Best Leaf Vacuums to Clean Your Yard in Minutes

If you worry that battery-powered appliances aren't as powerful as those that run off electricity, we'd like to prove you wrong. And the GreenWorks leaf vacuum we're talking about is a good example of that. Take a look at the technical specifications of the 24322 and compare them with other vacs. Even a very quick analysis will be enough to see that the GreenWorks' 24322 can match the power and performance of corded models. The machine features 340 CFM airflow volume and 185 MPH speed, which will enable you to clean both wet and dry leaves as well as twigs and other debris efficiently and with ease. In addition to great speed parameters, the GreenWorks leaf vacuum features three functions such as blowing, vacuuming, and mulching. Basically, this means it combines the functionality of three garden tools so you don't need to buy them additionally. Performing any of the functions is easy by connecting one of the attachments that come supplied with the tool (two narrow tubes are used for blowing, while the wider tubes are used for vacuuming). Changing attachments requires neither additional tools nor screwdrivers and can easily be done by anyone. Finally, we'd like to turn your attention towards the availability of a shredding function which makes it possible to grind leaves to petite size so that they don't take all space in the collection bag.

Customers who bought this leaf blower were also interested in hedge trimmers. If you've got no one in your household yet, don't skimp on our selection of the best models and get the best one of them to keep your yard well-groomed. 

We’d be remiss not to mention the excellent array of accessories that come for free when you purchase the Toro 51621. While not all of them will be useful in day to day cleanups, you’ll be thankful that you’ve got them when the time comes. For example, the so-called “shredz ring” cuts up big leaf clumps that tend to litter yards in early autumn, making it easier for the device to mulch them quicker. Meanwhile, the multiple tubes can be swapped out depending on cleanup type. For example, we’d recommend the concentrator for spot cleaning, useful if you’ve got a small patch that needs to be cleared while the rest of the yard is already in pretty good shape.

Our only design gripe would have to be the fact that the appliance is corded so you might not be able to reach the farthest corners of your property if you’ve got a big yard. However, choosing a cordless model would mean keeping your cleanups very short as they tend to eat through the battery in 10-20 minutes tops. So it’s a two-sided coin and we recommend overlooking the limited range just this once because it’s amplified anyway, all thanks to the powerful motor and airflow.

So if you want a powerful leaf blower that combines all the necessary functions in one relatively lightweight package, the Toro 51621 UltraPlus is an astute choice. We do feel like it’s a bit noisier than most and the vibrations at max speed are not that fun but the device delivers excellent performance and has plenty of accessories that will make your cleanups more efficient. If noise and a slightly-above-average price are not a big deal, definitely choose the Toro 51621 UltraPlus.

Although we feel like the Black & Decker BV6000 could use some improvement in terms of airflow, the 400 CFM max level is completely reasonable for regular yard work. What is a nice bonus, though, is the shoulder strap on the device that takes some of the load off of your hands. It’s sturdy enough to support the device’s 8.1 lb weight, which is also somewhat on the low side for a regular leaf vacuum.

We were quite disappointed by the assembly instructions, though, as they are not very informative and pretty much leave you to deal with putting the vacuum together on your own. The process isn’t that difficult but it would be nice to have some help along the way, especially since there are several swappable tubes that come with the model. Still, the assembly is a one-time ordeal and shouldn’t be a dealbreaker in any case.

Though you might have some trouble putting the Black & Decker BV6000 High Performance together, it’ll all be worth it once you’re done. It’s great for regular yard maintenance and convenient to use thanks to smart design and the comfy shoulder strap. Although it’s not as versatile as the more expensive models and still has room for improvement, it’s one of the better basic leaf vacuums and pretty affordable to boot. If you don’t have a huge yard, don’t hesitate to get the Black & Decker BV6000 and keep that lawn immaculate.

As we've mentioned above, fallen leaves are the main part of natural fertilizer for soil in your yard, garden or field. As humus is rich in nitrogen and phosphate, it will become a good fertilizer for acidophiles – plants that grow in the acid environment. It will also prevent the growth of weeds, soil erosion and leaching of minerals. With a leaf vacuum, you can make a natural fertilizer yourself using both dry and wet leaves. Dry leaves are perfect for roots of thermophilic plants such as hydrangea, chrysanthemum, rose. If you decide to use wet leaves, it's best to shred them first and then leave them in water for some time until they start to rot turning into the substance rich in useful components. If all this sounds like a lot of work for you, there's an easier solution; you can put leaves straight on vegetable beds and leave them there until the next string. When spring comes, it'll be enough to loose the soil a bit.

If you'd like to keep your lawn neat and put minimum efforts into this process, consinder the advantages of string trimmers. 

Any homeowner knows that an appliance must be not only powerful but convenient as well. Thankfully, the WORX WG510 is more than efficient, combining its powerful airflow with several smart design choices. For example, you don’t have to fumble for a switch in order to change the work modes between suction, blowing, and mulching. All you have to do is attach or disconnect the collection bag and the device will shift gears automatically. Speaking of the bag, it has a pretty large strap, making it quite comfortable to wear on your shoulders as you walk around cleaning. However, note that the 9.3 lb vacuum combined with the weight of the leaves in the bag may result in the strap getting a tad frayed over time. Pay attention to its state and mend it occasionally if you want it to last longer.

One small complaint we do have is that the vacuum seems to blow some dust and tiny particles out the back if you run it for too long. It’s not like you’ll be wearing your best clothes while you’re out blowing leaves but we’d still advise you not to use the vacuum too heavily if you don’t want grass stains on your shirt.

Still, a few minor qualms aren’t a reason enough to discard a heavy duty mulcher like the WORX WG510, especially considering that it has a reasonable price. We’d certainly call it one of the top vacuum-blower-mulcher combos out there, especially if your priority lies in thorough and efficient cleaning.

Consider getting a wet-dry vacuum to clean up spills or waste in your yard before you go over it with a leaf blower.