The ubiquitous roar of gas-powered leaf blowers has become a contentious issue across the United States, prompting towns and states to implement bans or restrictions. These measures, aimed at curbing noise and pollution, have sparked backlash from the landscaping industry and some property owners who argue that battery-powered alternatives are more expensive and less effective.
Jessica Stolzberg, a writer and advocate against gas-powered blowers, played a pivotal role in banning these machines in Montclair, New Jersey. She emphasized the negative impact of gas blowers on community health and quality of life. “If you look at what this machine does, how loud it is, how much it pollutes, it’s not normal to be accepted where we live, where our children play,” Stolzberg said. Since the ban took effect last October, she noted that Montclair has become a “healthier, cleaner, quieter community.” However, landscapers are challenging the ban in court.
Similar to the broader push for reducing fossil fuel usage in vehicles and homes, the mandate for battery-powered leaf blowers faces opposition from business groups and device owners. They cite higher costs and decreased performance as major concerns under the new regulations.
Several localities have already implemented full or partial bans on gas-powered blowers. New Jersey is considering a statewide ban. A state Senate committee recently advanced a bill that would ban these blowers for most of the year, allowing only four-stroke combustion engine models during peak cleanup periods in spring and fall. Dirtier two-stroke models would be phased out over two years. The industry is open to this compromise, recognizing the need for more powerful equipment during heavy leaf seasons.
“New Jersey is bombarded with leaves and stuff to clean up,” said Rich Goldstein, president of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association, representing 550 companies. He stressed the substantial leaf cleanup required each fall, contrasting New Jersey’s needs with those of states like California and Florida.
Gas-powered blowers are facing scrutiny nationwide. California’s ban starts next month, with similar measures already in place in Washington, D.C., Portland, Oregon; Montgomery County, Maryland; Burlington, Vermont; and Evanston, Illinois, among others.
Doug O’Malley, director of Environment New Jersey, highlighted the environmental impact of gas blowers, noting that an hour of use produces as much pollution as driving a car for 1,100 miles. Despite this, the industry’s concerns about increased costs and decreased performance persist.
Goldstein, head of the New Jersey landscapers’ group, expressed frustration over the financial implications. “My company has $150,000 to $200,000 worth of gas-powered blowers,” he said. “What am I supposed to do, throw them in the garbage?” The proposed New Jersey bill, like others, includes financial assistance to help the industry transition to battery-powered equipment.
Cost isn’t the only issue. Goldstein pointed out the logistical challenges of retrofitting trucks to charge batteries throughout the day, which could ironically require keeping diesel engines running, exacerbating pollution. He also defended two-stroke engines for their versatility in reaching difficult areas, a capability he argues newer models lack.
Maplewood, New Jersey, banned gas blowers in January 2023. Mayor Nancy Adams emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change by reducing fossil fuel use. “Our community is better for it, our quality of life is better,” she said.
Some golf course management and landscaping companies support a gradual transition to battery power, advocating for more time to phase in newer, more powerful battery models.
As communities and industry stakeholders navigate these changes, the debate over gas-powered leaf blowers underscores the broader challenges of balancing environmental concerns with practical and economic realities.