STIHL BGA 85 Electric Blower is Storming the Industry

We've been optimistic about battery powered OPE gear but much of what we've seen has been underwhelming. There are battery powered products available but they don't really have much power. The exception to this is the STIHL BGA 85 electric leaf blower. It truly rocks and we were excited to review this unit.

These units have been available in Europe for a couple years and they've only recently introduced them to the US. In our opinion this leaf blower will become de rigueur among homeowners who need a solid solution for clearing their yard but also want an environmentally safe solution.

We spoke to a STIHL rep who introduced us to this product and he has also seen this unit make inroads among commercial landscapers who are now dealing with sound ordinances as well as clean air laws. If this leaf blower can withstand daily use then its more than good enough for a homeowner.

Features
We tweeted a photo of this leaf blower last week before this review and received a lot of great comments as its design is unique and almost sci-fi.

It is well balanced with the battery pack that slides into the back and the large blower nozzle in the front. The handle is sturdy and there is a lock so you don't need to pull the trigger while operating (like cruise control). The power is variable speed so in case you don't want to blow away the whole neighborhood you can simply use as much power as you need.

The battery has a handy "fuel gauge" so you know how much juice you have left and the brushless motor is commercial grade and will last years.

We can't overlook the convenience of battery power. No more messing with gas and oil and the maintenance an engine requires. This lithium-ion battery setup is simple, clean and powerful.

We can see this unit being used with some type of strap as it may get heavy after prolonged use. Some women (and men) as well as older people might get fatigued while holding it. It's not heavy at 10.8 lbs (with the larger battery) but a strap might help some.

STIHL claims it produces air flower of 102 mph at the nozzle and at 64 db it's significantly more quiet than most gas models. STIHL still recommends you use hearing protection when using this blower and they also recommend wearing all the proper safety gear such as goggles and gloves.

We highly recommend this product and believe that other manufacturers better step up quickly or else STIHL will continue to dominate yet another OPE category.

Check out more from STIHL.

Need A Weekend Project? Try Installing Landscape Lighting!

It's sad, but true -- the days are quickly growing shorter. In mere weeks, we'll fall back during Daylight Saving Time and lose a few hours of evening light.

Now is a great time to make your home cozier and more welcoming, especially with cold weather and the holidays around the corner. Consider installing landscape lighting, which will help illuminate your home's exterior, which helps during times of less daylight. Plus, landscape lighting adds a welcoming glow to your home and is a great way to boost curb appeal.

Most landscape lighting systems can be self-installed. The most important step is to pick your system. They can vary in price depending on the lighting fixture style and system complexity. Consider a lantern-style system that exudes a more classic appeal and will work with most types of home exterior styles.

DuPont WeedFree Landscape Fabric is Going in the Sandbox

We got tipped to a new product from DuPont that promises to eliminate the problem of weeds in our garden.

Their WeedFree Premium landscape fabric supposedly provides a strong defense against weeds and helps promote healthy plants and shrubs. It's made of spun-bonded polypropylene which creates a breathable barrier that resists punctures, unraveling or tearing while allowing air, moisture and nutrients to permeate.

Another valuable feature is that it eliminates the need to use any toxic weed killers which make it perfect for organic gardens or areas where children will be playing. We plan on laying it down while we build a sandbox this week and we'll keep you posted on how it performs.

Keep Your Grass Green During A Heat Wave

I'm about to make a strong statement: I hate summer. Don't get me wrong - I love spending time outside, swimming, dining al fresco, going to the lake. But Kansas City (and much of the country) is in the middle of a loooong heat wave, and I'm fed up.

If it's stifling where you live, you may have noticed that your lawn and garden are starting to suffer. Don't despair -- we've rounded up some tips to help quench your parched lawn and bring your grass and plants back to their full glory.

*Water early. Get out and water near dawn. You may need some extra coffee to get through the day, but your yard will thank you! The earlier you water, the less water will be lost due to evaporation.

*Soak the ground. Take your time as you water. You want to soak the ground to a depth of six inches. If you do this, you won't need to water every day, even in extreme heat. The top few inches of the ground should be dry before you water again.