As of March 15, the commercial use of gas-powered leaf blowers has been banned in Arlington. This is the second phase in the town’s process of eliminating their use by any operator, as approved during the 2022 Town Meeting.
The town sent out a notice reminding town residents that they are also banned from using gas-powered leaf blowers from June 1 to Sept. 14.
Select Board members voted to phase out gas-powered leaf blowers and began seasonal bans in March 2023. Now, commerical users are permanently banned from using them. According to the town’s phase-out plan, the permanent ban applying to all users, including private residents, is to take place on March 15, 2026.
Gas-powered leaf blowers are being phased out in many states across the country because of their negative environmental and community impacts. The tool has been criticized for its noise levels, which can create decibels above 80 — any level above 70 is considered harmful.
Additionally, the engines release deadly pollutants into the atmosphere including carbon dioxide, methane, benzene and several other toxic gases. Learn more here >>
Residents who wish to report a violation of the bylaw are asked to send an email detailing the violation to the Board of Health at boh@town.arlington.ma.us.
View the complete bylaw the Select Board approved here >>
For additional information regarding sustainable landscaping practices, Arlington has developed a handbook in partnership with the towns of Stoneham and Winchester. Residents can utilize this resource to learn how to design, implement, and maintain landscapes in a way that conserves water, takes the changing climate into account and promotes the health of native habitats.
March 17, 2023: New town rules on gas-powered leaf blowers in effect
This news announcement was published Tuesday, March 18, based on information provided by the Town of Arlington, and updated most recently on June 4.
