Blown Away

Leaf Blowers

Is there anything, besides a snoring bed partner, that is more annoying than a leaf blower? A buzz saw, a loud muffler, a police siren in your front yard. Perhaps. But none of these comes close to the bullhorn-like, constant rise and fall of a gas powered leaf blower.

I’ve recently spent a few winters in Mexico where I was introduced to this sound. Doesn’t anyone ever use a broom anymore or a rake? Our house is located in a gated community in a small coastal town. The HOA board has rules covering noise (10 PM Max!), trash, rental properties , etc. Even leaf blowers have time limits which are even more strict during the holidays.

However, this does not deter gardeners and HOA employees from using the blasted things outside of the approved times. 9:30 AM, sleeping in? No…. Here comes the noise from the neighbor’s yard. 3PM, napping? No….Another blaring, trumpeting blower. I realize that trees in the tropics drop leaves year-round, but, really?

Put out a tarp!!