Leaf Blowers the Noise of Progress
By Jerry Harris

This year's fall season is wonderful. We have had fall color since September and mild temperatures that has not forced us inside. What has forced me inside is the deafen growl of neighbors using leaf blowers. Unlike a lawn mower, these leaf blowers rev up and rev down constantly which makes it hard to accept the noise. It would not be so bad if they worked but they don't and the noise goes on all day. I can rake my yard by hand faster than these machines. Raking gets in a good workout and is better for the environment.

I checked Lowes and they recommend that you use safety glasses, ear plugs and respiratory protection with a leaf blower. I say, what about your neighbors? They should also recommend you go knock on neighbor's doors and pass out ear plugs? Lowes does recommend checking with your city before purchase. Some cities ban leaf blower use. Why, because these machines are loud. The people that use them are within their rights to use them in my city. Maybe they believe everyone is just sitting in their home watching TV and would not be disturbed.