What if you could use your leaf blower for snow, too? It'll surprise you to find out that your reliable fall yard tool can also help you in the winter. A leaf blower can be an effective tool for clearing dry and powdery snow from areas around your property, including your car.
We'll tell you what type of leaf blower will be best for snow, what safety precautions to take, and what to look out for if your leaf blower isn't good enough. We've also talked to a gardening expert about using a leaf blower in winter.
Our buyer's guide to the best leaf blowers includes recommendations for gas and electric leaf blowers, as well as lightweight and budget-friendly options.
Can you use a leaf blower for snow?
Are there any other ways of getting rid of snow? “Shovelling snow is a relatively safe method of moving it,” says Jenkins. “However, this can take quite a lot of work if you have a large amount of snow. You can also melt snow by spreading some salt over the area. This only really works with low-pile snow, though.”
Using a leaf blower to move snow around your property is perfectly possible. Consumer Reports recommends it as an ideal way to move light snow from your doorstep and pathways in winter.
However, a leaf blower is not suitable for heavy snowfall. You’ll need one of the best snow blowers or a snow shovel. But if you have a couple of inches or so of snow to clear, there’s no reason why your trusty leaf blower can’t do the job just as well. Your leaf blower can be a great tool for removing snow from places where your shovel doesn’t work so well, such as porches, doorsteps, and vehicles.
Types of leaf blowers
With a leaf blower, air is blown out of a nozzle to remove leaves from your lawn, driveway, and sidewalk. Electric, battery, or gas-powered leaf blowers are popular with homeowners because they're easy to use and efficient.
Electric Leaf Blowers: These models are quieter and lighter, so they're good for residential areas. However, due to their lower power, they may have trouble handling heavy snow.
Battery-Powered Leaf Blowers: Battery-powered leaf blowers give you the convenience of mobility without cords. They're good for light snow but might not last very long if you use them a lot.
Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers: Gas-powered leaf blowers are the most powerful, ideal for larger areas and heavier snow. While they are more robust, they are also heavier and noisier.
Why would I want to use a leaf blower for snow?
It's easy to clear snow with leaf blowers, especially when it's light and fluffy. One of their biggest advantages is the ease of use; they usually require less physical exertion than traditional shoveling methods. When you shovel repetitively, you'll get less back and joint strain.
In addition to snow removal, leaf blowers boast versatility, because they can also be used for cleaning leaves and debris during other seasons. Their multi-functional use makes them a valuable addition to any household toolset.
A leaf blower can help you manage snow and yard maintenance while saving you time and energy. For people who want to keep their outdoor spaces clean quickly and easily, they're an awesome choice.
How to use a leaf blower for snow: Quick steps
For steps, driveways, porches, and small patches of ground:
- Aim your leaf blower at an angle to the snow, just as you would with leaves.
- Make sure you’re working with the wind, so you don’t have snow flying back on your cleared area, or into your leaf blower.
- Sweep your leaf blower from side to side until the area is clear.
For clearing snow from cars:
- Using the same angle as before and starting on one side of the car, blow the snow from the roof, down onto the hood or trunk.
- Move to the other side and repeat.
- Work your way down the windshield, hood, headlights, and front bumper.
- Repeat at the back of the car, working your way down the rear windshield, trunk, taillights, and rear bumper.
- Finish off by working around each tire.
How to use a leaf blower for snow: step-by-step-guide
1. Prepare for snow clearing
Get a gas-powered leaf blower if you're going to use it for snow removal. If you want to blow snow, make sure it's light and dry; otherwise, it'll get clumpy and hard to blow away. To keep yourself safe from the cold and flying snow, wear warm clothing, gloves, and protective eyewear. Clear the area of any obstacles that might get in the way before you start.
2. Start the Leaf Blower
For gas leaf blowers, make sure the fuel is fresh and let the engine warm up before starting.
3. Set Up the Nozzle
The nozzle can be adjusted to control airflow effectively. A wide angle is good for large areas, while a narrower focus is good for tight places.
4. Begin Blowing Snow
Start at the edge of the area you want to clear and work in one direction. This will help you avoid blowing snow back onto already cleared areas.
Move the blower in a sweeping motion, overlapping each pass slightly to ensure complete coverage. Angle the nozzle slightly downward to effectively lift and blow the snow away.
Consider switching to a different area or modifying the blower's power settings if the snow isn't moving.
How to use a leaf blower for snow: safety tips
If you’re using a leaf blower to remove snow, make sure you regularly check the air filter for snow and ice buildup. You should also keep a careful eye on the air-intake grid to ensure there’s no buildup there.
Ideally, you should use a gas-powered leaf blower to avoid the danger of water getting into the machinery and giving you a shock. Remember—water and electricity do not mix. It can be very dangerous, not to mention that you run the risk of your leaf blower shorting out.
However, if you’re using an electric leaf blower instead, plug it into an outlet with a ground-fault circuit interrupter. If you’re using a battery-powered cordless version, check that it’s water-resistant.
We also spoke to MyJobQuote gardening expert Fiona Jenkins about using a leaf blower for snow removal. Although she agrees it’s a convenient way of removing snow build-up, certain safety precautions must be taken, as well as making sure you’re well-prepared for the icy conditions.
“When clearing snow with a leaf blower, it’s important to gear up properly,” says Jenkins. “You need to wear proper shoes or boots with a good sole so that you don’t slip and fall and your feet don’t get wet or cold. You must also ensure that you are warm enough to tackle the job. Wear a warm jacket, gloves, and a head and face covering. ”
It’s also important to protect your eyes. Dirt, debris, and grit could all be hidden under the snow. “Eye protection is a good idea,” says Jenkins, “as the flying snow could come back at you.”
According to Jenkins, making sure your setup is safe is also key to avoiding the risk of electrocution. “If your leaf blower is corded, you must ensure it is plugged into a safe outlet and avoid dragging the cord through any puddles.”
