Massachusetts has no state-wide ban on gas leaf blowers, but individual cities and towns have the power to regulate their use, and some have. These leaf blowers have been the subject of much debate due to various concerns, ranging from pollution, noise, and environmental impact to health concerns for the public.
In this article, we’ll talk about why some cities are banning gas leaf blowers, and the pros, cons, and alternatives.
Why Ban Gas Leaf Blowers?
Some jokingly refer to this small machine as “the devil’s hairdryer.” But in all seriousness, they are nothing to be laughed at. The number one reason environmentalists seek to ban gas leaf blowers is pollution. However, they also produce ample noise, up to 100 decibels.
According to MassPIRG, lawn and garden equipment produced roughly 615,000 tons of carbon dioxide in Massachusetts in 2020, comparable to the pollution emitted by 135,000 automobiles. On top of that, their air jets stir up pollen, mold, animal feces, heavy metals, and chemicals like herbicides and pesticides.
Which Cities in Massachusetts Have Banned Gas Leaf Blowers?
This movement to ban gas-powered leaf blowers is gaining momentum in Massachusetts, with more and more communities joining the cause. And the ban or restrictions are different from city to city.
Lexington’s year-round ban begins in 2026, with Belmont, Arlington, and Concord joining the gas-powered leaf blower blackout. Other cities like Swampscott are taking a less extreme approach and prohibiting gas leaf blowers from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Be sure to check with your city offices for gas leaf blower ordinances.
Some cities that restrict or ban gas leaf blowers in Massachusetts include:
- Arlington
- Belmont
- Brookline
- Cambridge
- Concord
- Lexington
- Lincoln
- Marblehead
- Newton
- Swampscott
- Winchester
Pros and Cons of a Gas Leaf Blower
With environmentalists on one side and many pro landscapers and yard-savvy homeowners on the other, a complete gas-powered leaf blower ban creates contention. Let’s explore the pros and cons of a complete gas leaf blower:
Pros:
- High blowing speeds and air volume
- Long runtime
- Cordless
- Versatile
Cons:
- Emit harmful pollutants
- High-maintenance
- Noisy
Many cities restrict gas leaf blowers, and some ban them completely. While they offer powerful performance and mobility, they also emit pollutants and contribute to noise pollution.
Best Electric Leaf Blowers
Many homeowners are transitioning to eco-friendly alternatives for their yard maintenance equipment. If you want to join the trend, consider an electric leaf blower. They reduce noise pollution and emissions while requiring less maintenance than gas models.
Corded and cordless electric leaf blowers are available. Some popular options include:
FAQ
Why has the gas leaf blower ban picked up steam in Massachusetts?
More cities are choosing to ban or restrict gas lawn equipment because of the increasing awareness of environmental and health concerns, including noise and air pollution. Common reasons the ban is gaining momentum include:
- Work-from-home era
- Climate change awareness
- Health concerns: allergies and hearing loss
Are permits required to operate a leaf blower in Massachusetts?
Check with your local municipality, as some cities require permits. For example, Cambridge has an online application for a leaf blower permit that outlines the rules and regulations for its use.
What happens if you break the gas-powered leaf blower ban?
Several towns in Massachusetts have implemented a ban with similar consequences, such as a written warning for the first offense, a $100 fine for the second offense, and a $200 fine for the third and subsequent offenses. However, these consequences may only apply uniformly to some Massachusetts areas with a ban.
Call In The Pros
Instead of trying to navigate restrictions for lawn care equipment, why not leave the details to the pros? LawnStarter can connect you with the best local lawn care pros in Massachusetts. They’ll deal with the intricacies of gas leaf blowers, and you can grab your favorite beverage, put your feet up, and watch your dream team, the Patriots, win another Superbowl.
Main Image Credits:
Background: Sean Pavone / Canva Pro / License
Gas Blower: St John The Baptist Diocesan High School (West Islip, NY) / Canva Pro / License
