Ethan Ruta uses a leaf blower to clear his front lawn Monday afternoon on Ash Street in Lewiston. He switches back and forth between his leaf blower and rake. Foliage is peaking this week in central and southern Maine. “They are pretty,” he says, “but this is hard work.” Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Ethan Ruta rakes leaves Monday afternoon in his front yard on Ash Street in Lewiston. He switches back and forth between his rake and leaf blower. Foliage is peaking this week in central and southern Maine. “They are pretty,” he says, “but this is hard work.” Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal