Does anyone use a leaf blower to clear leaves from school?

[Fat_Pony]

My school is surrounded by ancient oaks that drop millions of leaves all over it every autumn. I won't cut the trees down, so need to just deal with it. My surface is a superb sand and rubber one and I want to keep it good and not have it ruined by rotting leaves so need to clear as many as possible. Would a leaf blower work? To blow into a pile that can them be removed? Or would it just blow the rubber about too? Not sure how strong they blow!

 

[Rudders74]

Hi, I tried this recently as I created a little rubber chip winter turnout area and we have a big tree next to it. It did pick up the leaves well but also a bit more rubber than id like. I guess it depends on the size of your rubber pieces. Can you borrow one to try it?

 

[Goldenstar]

Yes you need to get the knack of blowing from far enough away to shift the leaves but leave the rubber .

 

[DuckToller]

I used a leaf blower once but found it just blew the leaves into the nearest depression in the surface, so I was no better off, as when I tried to then move them on, they blew in all different directions. But I have silica sand and plastic granules so not a great comparison.

I have found one way is to up-end a shavings fork and stab at the leaves until the prongs are full up, and then wrench the lot off into a wheelbarrow and start again. Good for the arm muscles but tedious, so hope the leaf blower works!