Leaves are a problem of addition by subtraction: Just a couple of mature trees can drop enough debris that you need to remove, and in the process, consume hours of your weekends. Mowing leaves into mulch is a compelling option, but you’ll still need to wrangle them off driveways, walkways, flower beds, and patios. Gas blowers have long been the standard, but rising noise bans, finicky engines that are hard to start, and battery advances are cutting into their appeal.
If you’re on the fence about a leaf blower, know that owning one of any kind will reduce the amount of raking you do, but rarely eliminate it. For small yards, or if you (or your neighbor) have just one medium-sized deciduous tree, a rake and a tarp may be all you need. On the other hand, if you live in an arboretum, the long runtime of a gas backpack blower may be worth the maintenance headaches—unless you’re willing to invest heavily in multiple batteries.
I’ve tested the newest crop of battery-powered blowers on everything from heavy fabric leaves to gravel, mulch, and even knocking over a concrete paver. Today’s models deliver serious clearing power without the gas-can hassle, though runtime is always the primary trade-off. Here’s everything you need to know about battery-powered blowers.
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When factoring in overall performance along with the quality and diversity of Ego’s outdoor tool ecosystem, this blower is the best option for most users.
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