In East Portland we're mostly dealing with needles from Douglas Firs. I'm not sure this will help much, or be easier. Most people I know that use a leaf blower around here use it to clear pathways and the streets after cones and needles drop because the city doesn't send street cleaning this far.
In just my neighborhood we have probably 30-40 large Douglas Firs and several types of pines and maples. It's a substantial amount, which is why the city has "leaf day". It just doesn't come out here.
