[Xist]

We have leaves all over our property, mostly from our neighbor's trees. We do not have any grass, so I cannot simply mow the leaves into the lawn. I decided to trim our hedge because it is so overgrown I have difficulty maneuvering past it to park. I actually scratched my car at least once.

Personally, I like having leaves on the unpaved areas, but it seems like I have blown about as many leaves under the bushes as I can. I figure that if I mulch the leaves they will fit and decompose better. I bought a trimmer, but forgot a second extension cord, so I did not get very far. I also bought an electric leaf vacuum, which probably works far better as a blower, but I already have one of those, which I picked up new for $4.

The vacuum does not seem to be able to handle any sticks larger than twigs. I at least partially blame the plastic impeller. So, I keep trying to separate the sticks, but I cannot use it on the branches I just cut. Whatever. Separate problem.

The intake tapers, so leaves get stuck, and I need to ram them. A couple of times I have had issues, stopped, took it apart, and there were sticks stuck in there, but sometimes, it stops picking up leaves, and I cannot figure out why.

I stopped trying to use it and came inside trying to figure out if I was using it wrong, but only found instructions on using blowers.

Should I exchange it for a more powerful one with a metal impeller? Is there a trick to vacuuming leaves? I only spent fifty dollars with my military discount, but I would rather not invest too much in something I may only use once yearly.