At Greenworks, we love our yard tools, especially in the fall! They make clearing leaves, fixing gutters, and tackling overgrown trees and bushes fast and satisfying. But autumn chores can turn dangerous if you’re not following a few basic rules.
Whether you’re firing up a leaf blower, tackling overgrowth with a chainsaw, blasting grime away with a pressure washer, or giving your lawn one last pass with the mower, safety should be your top priority. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 230,000 people are treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to yard and garden equipment every year. As you venture out to tackle fall chores, here are some guidelines you can use to avoid becoming part of these statistics.
FIRST, START WITH THE BASICS:
Dress right. Wear snug-fitting clothes, long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy non-slip shoes (steel toes are even better). Always use eye, hand, and hearing protection when working with loud or motorized tools.
Check your tools. Even hand tools can cause injuries. Inspect them before use, fix or replace damaged parts, and make sure they fit the user to prevent strains or overuse injuries.
Stay safe at heights. Use ladders correctly—follow the instructions, secure the base, and never climb higher than recommended. If it feels risky, it probably is. Find a safer way or hire a pro.
Read the manual. Before using power equipment, review the manual, do the recommended maintenance, and confirm all safety features work.
1. Leaf Blower Safety
Keep Control in Windy Conditions
Why it matters: Fall breezes can be unpredictable. A high-powered blower can stir up dust, debris, and small objects that cause injury.
Safety tips:
- Wear eye protection to guard against flying debris.
- Use hearing protection (many blowers, especially gas, operate above safe noise levels).
- Watch your footing on damp leaves or rain-washed surfaces.
- Point the blower away from people, pets, and vehicles to prevent damage.
Interested in a cordless electric leaf blower? Greenworks leaf blowers are rated “best in class” for a reason!
2. Chainsaw Safety
Respect the Power
Why it matters: Chainsaws are one of the most dangerous yard tools if handled incorrectly. Most accidents happen during fall pruning or storm cleanup.
Safety tips:
- Always wear cut-resistant gloves and chainsaw chaps.
- Keep both hands on the saw using a firm grip.
- Clear your work area of tripping hazards before you start.
- Never cut above shoulder height—use a ladder or pole saw with proper safety measures.
- Maintain your chain (sharp blades reduce the risk of kickback).
Looking to buy the best electric chainsaw for your home or jobsite? Greenworks offers a full collection of battery-powered and electric chainsaws that are lightweight and top-rated in the market!
3. Pressure Washer Safety
Avoid High-Pressure Hazards
Why it matters: Even in cooler weather, pressure washers are great for cleaning decks, siding, and walkways. However, high-pressure spray can cause injury or property damage.
Safety tips:
- Never point the nozzle at yourself or others—high-pressure water can break the skin.
- Test spray on a small, inconspicuous area first.
- Avoid ladders while using a pressure washer (recoil can cause you to lose balance).
- Wear closed-toe shoes and gloves for protection.
Want to dominate dirt and grime this fall? Pick up a powerful Greenworks pressure washer.
4. Mower Safety
Operating a chainsaw safely should always be your #1 priority—mishandling a chainsaw can cause serious injuries in a split second!
- Assess your physical strength: Ensure you can handle the saw’s weight and grip comfortably.
- Familiarize yourself with safety features: Understand how built-in features like chain brakes and anti-kickback devices work.
- Use proper cutting techniques: Maintain solid footing and avoid awkward positions that could compromise balance.
- Wear appropriate protective gear: Always use a helmet, gloves, chainsaw chaps, safety goggles, ear protection, and sturdy boots.
- Plan your work area: Clear any obstacles and maintain a safe distance from other people.
BONUS: Ladder and Height Safety
Why it matters: Even if your main task is blowing leaves or mowing, fall chores often include cleaning gutters, trimming trees, or hanging holiday lights. Many fall-related yard injuries happen from ladder use, so take precautions!
Safety tips:
- Place the ladder on level, stable ground.
- Maintain three points of contact at all times (two feet and one hand).
- Keep tools tethered to avoid dropping them from heights.
- Never overreach; move the ladder instead.
- Work with a friend who can stabilize the ladder.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Crisp air, golden leaves, and the hum of fall tools…yard work in autumn can feel like part of the season’s charm. And in many ways, it is! Just remember that whether you’re wrangling a blower or pressure washer, firing up a chainsaw or mower, or climbing a ladder for a high-up task, safety gets the job done right! Take your time, prep your space, and gear up so you can work without any “oops” moments.
Interested in more about Greenworks tools? We recommend reading:
How to Switch from Gas to Electric Lawn Tools
The Best Tools to Use for Each Lawn Size
And for more fall yard care tips, check these out:
9 Must-Have Tools for Cleaning Up Your Yard This Fall
Using a Leaf Blower to Clean Gutters: A Step-by-Step Guide
7 Tips for Using a Leaf Blower
Written by The Green Team, a creative arm within Greenworks Tools.
Our team of writers, designers and content creators bring a breadth of experience and a touch of fun to all things tools. With an assist from the Greenworks product teams and technology experts, we’re here to provide helpful and engaging content to make your yard (and life!) beautiful.
