As summer turns to fall, many homeowners are gearing up for outdoor clean-up tasks. Consumer Reports tests dozens of tools every year to help consumers make informed decisions when it comes to their yard work. In a recent round of testing, Alex Joyce, a homeowner with three acres of land, lots of trees, and lots of leaves, found a reliable leaf blower to be his tool of choice.
CR’s experts emphasize the importance of finding a leaf blower that is not only effective but also lightweight and comfortable to use, especially for those with larger yards. The Skil BL4713C-11, priced at $130 and weighing under 7 pounds, is highlighted as a top performer in CR’s ratings.
For tackling bigger branches or tree limbs, a chainsaw can be a helpful tool. CR tests chainsaws for both speed and safety features, recommending the battery-powered Senix CSX6-M priced at $240 as a good option for fast and safe cutting.
Pressure washers are another tool that can make outdoor cleaning tasks easier, but using them incorrectly can lead to damage. CR warns against using zero-degree nozzles and advises against using a pressure washer on a mossy roof. Instead, CR recommends spraying the roof with a bleach and water mix to safely remove moss.
By taking into account the recommendations and testing results from Consumer Reports, homeowners can ensure their outdoor fall clean-up is efficient, effective, and safe.
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