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No one can use a gas-powered leaf blower in these 2 Mass. towns, thanks to new laws
Arlington and Lexington restrict use to electric models, citing noise and environmental concerns.
If you were planning to fire up a gas-powered leaf blower in Arlington or Lexington, you may need to rethink your plans.
New local laws that took effect March 15 prohibit the use of gas-powered leaf plowers in both communities, as part of a growing push to reduce noise and emissions from landscaping equipment.
Residents and landscapers can still clear leaves — but only with electric-powered equipment. Limited exceptions allow the use of wheeled leaf blowers with four-stroke engines on properties larger than one acre, as well as gas-powered equipment only during emergencies.
For Arlington, even electric leaf blowers are subject to time restrictions. They may be used:
- Monday through Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Weekends and holidays: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Both towns will enforce the rules through complaint-based systems.
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In Arlington, complaints are handled by the town’s Health Department. A first violation results in a written warning and education for both the resident and any commercial landscaper involved, according to the bylaw. A second violation carries a $100 fine, followed by $200 fines for additional offenses.
Lexington’s bylaw states fines can reach up to $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second, and $300 for a third and subsequent violations. Enforcement is overseen by a police code enforcement officer.
Supporters of the laws say gas-powered leaf blowers contribute to excessive noise and have dangerous environmental effects due to its use of fossil fuels.
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In Lexington, the rule stems from a Noise Bylaw amendment passed at a town meeting in 2021 and later affirmed by residents in a 2022 referendum vote. The measure initially instituted seasonal restrictions before phasing into a full ban.
Lexington and Arlington are not alone in their ire for leaf blowers. Cambridge is discussing banning the use of gas-powered leaf blowers, and Brookline has implemented a seasonal ban, as has Marblehead.
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