Wondering if leaf vacuums and leaf blowers are harmful to the environment? Then you've come to the right place! An idyllic autumn morning, the fresh wind whistles through the avenue, the colorful leaves sail from the trees and it rustles wonderfully as you stroll along the footpath. But then the natural soundscape is suddenly interrupted by the howling of the combustion-powered leaf removers that have been criticized.
They may not be very popular, but they are still owned by countless people and companies. Yet they bring so many problems with them.
In this article, I would like to introduce you to the biggest disadvantages of leaf blowers and vacuum cleaners that make them problematic companions. Not only for us humans, but also for animals and the environment in general. Let's go!
In advance, here is a brief overview for you:
- Volume
- Animals lose their protection
- The food of animals is contaminated
- Odor nuisance
- Animals are sucked up and shredded
- Increasing air pollution
- Prevention of humus formation
- Danger of drying of soils
- The devices are expensive
- No need
1. leaf blowers are sound blowers
Let's start with the most obvious: leaf blowers are extremely loud and disturb the peace and quiet of people and animals in the surrounding area. According to BUND Naturschutz in Bayern e.V. produce a sound level of over 100 decibelswhich roughly corresponds to the background noise of a jackhammer.
The Federal Immission Control Act therefore even stipulates that the devices only on weekdays from 9 am - 1 pm and from 3 pm - 5 pm are used. There are some special regulations and exceptions, but basically this law should make it clear how unpleasant loud leaf blowers are.
2. leaf blowers destroy the shelter of animals
Many people may be bothered by the "untidy" sight of leaves on a green lawn or in the driveway. But for dozens of animal species it is a Protection against cold or from predators vital for survival.
Hedgehogs, toads, newts, shrews, spiders, ladybugs, caterpillars, moths and countless other microorganisms need the piles of leaves.1
This is another reason why you should do without the appropriate equipment and collect the leaves in the sense of a sustainable garden simple with such a leaf broom* hook together and leave on the grass.
3. leaf blowers deprive animals of their food
Among other things, the animals just mentioned feed on the leaves and everything that is hidden under them. From nuts, through branches and plant parts to the components of the top layer of soil.. Foliage is therefore important for the biodiversity.
Anyone who uses a leaf vacuum inevitably destroys a source of food and survival for countless animals. And that even at a real unfavorable time before hibernation.
4. leaf blower stink
The motor of conventional leaf blowers and vacuum cleaners Burns gasoline and oil.
No wonder, then, that in addition to the noise Odor nuisance in the immediate vicinity - especially for the users themselves, of course - is one of the absolute disadvantages of the devices.
Still Another decisive reason that leaf blowers are harmful to the environment.
5. vacuum cleaners suck up or kill animals
Why else should leaf vacuum cleaners be banned or simply dispensed with? Because they not only remove the leaves inside them, but also shred many insects and other animalsthat live in the leaves. They also have a shredding function.
But what about the horns, they're better, aren't they? Even the simply blow away the many small animals, larvae and plants and kill them. If we do that Stop global species extinction If we want to preserve the environment, we need to treat it with care - even the barely visible fauna.
6. leaf blowers pollute the air
The exhaust fumes from "extremely convenient" garden technology not only stink: they are also really unhealthy. The combustion engines emit exhaust gases such as Hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide off.
They therefore also make a significant contribution to air pollution and the health hazards of life in the user's environment, which is usually already heavily polluted in urban areas anyway.
Last but not least whirl up fine dust, tire abrasion and other pollutantswhich had already settled on the ground.
Tip: What we can all still do against air pollutionyou can find out in the linked article.
7. leaf blowers prevent soil formation
Leaves, branches and twigs are also therefore extremely valuable for nature, because valuable humus soil is formed from it in the spring.
Who the Rotting of the natural material The use of a leaf blower or a leaf vacuum to suck up and remove the leaves ultimately stops the formation of nutrient-rich soil.
8. leaf blowers are expensive
If the previous reasons have not yet deterred then here's another one that might make you wonder.
Leaf blowers and vacuum cleaners are really quite expensive! Depending on the model between 50€ and 1000€ due. A Classic leaf rake and leaf broom* on the other hand, only cost around 10 to 30 euros.
A nice example for the fact that save money through sustainable behavior can. 😉
9. leaf blowers make soil drying more likely
Layers of foliage fulfill a function in nature: they reduce the likelihood of the soil drying out and protect it from extremely cold temperatures.
This is another reason why leaf blowers are harmful to the environment - and another reason why Leaves, branches, seeds and other plant parts are better left lying around be
10. leaf blowers are not necessary
Leaves may be slippery and the "mess" could also spoil the aesthetics in the garden. At the same time, they are so easy to use and get the job done (especially the community work) in no time. Yes, there are actually a few reasons why leaf blowers exist ever made it into the range of DIY stores have
But they are definitely not essential for survival. Especially as Brooms and rakes* quiet, inexpensive, odorless and pollutant-free alternatives exist. Those who absolutely want to vacuum or blow their leaves can even rely on electrically operated devices which can be quite quiet. But as I said, there are other ways!
In addition, foliage in the Natural garden beautiful and shouldn't bother anyone. On the contrary: it is also important source of food and protective shelter for countless animals and turns a sterile "perfect" garden into something unique and lively.
If you feel the needthen go ahead and rake up the leaves of your trees, but at least leave the leaves for your animal garden visitors. 🙂
Are leaf blowers harmful to the environment? The obvious disadvantages of leaf blowers for people, animals and nature
Apart from the convenience and supposed cost savings for local authorities that have larger areas to work on, leaf blowers offer a lot of advantages. hardly any advantagesbut only countless disadvantages.
"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better."
Albert Einstein, German theoretical physicist (1879-1955)
You are Noisy, smelly, air polluting and simply anything but sustainable. That's why we prefer to use environmentally friendly alternatives.
I hope that I was able to give you a clear overview of the reasons against motorized garden helpers (or destroyers?). Do you have any questions or can you think of any other disadvantages of leaf blowers and leaf vacuums? Then feel free to write me a comment.
Stay environmentally conscious,
PS: Do you already know how you can enjoy countless bird song concerts in your garden in the future? If not, then be sure to check out my post with the Tips for a bird friendly garden on. Have fun!
References:
- Naturschutzbund Deutschland (NABU): Leave autumn leaves lying around, available at https://www.nabu-leipzig.de/ratgeber/herbstlaub. [15.11.2024]. ↩︎
Not only noise and emissions are harmful. The increasing use of leaf blowers in agriculture is also problematic. More and more often, farmers blow their hay with the devices - and with it the seeds of the grasses. If these land on inhospitable areas, there is no survival.
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