Autumn leaves might look pretty, but left to pile up they quickly become a nuisance. On paths and driveways, they turn slippery when wet, making falls more likely. In gardens, layers of damp leaves can smother grass, block drains and create the perfect environment for mould and moss.
That’s why this is the season when gardeners reach for a pressure washer, rake or a dedicated leaf tool to get outside spaces in order before winter. Luke Newnes, gardening expert and member of the Interior Squad at Hillarys, says he recommends a leaf blower. He told the Express.co.uk: “I absolutely rate leaf blowers, they’re a game-changer for garden maintenance in autumn. For smaller gardens or light tasks, cordless models are powerful, quiet, and eco-friendly. Leaf blowers are more than just a convenience, they help keep your garden healthy by removing damp leaves that can harbour mould and pests. Just be sure to choose a model that suits your garden size and needs.”
One option designed for the job is the Hyundai 3-in-1 leaf blower, vacuum and shredder from Amazon. Priced at £39.22 down from £49.99, it combines three useful functions in a single unit.
In blower mode, it uses a strong air stream to move leaves into piles, which is often the quickest way to clear paths or lawns. Switch to vacuum mode and it draws leaves directly into a built-in shredding chamber. This reduces the volume of garden waste, with the shredded material falling into a 45-litre bag. That waste can then be tipped straight into a compost heap or green waste bin.
For home gardeners, the main appeal is efficiency. Because the machine shreds as it vacuums, it avoids the problem of filling bags too quickly. A reduction ratio of about 10:1 means a large pile of leaves can be compressed into a more manageable load.
Practical design points include a telescopic chute, which extends to reduce bending, and a 12-metre power cable, enough for small to medium gardens without an extension lead. At 3.7 kg, it’s lighter than many petrol alternatives, and it comes with a shoulder strap and wheels to take some of the weight when used for longer periods.
For best results, it’s recommended to clear leaves on dry days, when the machine can shred more effectively and is less likely to clog. It’s also wise to rake away larger sticks or wet clusters first, and because it shreds everything instantly it’s important to make sure it doesn’t suck up anything solid.
Customers who have purchased the tool have left positive reviews. One person wrote: “The strength of the suction and blower can be varied by a dial, and on maximum, it provides just the right amount of power to dislodge stubborn leaves stuck in tallish grass, or suck up leaves in decorative stones without sucking up all the stones themselves.” The reviewer gave a tip for anyone who finds they do suck up something unwanted. “The mulch blades are durable enough to withstand the odd stone or other types of hard debris without being damaged, as long as you simply let go of the power switch as soon as you suck up something too hard.”
Another shopper added: “It is very light but well balanced, quieter than my previous one and the collection bag doesn’t get in the way in use, sucks dry and damp leaves and mulches them ok.” A further reviewer wrote: “A great machine, picked up all the fallen leaves and mulched them . Lightweight and easy to use…Great price too.”
Of course, not everyone was satisfied with a few people commenting that the bag split when stuffed too much, and that it got blocked easily.
For a cheaper option, gardeners could try this £8 leaf-grabber set. Working like hand rakes, they make it much easier to pull fallen leaves together.
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