The City of Takoma Park announced on Apr. 10 that it has prohibited the sale and use of gas-powered handheld, backpack, and walk-behind leaf blowers and leaf vacuums. The ban on sales began July 1, 2024, while the ban on usage started July 1, 2025.
City officials say the law was passed due to concerns about worker health, air quality, and environmental impact associated with two-stroke engines found in most gas-powered leaf blowers. According to the city’s announcement, “Using a gas leaf blower for one hour emits the same amount of emissions as a car driving from Washington, D.C. to Miami, Florida!” The city also highlighted that Americans use three billion gallons of gasoline each year maintaining lawns and gardens; Maryland alone accounts for seventy-two million gallons.
In addition to environmental issues, noise pollution is cited as another reason for the prohibition. “Low frequency noise from gas leaf blowers is a powerful stressor on health,” officials said in their statement. They noted potential effects such as annoyance, agitation, distraction, cognitive alterations, cardiovascular diseases, sleep disorders, and high blood pressure.
While acknowledging that switching from gas to electric equipment may involve upfront costs for property owners or businesses using lawn care services, the city said these costs can be offset by long-term savings in fuel and maintenance. Officials added that electric machines improve worker safety by reducing noise exposure and eliminating risks related to hazardous fuel spills or improper oil mixtures.
Residents are encouraged to inform their lawn care contractors about the new law since some service providers from outside jurisdictions may not be aware of Takoma Park’s regulations.
