Leaf Blowing FAQs

Carport Servicing

The landscape department does not service or clean leaves from carports, as they are exclusive use common area. Years ago, this was done as a courtesy, but there were many complaints of cars getting dusty or scratched so the service was discontinued.

Leaf Blowing and Removal FAQs

Leaf blowing is one of our most controversial maintenance activities. Some residents believe that more blowing is needed, while others find it disruptive and request less of it. See the following questions and answers for responses to some of our most frequent inquiries regarding the use of blowers.

QUESTION: Why don’t the gardeners use rakes and brooms instead of blowers?

ANSWER: It takes many times longer to clear areas of leaf debris and dirt with rakes and brooms than it does with a blower. While rakes and brooms are a great option for small gardens, due to the scale of Rossmoor and the additional time it would take, service fees would be substantially higher for residents.

QUESTION: What about using electric or battery-powered blowers?

ANSWER: Full conversion to electric or battery-powered blowers is expected to be complete in 2021.

Battery-powered blowers have advanced rapidly in the past few years and several are in use throughout Rossmoor. During the fall and winter however, these blowers do not have sufficient power for moving wet, heavy leaves for an entire workday. The technology is still advancing however, and we are confident that soon the tools will be effective enough to use in large developments like ours year-round.

QUESTION: The gardeners are blowing the leaves off the sidewalks into the landscape but not removing them. Why?

ANSWER: During the height of autumn, the leaves fall so rapidly that even when removed, they quickly accumulate again, making collection fruitless. For this reason, when a tree is actively dropping leaves we prioritize our time and concentrate on keeping sidewalks clear, then collect the leaves when the tree has finished defoliating. In addition, decomposing leaves return nutrients to the soil, which in turn makes for healthier plants.

QUESTION: Why do the gardeners blow the leaves onto the lawn and run them over with the mower?
ANSWER: This is a strategy for allowing leaves to decompose into the grass. Leaves are blown onto the grass and “mulched” with the mowers, chopping the leaves into much smaller pieces, which then break down and return important nutrients to the soil. It is better for the environment and the coupon, and benefits the grass.