As the Vineyard approaches its annual town meeting season, a highly-debated bylaw aimed at curbing the noise of leaf blowers is on nearly every town’s warrant.
As the Vineyard approaches its annual town meeting season, a highly-debated bylaw aimed at curbing the noise of leaf blowers is on nearly every town’s warrant.
The Vineyard Conservation Society has worked with every town to draft bylaws regulating the time of day leaf blowers are permitted and phasing out gas-powered blowers, which the organization said inhibits quality of life with their loud noise and harmful emissions.
The proposed bylaws call for exclusive use of electric leaf blowers or rakes by the spring of 2028, following in the footsteps of several municipalities that have already made the switch. Nantucket voted to ban commercial gas-powered leaf blowers with no grace period after a citizen’s petition in 2020, and the state of California banned gas blowers entirely starting in July 2024.
But many of the Island landscapers who use leaf blowers each day said the towns’ proposed bylaws could put a financial burden on their companies because electric blowers cost exponentially more and often don’t hold a charge long enough.
So far five towns have put articles on their annual town meeting warrants.
So far five towns have put articles on their annual town meeting warrants.
Zada Clarke, the director of advocacy at the Vineyard Conservation Society, said the bylaws are intended to mitigate noise.
“Constant noise raises cortisol levels, it increases irritation [and] can lead to long-term hearing issues,” Ms. Clarke said. “The particles that are blown into the air can stay there for hours, so you don’t really know, maybe you’re breathing in pathogens, fecal matter, etc.”
Gas-powered leaf blowers generate noise levels over 100 decibels at the ear of the operator and 65-80 decibels at 50 feet away, the society reported. Gas leaf-blowers can release emissions such as nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide which Ms. Clarke said contributes to climate change.
Five of the Island towns have bylaws on their annual town meeting warrants. Ms. Clarke said the conservation society also presented the proposed bylaw to Aquinnah, but it’s unclear whether the town will move forward.
The issue was first raised last year, when a citizen’s petition made by Sara Piazza went to Edgartown’s annual town meeting. She proposed an immediate ban of gas-powered leaf blowers but residents turned it down in a narrow 94-89 vote.
Ms. Clarke said the conservation society and Edgartown’s climate and energy committees began meeting in the fall to draft the new proposed bylaws, which vary slightly from town to town.
The proposed bylaws place annual restrictions on both gas and electric blowers starting in the fall and allowing their use from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. The bylaws in Tisbury, West Tisbury, Oak Bluffs and Chilmark would also restrict leaf blowers from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.
Tisbury and Oak Bluffs propose banning gas-powered blowers starting March 15, 2028. Chilmark lists May 31, 2028 and West Tisbury proposes June 1, 2028.
Leaf blowers are defined as any device that uses air to move leaves, grass and other debris. Property owners would be limited to using no more than two leaf blowers simultaneously.
If passed, the bylaws would restrict the use of gas-powered leaf blowers to the fall and spring seasons. After a three-year phase-out, gas powered leaf blowers would be banned entirely starting in the spring of 2028.
Jennifer Blum, a member of Edgartown’s climate committee who helped draft the bylaw, said the group consulted with landscapers before drafting it. She said the 2028 deadline would give landscapers enough time to purchase a new fleet of electric equipment.
“We definitely understand that [landscapers] have concerns about making the transition to electric,” Ms. Blum said. “Some of them have started, and some are looking into what the different electric options are.”
All the bylaws forbid the use of leaf blowers on Sundays, although Edgartown only applies this restriction to commerical use.
Only a written warning is proposed on the first offense in Chilmark, Tisbury and Oak Bluffs.
Edgartown would charge $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense and $300 for third offense. West Tisbury would charge $150 for the first offense and $250 for the second offense.
Allison Burger, a member of the Chilmark conservation commission, helped draft the article in her town.
“I like to walk at Fulling Mill Brook [and] it’s amazing how many leaf blowers you can hear,” she said.
The Tisbury select board discussed amending the bylaw before the annual town meeting. On Tuesday, select board member Roy Cutrer suggested removing limitations for electric leaf blowers and dropping the section banning all leaf blower operation on Sundays and federal holidays.
“We’re talking about people who own their homes or rent their homes and have their own rights,” Mr. Cutrer said. “Are you going to tell them what they can do on a Sunday? I can go out and I can mow my lawn at 7 o’clock in the morning, but I can’t blow a little grass on it. That doesn’t make any sense.”
Ms. Blum said the group is also planning on proposing an amendment to the Edgartown bylaw to change the dates gas-powered leaf blowers are permitted in the fall from Sept. 15 through Dec. 15 to Oct. 15 through Jan. 15 after hearing feedback from landscapers.
A citizen’s petition calling for the ban of commercial gas powered leaf blowers starting as early as July 1 is also on the Edgartown warrant. It was submitted by Jim Joyce, a real estate broker who lives full-time in Edgartown.
“I think that the [VCS] article takes too long to implement,” Mr. Joyce said.
Enforcement of the bylaws would be left to police departments, which raised a concern for Oak Bluffs police Chief Jonathan Searle. He said he plans on speaking against the town’s proposed bylaw at the annual town meeting.
“A homeowner that wants to use a leaf blower is now being turned into a criminal?” Chief Searle said. “Meanwhile . . . his carbon footprint is minuscule compared to the jets flying over his head.”
Chief Searle said enforcing the leaf blower bylaw goes beyond the role of police. He added that his department is too understaffed to be able to enforce the bylaw.
Libby Gibson, the town manager for Nantucket, said since her island banned commercial gas-powered leaf blowers over four years ago, enforcement hasn’t been easy.
“If there’s a commercial landscaper using a gas-powered leaf blower outside your house, and you call the police, probably by the time they get there, [the landscapers] are going to be gone,” Ms. Gibson said.
Since Jan. 1, 2024, Ms. Gibson said the Nantucket police department received nine complaints about gas-powered leaf blowers. She added that Nantucket doesn’t have the resources to conduct inspections to see if commercial landscapers got rid of their gas-powered leaf blowers.
Many Vineyard landscapers have already started using electric leaf blowers, to mixed results.
Michael Donaroma, the owner of Donaroma’s Nursery Landscaping and Floral Design, said his company uses a multitude of battery operated tools such as lawn mowers and hedge trimmers, in addition to electric handheld and backpack leaf blowers.
“If the town goes ahead with [the bylaw], we’re certainly anxious to comply,” said Mr. Donaroma, who is also an Edgartown select board member.
Chris Miller, the CEO and founder of the Millers Professionals Co., said his company is in the middle of transitioning to battery operated blowers. He spent about $1,600 on each blower, not including the cost of the battery and charging equipment.
Mr. Miller, who has between 50 and 60 landscapers working in multiple towns during the summer, said he is fine with regulating leaf blowers.
“I understand what people are saying about the noise,” Mr. Miller said. “I’m willing to work around it and do what’s necessary to accommodate the needs of everybody.”
Nikola Vasilic, the owner of Estate Care, said he supports the shift to electric but thinks it should happen at a slower pace and with more support for landscapers. He already has four electric leaf blowers which he said are significantly less powerful than those powered by gas and the charge only lasts 30 minutes to two hours.
“We will switch to electric whenever we can,” Mr. Vasilic said. “They are quieter . . . . But most of the time [when] you’re doing your cleanups, there’s too many leaves to push, and sometimes it’s just not possible.”
Ryan White, owner of The Avant Gardener, said he switched over to electric leaf blowers in 2020 for summer work only. Some of his clients requested the quieter machines. While Mr. White agrees with the benefit of electric equipment and applauds the Vineyard Conservation Society for pursuing this regulation, he said he feels the proposed bylaws require more review.
“I love the direction we’re going with this, but we need to be more thoughtful and pragmatic [with] the rollout, the timelines, the restriction level and how it benefits and implicates both the homeowner and the service provider,” Mr. White said.
He explained that the cost of electric is exponentially higher than gas leaf blowers. Certain electric models can cost up to $2,000, including the battery and charger needed for operation. The most expensive models of gas leaf blowers cost around $650, excluding the gas tanks an operator would need.
Mr. White said the spring 2028 deadline could place a financial burden on landscapers.
“I have a really great group of clients that are supportive of the extra cost to have us use electric equipment that’s maybe not as efficient, but they get the quiet they want,” Mr. White said. “Not all landscapers are that fortunate.”
He added that most workers are paid an hourly rate. Restricting the time of day in which leaf blowers can be used could lower their income.
“The business owners and the workers need to make a living and it’s so hard to make a living out here nowadays,” Mr. White said. “These restrictions might make it even harder.”
Louisa Hufstader contributed to this article.
Editors note: The article was corrected to say that all the bylaws forbid the use of leaf blowers on Sundays, but that only Edgartown applies this restriction to commerical use.
Comments
You know, When did it get to
Beach Walker EdgartownYou know, When did it get to the point that every landscaping company has to have those blasted noice makers running all day long . They just make tons of noise , tons and tons of pollution and a big mess . Yards do not have to be as clean as an operating room. Just end it, PLEASE. Your ears will thank you.
Yes, and the Nantucket bylaw
Celia EdgartownYes, and the Nantucket bylaw is clearly written, restricted to commercial practices, fine is $300.
https://www.nantucket-ma.gov/2762/Gas-Powered-Leaf-Blowers
https://ecode360.com/37917504?highlight=gas-powered&searchId=5096769494…
I think it's better to keep
Jesse Conroy Vineyard HavenI think it's better to keep all of our rights intact, so we don't need to fight for them back in the future.
Which "right" are you
R Scott Patterson EdgartownWhich "right" are you referring to? Right to peace and quiet or the right to do whatever you want without regard to anyone else's quality of life?
Leave the leaves makes fires
Jeff Baker Prospect MaineLeave the leaves makes fires spread faster and will kill the ticks !
Hundreds of poor folks are
Charlie Callahan So Boston/EdgartownHundreds of poor folks are sleepimg in cars and garages cause there is no affordable housing and these clowns are making a major project about LEAF BLOWERS. This island nevr ceases to anaze me as to what muffy and buffy find important to WHINE ABOUT.
I'm pretty sure the towns can
tom BostonI'm pretty sure the towns can tackle more than one issue at a time Charlie. And what's up with the constant, insulting references to Muffy and Buffy?
It is commendable that you
Jane EdgartownIt is commendable that you have concern for those who have poor accommodation, and the Island has much more to do to remedy this problem. But what about the health of the hundreds of landscape workers? By using gas leaf blowers and breathing the toxic, carcinogenic fumes and particles, those workers are subjected to possibly life-threatening diseases like cancer, heart conditions, and cognitive problems. To use one of those machines for just one hour is like strapping oneself to the back of a car and breathing the fumes on a trip from Boston to Florida. Ear-mufflers help but no mask can protect from such serous pollution. A switch to electric is much needed to protect them–and us all.
Why only gas leaf blowers?
Enough Already Oak BluffsWhy only gas leaf blowers? Why not lawnmowers, chain saws and automobiles? Oh, and kids playing in the neighborhood. While we are at can we PLEASE stop those noisy police, ambulance and fire truck sirens! Not to mention the cacophony resulting from the med flights at the hospital. Every one one of these noises triggers me.
Agreed !
M kelfer ChilmarkAgreed !
And Teslas. Make me angry.
Right on!
Enough Already Oak BluffsRight on!
I hear leaf blowers 6 days a
New Potato Caboose EdgartownI hear leaf blowers 6 days a week at my location. I can hear two of them right now, after 6pm. Unless you’ve lived with it, it sounds frivolous. It’s actually extremely disruptive. The only time the electric blowers are used is in the summer, so the wealthy homeowners aren’t disturbed.
Who cares! We have bigger
Dave EdgartownWho cares! We have bigger problems folks!
So you're saying we can't
tom BostonSo you're saying we can't tackle more than one problem at a time??
Why is there no solution /
Common sense EdgWhy is there no solution / thought of simply making an exhaust silencer?
The solution is easy, which
John Cape CodThe solution is easy, which is to require all manufacturers of high noise outdoor equipment to re-engineer the exhaust systems to lower the noise levels and also offer retro fits for existing equipment as well. It should be an easy task for any competent engineer working for any of these manufacturers to solve this issue. There is a long list of noise issues in the world we all live in from airplanes, automobiles, ships, trains, emergency vehicles, crowds of people, lawn equipment as just a small example of the noise we all are exposed to on a daily basis. Address the noise issue with re-engineering instead of just banning them, as it is a problem that can be fixed.
Predictably, a reasonable
Nelson Sigelman Vineyard HavenPredictably, a reasonable effort to limit the day-in, day-out, at all hours of the day, use of roaring and screeching fiendish leaf blowers is seen by some as an attempt to trample on American’s God-given right to irritate others in the name of personal freedom. It is not.
Society is continually adapting to new technology and changing norms. The advent of the internal combustion engine led to rules about mufflers. As cool as it might sound, you cannot drive a Harley that exceeds the decibel level of an outdoor Taylor Swift concert.
So why is it unreasonable to set some rules on the use of inefficient, noxious two-stroke engines pushing out a jet of air at approximately 200 mile-per-hour that run at three times the speed of an automobile engine (9000 rpm) and produce a loud, monotonous sound upwards of 15 decibels higher than healthy daytime standards set by the World Health Organization, just to herd leaves?
Yes, a gas leaf blower is a tool. The electric leaf blower is a less polluting, quieter one.
Contributing to the problem is a change in Vineyard culture. Intensive yard cleanup used to be a spring and fall affair. A new crop of homeowners insist on a groomed look and have the money to pay for landscape crews to chase twigs and leaves on a weekly schedule across expansive waterfront lawns that resemble an outdoor carpet.
During the summer months, I work on Tashmoo Pond. On any given day, the drone of leafblowers reverberates over the water, drowning out the screech of ospreys. It is maddening.
On the plus side, trees will continue to produce leaves as sure as a Labrador sheds hair. An influx of new homeowners determined to keep all natural debris at bay will add to a sustainable Island economy.
Nelson, it’s not that we don
Leaf me alone TisburyNelson, it’s not that we don’t agree with changes but like they forced the plastic water ban on us for single use water bottles but 2 liters of soda was fine or plastic bags were wrong for the environment and that was proven not true. It’s fear of an all out ban without common sense restrictions first. Maybe no Sunday work? Maybe nothing before 8 am? Maybe more open dialogue?
First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me
The plastic single use bottle
Ada Queetie West TisburyThe plastic single use bottle ban was enacted because humans proved themselves incapable of recycling or trashing them. Most bottles find themselves in the environment or piling up in a landfill forevermore. People didn't switch from a single serve poland springs to a 2L soda. They started using re-usable containers. There aren't 2L soda bottles lining the roadways as a result. Spare us the "first they came for the communists" drama LOL
It is really hard to have a
Meredith West TisburyIt is really hard to have a few days in a row during peak season or Fall without the leaf blowers being constant background noise in my experience, and I find it stressful on my nervous system and hard to relax until they are gone. I can only imagine what it does to the systems of those who use them every day all day. We have an electric leaf blower and use it exclusively at home with no issues. I do understand that it's an up front investment for landscapers, but many have already transitioned in the 11 Massachusetts communities that already have gas leaf blower bans and business is still booming for landscaping in those communities. Not only is the noise far better, but the reduction of carbon being put into the atmosphere is substantive. https://www.wgbh.org/news/local/2023-11-09/why-gas-powered-leaf-blowers…
Thank you Nelson!
tom BostonThank you Nelson!
Big Brother Strikes again.
Thomas EdgartownBig Brother Strikes again. Saying I can’t blow leaves on Sunday is ludicrous. I work Monday-Friday and sometimes Saturday's. What am I supposed to do?. Let’s at least Start with the commercial landscapers which are clearly the problem. Leave the homeowners alone!
Why aren’t these things on
Serious questionWhy aren’t these things on the ballot? Town meetings should spend money and vote to put things on ballots that’s it.
If I were someone who owned a
Bill EdgartownIf I were someone who owned a rental property, I would ask my renters which they preferred - a perfectly manicured lawn or a property where you weren't wakened in the morning by leafblowers in the next yard?
In the 45 plus years we have been coming to the Vineyard, it has changed from a place which offers a quite vacation for beaching and reading to one of the noisiest vacation spots in the northeast.
Towns on the island should help people who live and stay here have a quiet environment to enjoy.
Just like electric cars only
Katama Bill KatamaJust like electric cars only the rich will be able to afford this place. Wait electric cars are on the outs now?
The last place I want the
Glen Caldwell TisburyThe last place I want the government is in my backyard deciding how and when I remove leaves. If Sunday is the only day I have to spend doing yard work I’m doing it and I’m doing it my way with consideration for my neighbors, I don’t need the government to draw guidelines for lawn care. I agree with Chief Searle about enforcement issues,..criminalizing yard work is ridiculous and a waste of time and resources. We have way bigger problems to solve.
Thanks for pointing out the
philanthropist edgThanks for pointing out the VCS position. No more contribution$ from me.
I’ve got you covered, no
New Potato Caboose EdgartownI’ve got you covered, no worries.
Even if this ordinance passes
Roddy Seasonal VisitorEven if this ordinance passes there’ll be about as much oversight of its enforcement as there’s been for the plastic water bottle ban.
So I only need a leafblower
Chris EdgartownSo I only need a leafblower (have a plug in one with a long extension cord) 2 times per year-spring cleanup and fall after all the leaves are down. I agree with previous comments concerning that some homeowners and landscape companies feel the need to have every leaf and twig in the intervening months off a lawn. I've often seen in my neighborhood, landscape companies using leaf blowers when there is really no debris to remove. If they were restricted to spring and fall cleanup, I'd be fine with gas blowers, knowing that you'd just have to hear them at those times and then done.
Hey guys...These things
Hugh Weisman ChilmarkHey guys...These things really are noisy...and I feel sorry for the landscaper who's operating one all day. Ear protection or not, with constant use, they've got to be damaging....No one has mentioned one other important issue, carbon emissions. This is from Edmunds..."The hydrocarbon emissions from a half-hour of yard work with the two-stroke leaf blower are about the same as a 3,900-mile drive from Texas to Alaska in a [6,200# Ford]Raptor [truck]," That's a lot.
My town in New Jersey banned
Deirdre Seasonal Visitor - NJMy town in New Jersey banned them and it's been wonderful. Here's a video I made to thank them for the peace and quiet.
https://youtu.be/A2EvJBcHoMM?si=8gHWgQS236kRihjB
To noisy for blowers
Pat G Edgartown and Harvey CedarsTo noisy for blowers switching to vacuums
Interesting that California
Elaine Vanderhoop AquinnahInteresting that California has a grip on this but we need to argue it to death on the Vineyard. Leaf blowers are not only a dangerous noisy nuisance, bad for the health of the workers inhaling fumes, dust, animal matter etc, but also a killer to a million bugs, organisms that complete the ecosystem. Fireflies, moths, butterflies need the leaves to survive cold winters. Leaves "raked" into a place to compost are useful as mulch as they break down. It's insane to bag them up in plastic to be added to the wastestream. Sorry, whoever makes this about PERSONAL RIGHTS, hours of operation, or electric vs. gas powered, hasn't taken the time to LEARN about the importance of natural cycles. There's a new attitude about fighting and containing nature to create that perfect english lawnscape that I find increasingly concerning. Use a RAKE folks: in case you've forgotten, its a garden tool for gathering leaves, small twigs and cleanup. It's fast, quiet, clean and provides good exercise. I am sad that as a designated "Green" town, Aquinnah has not banned them yet. Hope that it gets done in the other Island towns, but please keep it simple, or the ban will fail.
Agree w Nelson, they are
Anne holmes Vineyard havenAgree w Nelson, they are nonstop on the east side of tashmoo and the homeowners are rarely if ever on the island when it’s happening. Often it’s dueling leaf blowers on two abutting properties. even on days with strong winds, they blow away for hours which is ridiculous and futile. I agree, there are many other issues to worry and rant about in this world but that doesn’t mean you don’t try to remedy obnoxious sh#*t. Whatever happened to a rake.
As a member of the affected
teddy island wideAs a member of the affected industry I agree with the new regulations. The current situation is unsustainable.
The real issue with the blowers is that the people using them are not trained to use them. Drop off a crew of 3 unskilled laborers at a cleanup and they will blow it from end to end and back again. It's lazy work - and not the most efficient way.
We always rake first. Then blow for 10 minutes after the bulk is up. It is a shame that unfortunately the bad actors ruin it for the rest of us.
We should only be able to blow April and December. The rest of the time we can rake.
Except for the fall and
Mr. B ChilmarkExcept for the fall and spring clean up, I no longer have them blow off after they mow. I use my electric blower for anything that ended up on the deck or the front walk. Takes about 15'.
And to be frank, I think much of it is "make work" for the crew.
Totally agree! Not much down
Chris EdgartownTotally agree! Not much down after the Spring clean.
I am 100% in favor of banning
Patrick Sherbrooke Cohasset, MAI am 100% in favor of banning gas powered leaf blowers and hope the Auinnah takes up the cause.
Nelson is absolutely right.
John M.Nelson is absolutely right. The over use of leaf blowers - and their effect on air quality, noise pollution, and overall quality of life - has gotten out of control. And to those who say "what will I do without one?" I say grab a rake. I own a typical-sized property and somehow manage to take care of it without a gas mower, leaf blower, edge trimmer, or snow blower...
The cops will never enforce a
Charlie Callahan So Boston/EdgartownThe cops will never enforce a ban and I don't blame them. I'd like to see a crackdown on these Easy rider wannabees who put glass paks on their cars and cycles to intentionally make them as loud as possible and there is a decibel rule on how loud these things can be and the cops don't even enforce that,so I doubt they are gonna lock some person up for BLOWING LEAVES around. Maybe find something really important to whine about
Wrong. If there's a hammer or
Sara Piazza EdgartownWrong. If there's a hammer or a Skil saw within ear shot of my property in Edgartown on a Sunday morning I call the cops and they are on the scene within 15 minutes to shut it down.
Sara, I agree. Quality of
Lorraine EdgartownSara, I agree. Quality of life is important. The island being used as an ATM machine is deplorable.
I have a landscape company
Hal Bennett West TisburyI have a landscape company and truly hope this law passes, I've already been switching over to electric for my crews. It is cruel and inhumane to subject your employees to this kind of noise and pollution every day. It's a serious long term health hazard for our business.
The Nantucket bylaw is
Celia EdgartownThe Nantucket bylaw is clearly written, restricted to commercial practices, fine is $300.
https://www.nantucket-ma.gov/2762/Gas-Powered-Leaf-Blowers
https://ecode360.com/37917504?highlight=gas-powered&searchId=5096769494…
Leaf blowers have been around
Enough Already Oak BluffsLeaf blowers have been around for decades. What's changed? Hmmm...maybe the people who now operate them on the island and who you're uncomfortable with? Look in the mirror and honestly answer that. This is not a noise issue, it's more than that and islanders don't want to face their inherent biases.
I can't imagine what most of
Charlie Callahan So Boston/EdgartownI can't imagine what most of the people on this island will do when there is a real island wide disaster and it will happen someday, this place will turn into a 3 ring circus
I wish Tesla made electric
Robbie OBI wish Tesla made electric leaf blowers, then all these arguments to ban gas leaf blowers would go out the window. Move on folks.
I’m all for regulating the
Rose Katama and BostonI’m all for regulating the use of gas powered leaf blowers. The noise and pollution is unhealthy and completely unnecessary. I’ll gladly pay for raking - my observation of leaf blowing leads me to conclude raking is more efficient and would require a comparable amount of time for most properties. Leaf blowing a property from end to end is wasteful. Raking where needed should be encouraged. My final observation - within five minutes of a property being tended with a leaf blower it begins to accumulate more wind borne debris . . .
Obviously you don't live here
Enough Already Oak BluffsObviously you don't live here and are not on a fixed income. Yea you may be willing to pay more but what about our senior citizens who can't rake their yards
and can't afford for their leaf removal costs to more than double. You do gooders need to practice what you preach.
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