Leaf blower: technique and settings to clear a garden fast
M
Max
|5 minAugust 25, 2026
CFM and MPH: understanding the two figures
A leaf blower is judged on two values, not one:
MPH / m/s (air speed): dislodges stuck and damp leaves.
CFM / m³/h (airflow): moves large volumes across a surface.
For dry leaves on a patio: speed matters most. For gathering a large mat of damp leaves: airflow matters most. Good models balance both.
The right technique
1. Blow with the wind, never against it.
2. Work in strips, pushing towards a single collection point.
3. Keep the nozzle 10–15 cm from the ground, angled forwards.
4. On damp/stuck leaves: first pass at full power to loosen, then gather.
5. Finish in a compact pile, collect as you go (a gust of wind scatters everything).
Settings by terrain
Surface
Setting
Patio / driveway
High speed, medium airflow
Lawn (damp leaves)
Full power
Flower beds / gravel
Reduced power (prevents scattering gravel)
## Quick maintenance
Petrol: check the air filter and fuel mix (see our 2T guides).
Battery: remove the battery after use, don't leave it in the cold.
Clean the intake grille (leaves block it and cause overheating).
To choose between petrol and battery, we compare the 5-year cost in a dedicated article.
Got a question about your leaf blower model? Ask the mechanic AI.
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