During summer months when greenery adorns the trees, it’s hard to image each individual leaf falling to the ground – yet when autumn arrives, the floor becomes covered with a thick layer of fallen foliage.

On hardscaping, fallen leaves create a hazard for slipping, especially as wet weather begins to creep in during autumn months. Over on the lawn, if leaves are left to build up, they can begin to kill the grass underneath.

That’s why it’s important for gardeners to clean up leaves before they become a problem – and the best tools for their arsenal are rakes and leaf blowers.

But how do you choose between the two? It can all be dependent on the gardener themselves. There are benefits to both, so we’ve come discussed the pros and cons of each tool below…

Leaf blowers

Ideal for less able gardeners, such as the elderly, leaf blowers allow the gardener to clear a large space with minimal effort.

Another good example where leaf blowers excel is on gravel paths. Raking displaces the gravel, whereas leaf blowing only moves the intended foliage. They are also ideal for patios, pavements and decking, as there’s no need to worry about scratch marks or damage which can potentially be caused by a rake.

Product spotlight: Black & Decker Electric Blower Vac 2600w (376243).

This isn’t just a leaf blower, it’s also a leaf vac – meaning cleaning up leaves has never been quicker or easier.

Rakes

Rakes are key tools for any gardener – and even if you own a leaf blower, it's handy to have a rake too.

They’re good for mounding leaves into piles for compost, scooping piles out of drains and delicately moving leaves away from plants. Not only that, but rakes are also quieter, cheaper and more environmentally friendly – even if they do require more leg work.

Product spotlight: Ambassador Lawn Rake (308997).

Made from recycled materials and offering a large 60cm head width, this garden rake is ideal for professional and home gardeners alike.

Head to your local Stax to discover a huge selection of wholesale gardening supplies this season.