Leaf Blower for Snow Removal

Situations

• A leaf blower can be helpful in moving light to mildly heavy snow to the side. You may have to pass over an area one or two extra times as leaf blowers will tend to get the snow airborne and it may land back on your walkway. A leaf blower will have no effect on snow that is either mixed with rain or snow that is covered in a layer of ice.

Safety

• Leaf blowers can come in either electric or gas-powered models. If you intend to use an electric leaf blower on snow, then be sure that you are plugging in to an outdoor outlet that is designed to resist moisture. If you need an extension cord, then only use one that is rated for outdoor use. Snow can melt and turn to water quickly. Using an extension cord or outlet that is not rated for outdoor use creates an electrocution hazard.

Considerations

• A leaf blower can be an ideal solution for many situations where a snow blower or snow shovel is difficult to use. For example, using a leaf blower to remove snow from your car is faster and easier than using a brush. Snow blowers cannot be used on porch steps, but your leaf blower can easily remove snow from your steps and porch.

Medical Impact

• The action of reaching down to shovel snow can cause damage to your back and heart, according to the Rodale website. Allowing light snow to pile up without removing it can increase the weight of the snow and make shoveling more difficult. By using a leaf blower to remove snow from your porch, sidewalks and driveway, you eliminate the shoveling motion that can be the source of potential medical issues.