Leaf Blowers - Autumn is here, and the leaves are falling. When they land on sidewalks or bike paths, it's clear: Before they turn into a slippery mess, they have to be removed.

But that doesn't require gasoline-powered leaf blowers. The people of Zurich have now decided in a referendum: From now on, leaf blowers in Switzerland's largest city will only be allowed to be electric – and only during the months of October to December. "A good decision – and a step in the right direction," says Jenifer Calvi of the German Wildlife Foundation.

Leaf Blowers - Precious Life in Leaves

It would be best to do without leaf blowers altogether. With air speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour, leaf blowers not only blow leaves and branches away for several meters. Butterfly larvae, ladybugs, and other insects, as well as woodlice and arachnids, overwinter in the leaf layer and are unlikely to survive such a sudden, artificial hurricane. "What is comfortable for humans means death for small creatures in the worst case," says Calvi.

Even small mammals like shrews and hedgehogs can fall victim to these devices: In its leaf-lined nest, the hedgehog begins hibernation in October and slows down its metabolism, heart rate, and respiration. If it is blown under hedges or into hidden corners, it is startled, and in the worst case, its nest is destroyed by the leaf blowers. Then it has to restart all bodily functions, which costs energy – which it then lacks to survive the long winter.

Frogs and toads also like to hibernate in dense foliage. In spring, they – like hedgehogs – hunt for insects in the remaining leaves, finding their first meals of the year there. For garden birds like robins, blackbirds, and wrens, foliage is particularly important in winter: Here they find protein-rich treats during what is otherwise a lean time.

Wherever possible, the falling leaves should be left lying. On unsealed surfaces, they will then become valuable humus next year thanks to earthworms and other microorganisms. Where leaves need to be removed, good old brooms and rakes should be used instead of leaf blowers. "Property management companies and municipalities that have to clean entire streets are also encouraged to look for alternatives. For example, sweepers can push the leaves to the side of sidewalks and bike paths or under hedges," says Calvi.

Jenifer Calvi / Press Officer
German Wildlife Foundation
Lucy-Borchardt-Straße 2
20457 Hamburg
Phone +49 40 970 78 69-14
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.DeutscheWildtierStiftung.de

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