground. You'll have more control and are less likely to break any noise ordinances. It goes without saying you shouldn't aim a leaf blower in the direction of a person or pet.

Another no-no is to blow the leaves and debris into the road or into your neighbor's yard. While one could cause steep fines and the other result in angry glares, a better way is to blow the leaves into a pile on a tarp. Doing so makes it easier to gather up the corners, tie them together, and then quickly dispose of the leaves. If you plan to use it as compost around the garden, a tarp is a practical way to move the pile to a different area.