It’s autumn and the first coats of warm colored leaves are starting to be glimpsed on the streets, on the alley at home or in your garden. If to some observe the foliage seated transmits a sense of calm and relaxation, others cannot say the same. With the arrival of the season, the dreaded leaf blowers also return to remove fallen leaves.
Many are already on promotion on supermarket and shop flyers, others are placed in the cellar waiting to become all the rage again. Although they may be considered more or less essential in green maintenance, there are many reasons that should make you consider the possibility of no longer using any garden blower. Here are five:
They threaten animals
Leaf blowers are among the worst enemies of small wild animals such as hedgehogs, but also of spiders, insects and other living species. These find shelter right among the leaves we intend to get rid of. Using a leaf blower at full power means destroying their shelter and, last but not least, the animals themselves.
They pollute quite a bit
They not only represent a source of air pollution, releasing harmful exhaust gases, but also noise. A leaf blower emits just under 100 decibels, almost as loud as a jackhammer. Its prolonged use can also cause hearing damage.
They deprive the soil of their nutrients
Not only are the leaves removed by using a blower, but also all the organic matter and debris and, consequently, the nourished elements responsible for the fertility of the soil. Once “discovered” the soil will then be more exposed to winter frosts, no longer having any protection.
They sweep away the seeds
No more leaves, but also no more seeds. Garden blowers clear the surrounding area of anything, preventing future plants from sprouting and, in some cases, uprooting younger ones.
They raise dust and particulates: a risk to respiratory health
Leaf blowers pose a risk to human health in another way as well. Once in operation, these devices generate a strong flow of air, lifting the dust deposited on the pavement but also the particulates, pollutants typical of urban areas. When the blower raises dust and particulates, it releases microplastics, tire residues and other pollutants deposited on the ground into the air. These particulates can be inhaled, increasing the risk of respiratory problems and allergies, especially in children, the elderly and people with respiratory conditions.
More than an ideal solution for autumn leavesbetter to permanently put the blower in the closet and go back to traditional garden tools.
Supporting studies
Numerous studies highlight the damage caused by leaf blowers, especially to insects and biodiversity. An investigation conducted by the University of California, Riverside, found that the use of these tools harms soil insects such as beetles, spiders and earthworms, altering their habitats and disrupting the delicate balance of the soil. This can lead to a decline in the population of essential invertebrates, with negative consequences for the health of the soil and the plants that depend on it.
Another study published by Environmental Health Insights analyzed how the powerful air flows generated by blowers disturb pollinators, compromising their ability to collect pollen and nectar. Furthermore, loud noise emission alters the natural behaviors of insects and can hinder communication between bees, thus reducing their efficiency and reproductive success.
The University of Washington has also highlighted how leaf blowers contribute significantly to air pollution. Gas leaf blowers emit a surprisingly high amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which react with sunlight to create ozone, a substance harmful to both human health and the urban ecosystem.
The alternative? Rakes and composter
For those who want a more ecological alternative, the old and dear rake remains the best choice, in addition to being silent, it avoids emissions harmful to the environment and allows you to collect leaves delicately without damaging animals or seeds hidden in the ground. Once collected, the leaves can be used for composting, turning into an excellent natural fertilizer for vegetable gardens and gardens. Creating a compost bin in the garden not only reduces waste, but allows you to obtain nutrient-rich fertilizer for use in spring.
In many areas of the world, including California, regulations are being introduced to ban the use of gas-powered leaf blowers and lawn mowers, which emit exhaust similar to that of automobiles. The combustion engines of these devices release significant quantities of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, which contribute to air pollution and climate change. Some European countries and Italian cities are following suit, instead encouraging the use of electric or manual equipment for more sustainable green maintenance.
California will ban gas-powered leaf blowers and lawnmowers to reduce pollution
