The we-make-money-from-fussy-over-maintenance-of-Newton-lawns coalition (otherwise known as the newtonleaves coalition) has a counter-proposal to the recently passed leafblower ordinance in the TAB. The essence of the proposal: let us use the gas-powered leaf-blowers, otherwise we’re just going to make noise and pollution running generators to power the batteries. Oh, and we’ll limit the hours from dawn-to-dusk, except on Sundays. (Failing to recognize the high concentration of Jews in Newton, hours on the Jewish Sabbath are just 30 minutes shorter than weekdays.)
If the landscapers want to re-open the discussion, let’s.
This whole conversation is sideways. We’re debating the means without discussing the ends.
It’s 2017. Carbon concentration is rising. Sea levels are rising. Ornamental lawns and pristine hardscapes are outmoded artifacts of a different time. Grasses (and their related weeds) are invasives. They support next to no biodiversity. They do very little to process carbon dioxide. And, now an entire industry has arisen to support the meticulous maintenance of these lawns as carpets. An entire, water- and chemical-intensive, carbon-spewing, noise-polluting, dust-stirring industry.
There is no justification for lawn-mowing and leaf-removal, certainly not at the scale that is practiced in Newton and similar upscale communities. So, there is no justification for the noise created by the activities. A couple of times a year, hire some folks to do manual raking.
Will there be job loss? Unfortunately, yes. Will that job loss hit workers of color hardest? Unfortunately, yes. So, let’s put a tax on lawn maintenance — water and services — to create a transition fund to help those folks train for other work.
But, also, keep your eye on the ball. The owners of the business are not worried about workers. They want to hit as many properties as possible in a day. Gas-powered leaf blowers are automation tools. Not exactly labor friendly.
John Sneider’s commentary has clearly struck a nerve!! And it is 100% on point!
Don’t be so much on the defense Sean, relax….you could rake with any landscape/construction worker you wish before you make your final decision or perhaps you’d like to volunteer to set up the transition fund and solicit donations to help the league of men and women find new jobs? You have no idea sir in what you are talking about! Don’t be so presumptuous and spread lies like in previous posts regarding the ban & ordinance because lies continue to grow like weeds….Very hard to keep up with. Just ask someone who’s hired a landscape professional or better yet, ask one yourself.
And why are you twisting the story around?! What exactly do you mean by “people of color”? I don’t think Lee Gilliam and Sons would appreciate that comment at all! Awful and despicable thing to say! I’d be wise in your choice of words and base your comments only on facts once you have spoken to a real landscape or contractor professional regarding this matter if you should be so inclined.
Sean – there actually is reason to mow (though I see no reason to use leaf blowers). When I let my lawn get overgrown one summer, I had a tremendous mouse problem. That said, my yard isn’t exactly an advertisement for Better Homes & Gardens, and I have no need to have a pristine expanse of green.
Mr. Roche-do you know what happens when you let grass grow long? Are you aware of how many different types of insects and rodents can take over in a short amount of time? Do you know mice transport ticks and usually live in piles of leaves and long grass? As a Newton Landscaper, I have had many people who have called my company to come take over their landscape because someone in their household had been bitten by a tick. 2 of them got Lyme disease. If you want you can come to lectures with me during the year and learn something from college professors who write books about this. As for the blowers, many electric and battery operated blowers are just as loud if not even louder than gas ones. So, you tell me what is louder a 65db electric blower or a 65db gas blower?
You want to have a less carbon foot print for Newton? Let’s:
1. Have DPW workers use less trucks…no need for 3 trucks for 3 guys to fix a pothole
2. make school buses free for students-less parents driving
3. have all city vehicles be hybrids
4. have some sort of code enforcement for over filled dumpsters that allow trash to blow around
5. have code enforcement of people to maintain their lawns so landscapers do not have to go back to a house in mid December to clean a customers house that had the neighbors leaves blow over (less blower use)
6. bring back dumpsters for cardboard only on the south side to help new residents to recycle their moving boxes.
7. make additional city owned green recycle containers free for promoting more recycling
8. make commercial companies recycle. Most industrial places in Newton have only 1 dumpster.
that’s just 8 things that are more realistic which will help the environment.
Mr. Roche, you are more than welcome to come any day of the week to work in my shoes and see how hard it is without a gas blower.
mgwa —
The best way to prevent grass from getting overgrown? No grass!
On my estate, we’ve reduced the amount of lawn every year, replacing with native plantings that require no additional water (except when first planted) and minimal upkeep. I’m lobbying the family council to replace even more lawn this spring. What little lawn I have I cut with a reel mower and a battery-powered cord trimmer.
Raking? We do it a couple of times each fall, by hand. Our landscape design paradigm doesn’t depend on being completely leaf-free every few days. (Sounds like you take a similar approach.)
Reduce the amount of lawn and things change dramatically.
@Sean – you’re welcome to come replace lawn for me and do the rest by hand. I’m not physically capable of any yard or garden work. I’d love to have a no-mow ground cover that stayed short enough that mice didn’t find it enticing.
@mgwa, two words: “rescue kitty”
Now our Ward 2 Councilor wants to put the Pest Control Companies out of Business too.
It’s official–Newton just changed it’s nickname to The Anti-Gardener City.
@sean, it’s not the lawn that creates the leaves, it’s the trees. We’ve gone from NIMBY people to non-in-YOUR-backyard either! Join a condo association if you want to micro manage your neighbors.
The Mayor’s article raised a good question–would you report a leaf blower issue knowing the landscaper might be deported after being identified by the City?
Sounds very intolerant to me Sean. You are a smart guy, so you are aware that
manual raking means these companies can hit very few properties a day, so they are out of business. I’m sure the workers toiling for these companies very much appreciate the money they are being paid for these jobs. You are right this discussion is sideways, so lets have a discussion about the carbon footprint of many of the houses in this city, and the over-sized SUV’s tooling around on our roads. Lets do away with them too. Better yet lets get rid of those awful white collar workers like bankers, lawyers, wall street types, etc etc
You really make yourself sound like an elitist snob. Sorry. As an aside, complete streets are not
complete without running paths….
@David-
Trump is talking about deporting CRIMINAL ALIENS.
If you are in this country, minding your own business, and are identified as an illegal,
you aren’t going anywhere. Not going to happen. If you are here illegally, are identified as a criminal, you are gone and you should be. Setti is onward and upward politically.
His language is that of a politician seeking higher office,.
Paul – nope, not anymore. From today’s NYT:
Who is considered a criminal?
The order defines criminal loosely, and includes anyone who has crossed the border illegally — which is a criminal misdemeanor.
And you only have to be suspected of committing a crime, not convicted or even charged.
Mr. Roche’s comments on this issue mirror those he has made in the past on so many other issues. Emboldened by the attitudes and actions of the turned Council, over the years Mr. Roche has been an outspoken voice for pursuing progressive policy choices that negatively impact the vast majority of us while making virtually no substantive impact on the underlying issue at hand. In this case the environmental benefits to be gleaned even we all of Newton to go lawnless are insignificant. The same hold true for the elimination of plastic bags and so many other issues taken up by the City Council. These are token gestures which may make a few feel better at the expense of perturbing the majority of us who also pay taxes. Make no mistake about it, there is a direct line from Mr. Roche’s attitudes and discourse to the election of Mr. Trump this past November. He is doing no service to those of us on the reasonable left.
As for the reaction to the blower ban, this is nothing more that a corollary to the well known fact that you cannot legislate morality. As the generators power up this summer throughout the city, the Council would do well to take the message to heart.
This is my plea to keep the a summer ban on gas powered leaf blowers. I am writing from the point of view as a runner, someone who spends a lot of time outdoors. I have trained for and run 11 Boston Marathons, so in that time I have had ample opportunity for observation.
During the summer, they are used on dirt, debris and whatever happens to be on peoples’ driveways and sidewalks. This debris isn’t even cleaned up, it is merely rearranged to other places. I can’t tell you how many times I see leaf blowing personnel blowing dirt and debris from one person’s driveway and sidewalk onto a neighbor’s property, or onto the street. Many times running West on Comm Ave, I’ll observe a landscaping company using leaf blowers to blow stuff from their customer’s property onto the neighbor’s adjacent property and the street in order to leave their customer’s property pristine. And – on my way back, running East, I will then see that adjacent neighbor, with a different landscaper, blowing the dirt and debris either back onto the original property where it came from, out into the street, or onto the property on the other side.
Nothing is being cleaned, stuff is just being blown all over the place. And many times onto me, as well.
The leaf blower guys blow the dirt and debris into the streets. It is not cleaned up. And many times I have seen one good gust of wind blow the stuff back onto the customer’s lawn.
I have a landscaper/gardener who rakes only, and the cost is the same as the old company I used to have – even before this topic came up in Newton I had decided that I preferred not to have the noise of the leaf blowers, just my personal preference. I like the windows open in the summer and raking is quiet, no fumes and no dust coming into the house. I am also OK with my lawn looking nice and neat, but not perfect and pristine.
I actually feel worried for the leaf blower personnel because I never see them wearing ear protection.
I think the City Council found the right leaf blower compromise. The people who insist they need leaf blowers in the summer will have to purchase electric ones. The trend to electric can be perpetuated later, by further reducing the season when gasoline powered blowers are allowed. This should be about transitioning people to electric blowers. Not banning leaf blowers altogether.
@Tricia-
I just don’t think that’s ever going to happen. I would bet on it not happening. I think the administration has much bigger fish to fry at this point.
I’m waiting to hear from policy makers that would enact or enforce these laws rather than any ginned up speculation from the NYT.
Paul, it is not “ginned up speculation” from the NYT – it’s in the actual wording of the draft of Trump’s Executive Order. I also don’t think it will happen, but there’s plenty there to make immigrants – both documented and undocumented – very uneasy.
@Emily – rescue kitty isn’t an option for those of us very allergic to cats! And I really don’t like finding dead mice in the house, as I did when I had cats pre-allergies.
It amazes me there are so many more important issues in Newton and this is what we are focusing on.
So much good stuff to respond to.
First, generally, if it wasn’t clear, I’m recommending that people reduce the amount of lawn. Ornamental lawn is bad for the environment. Full stop. (Playing fields, playgrounds, park land, different tradeoff.)
Second, generally, we need to have different standards for what is an appropriately maintained lawn. The fetish for completely leaf-free property is just that. Having less lawn and more bushes and trees should change that dynamic.
Some specifics.
Ann,
Not sure what of my post you consider lies. As for people of color, it’s an observable fact that most landscape laborers are almost all men and very few are white. It speaks badly of both you and Lee Gillam and Sons that you would consider it an insult.
J,
There are lots of things we can do to be better custodians of the planet. Reducing the amount of lawn we service is one of them. We should do the others you list, too. Reducing lawn does not preclude the others, or vice versa. Also, I maintain my lawn without use of a leaf blower. I know it can be done.
mgwa,
There are lots of low-maintenance plantings.
David,
Ever see anyone leaf-blow a forest? It’s the need for pristine lawns that creates the demand for leaf-blowing. Yeah, the leaves come from the trees, but if there’s no lawn to fall on, there’s not an urgent need to collect them.
Paul,
Yes, the environmentally unfriendly automation of leaf-blowers lowers the cost of environmentally unfriendly landscaping practices. We need to address both demand (all that lawn) and supply (the cheap leaf-blowing). Yes, it will have an impact on businesses. Our local economy is going to have to adapt to changing needs in light of global climate change. I don’t have all the answers. But, we should talk about the bad environmental dynamic of ornamental lawns.
And, yes, I’m intolerant. In this case, intolerant of wealthy citizens spending their money in environmentally unfriendly ways. And, please, let’s both worry about displaced workers and acknowledge that people don’t have lawns to create low-paying job opportunities.
Elmo,
I write something online and you’re all Sean-wants-to-impact-my-life, but you have no problem with multiple 80 db leaf-blowers running a few houses down. I just don’t get it.
Sean- how big is your lot and how much mobile lawn/beds sq. footage do you have? how many trees do you have on your property?
Every lot is different and you cannot make everyone happy but this is causing a “civil war” in Newton. Landscapers should just reduce the use of blowers and lets just revisit this in a year or so. I do not understand how a 75% less powerful machine with the same or higher dB level is going to better since a crew would have to be on a property much longer. We all can ride a bike to work or the market but it isn’t practical or logical. One day the use of electric or battery operated blowers will make sense but not at this time. 5-10 years can make a big difference.
As for the runner who stated he witnesses landscapers blowing debris everywhere. Maybe he can ring the doorbell and inform the owner or call the police. I am sure there are bad companies out there but not all landscaping companies are bad. In fact, I myself have seen raking crews who fill up brown paper bags and leave them along the sidewalk days prior before pickup which is illegal, blocking the sidewalk which is illegal and most importantly commercial use cannot have city pick which is illegal. They must haul away. That is why sometimes it is “cheaper” for those companies to operate. However, I know someone who had an “organic” company who charged close to a $1000 for a fall cleanup and a blower crew years later charged $350. Most dumps charge $13-17 per cubic yard which is about 2 city barrels is a cubic yard. It doesn’t take much leaves to make the dumping cost go up. But for taxpayers to pay for someone else’s removal isn’t fair.
If we reopen the compromise, a number of us will be pushing far harder for a full ban during the summer. I wasn’t involved in the initial debate except online. Retrading on a political compromise is a two way street, and the landscaping side was well-represented in the debate and has some very friendly counselors looking out for their interests. Don’t most homes have outside electrical outlets? All my neighbors do. I do. Wouldn’t those work?
This new found dismay regarding generators seems conveniently timed to get out of the one change they were required to make that had any real teeth.
And for those concern trolling about why must we focus on such a little item, well….learn to multitask. Start a thread here regarding your personal issue you are passionate about. I’m sure the powers that be will allow it.
@Sean – to be clear, I’m in favor of the ban. I just think you find it too easy to tell other people how they should live their lives without taking into account that not everybody is able-bodied, lives with family members who can help out, etc.
@fig, many houses do have outlets but some do not. Some have outlets that have indoor switches. The other factor is OSHA only allows extension cords a certain length which is hard to use on a 3 acre property or the distance to blow along the frontage of a house. Also, please keep in mind there are many commercial properties with big parking lots, condos with acres of property. You may live on a smaller lot but there are some lots that a bigger. Someone told me the other day a few years back they used an outlet at a house to trim shrubs and they blew a fuse. No one was home and the landscaper called and emailed the homeowner. Later on the daughter who was 11 or so walked home from school and the garage door opener was on the same fuse. The girl had to wait outside for 2 hours until someone came home with a key. She only was using the garage pad and the owner didn’t check for the message. So, stories like that make me want to stick to a generator since I will need one for my accounts which are mostly .25+ acre
Also, I can imagine this would pass with harder restrictions since it wouldn’t last year. with a full out ban. Many councilors only voted for it because they backed off with a summer use in mind and no exemptions.
Has the time passed in which the Mayor could veto this leaf blower bill?
@J… that’s an awful story about the young girl. I can foresee more stories like that happening if a landscaper or contract worker blows a homeowners fuse or worse, starts a fire on the property due to faulty outdoor electrical systems… I hadn’t even thought of situations like that.. so not sure that those in support of bans and ordinances (aka micromanaging landscapers) have thought about instances like this, so thank you for bringing it to light!
mgwa –
I’m missing something. I’m encouraging replacing high-maintenance lawn with low-maintenance plants and trees. How is that harder for the less able-bodied?
Those of us with disabilities who can’t afford to hire a landscaper are unable physically to do the work to replace the lawn. The price per year of having someone mow my lawn and do fall clean-up may end up costing more over over a decade but doesn’t require the major cash outlay all at once. Plus, putting in new plants and trees initially requires regular watering, something I’m not physically able to do (no, I don’t water my lawn, either).
The best way to handle the summer is one 65 db gas blower or the generator with the plug in electric blower battery blowers at $179 per battery that only last maybe 30 minutes and need three hours to charge would involve probably ten batteries per day plus the blower itself at about $279 each not cost effective and the batteries are hazardous waste to dispose of they also heat up and cause fires some people who care about the environment and public safety need to do the research I have two of them for brookline they aren’t worth the dynamite to blow them to hell
Maybe I didn’t look in the right place, but my research didn’t turn up any corded leaf blowers that are as powerful as a good battery powered blower, and that also were quiet enough to comply with the 65 dB limit. Can somebody show me a 600 CFM corded electric blower that is rated at no more than 65 dB? Until somebody does, I have to believe that this whole generator issue is not worth the effort. Not only that, cords are a total nuisance. I had a corded lawn mower and I hated dealing with the cord. I replaced it with a battery powered mower and cut the time it took to mow my lawn by more than half, and it is quiet.
I don’t suppose anyone would be willing to try battery powered blowers as an alternative to using a generator. No cords, no outlets, no horror stories about blown fuses and garage doors, no exhaust pollution at the job site. Less noise (and therefore fewer complaints, if you care about such things). 65 dB battery blowers are comparable in performance to 65 dB gas blowers, and you’re limited to that noise level either way, all year round. Lots of people are using them. Just sayin’.
Twenty out of twenty-four city councilors voted in favor of an enforceable 65 dB limit. They knew exactly what they were doing, as this issue was very hotly debated. The amendment to allow 77B was voted down decisively. 65 dB is all you get. The time for ignoring laws you don’t like is over. Creating more noise and more pollution with a leaf blower powered by a generator by taking advantage of some unfortunate language in the ordinance (well meant, but still shouldn’t have been there), will lead to a highly annoyed city council that is more likely to be receptive to a complete ban. Nobody likes being made to look like a mug. If the landscapers want to make things worse for themselves than they are now, this is a good way to do it (I really shouldn’t be telling you this, but somebody would eventually).
For any city councilors reading this, a “clarification” specifying that only battery powered blowers can be used during the summer would be welcome. If you somehow can’t get there, then you might say that the leaf blower and the power source for the leaf blower, added together by manufacturers’ ratings, can’t generate more than 65 dB. I don’t like that solution. We want people to move to battery power so that the manufacturers will have an incentive to improve them. This is already happening, but increased demand will justify even more R&D, and soon we’ll have even better battery blowers, and EVERYBODY WILL BE HAPPY!
mgwa –
Should make policies based on exceptions? My thesis is that lawn maintenance carries all sorts of costs that are not borne by the homeowner: mostly environmental, but also noise pollution. All in service of ornamental lawns, which have no redeeming value beyond the ornament.
Why do we have local laws that promote these social ills, laws that allow leaf blowers and provide lawn irrigation at reduced cost?
Because it would otherwise provide hardship to the less abled or the less well-to-do? Then, let’s figure out how to help. I would gladly allow an exception to a leaf blower ban for the disabled. I would happily pay to fund grants for replacing lawn with low-maintenance native species.
The vast majority of lawn owners have either the means or the ability to choose more responsible landscaping. More morally responsible landscaping. Please don’t let them off the hook because of some exceptions. They are very real exceptions, but we can manage them.
There are no blowers on the market that are as powerful as a gas blower. The CFM’s are 2-3x greater via a gas blower. Many electric and battery blowers are rated higher than 65dB. I have seen some in the 90’s dB range. Also, most batteries only are good for 15 min of use. They last about a year and are HazMat for dumping
Sean- if we get rid of lawns where do the kids run around and play ball? Would we need to cut down more trees to supply the mulch demand? Are people going to use pesticides to kill weeds in there dirt covered lots? People who have hilly terrains will it cause minor erosion in heavy rains? City catch basin’s will get clogged. will summer’s dry weeks cause dust to be airborne in the winds.
You have to remember, we you change something there is always an effect.
Whoever responded to my comment about the generator vs battery blower doesn’t get it cost durability and safety are the issues as well as power . I have used both and I know what I can afford to do and by the way electric or battery are louder than the gas models go to u tube and call them up the motor doesn’t make the noise the fins of the fan do and on turbo the scream like a banshee besides the battery pack of the Stihl version for $1200 gets very hot remember lithium ion batteries bring down planes. Some day electrics will be there but they aren’t there yet I know what will work I have tried all three types of blowers I am speaking from experience
Not sure I’m with you there, J. The following is from the Stihl web site, advertizing the new BGA 100 battery powered blower:
Impressive blowing power: With an air throughput of up to 840 m³/h [496 CFM] in boost mode, the STIHL BGA 100 offers the greatest blowing power of any STIHL handheld blower. Three speeds and a boost function allow you to adjust the output to the task at hand for maximum energy efficiency.
Long running time: When combined with the new STIHL AR 3000 backpack battery, each battery charge allows you to work for up to 6.5 hours. [They claim 75 minutes at boost power, and you can give it a partial recharge while driving to the next job. And, let’s face it, in summer you’re blowing clippings, not leaves, so you really don’t need boost mode].
Quiet EC motor: With a maximum sound power level of just 90 dB(A) [right next to the operator—this is less than 60 dB at 50 ft.], the STIHL BGA 100 is by far the quietest handheld STIHL blower.
Suitable for use without ear protection: Lower sound emission levels mean that you can better hear ambient noises, increasing occupational safety.”
Consider also: lighter weight, much less vibration, so that your workers will not tire as quickly and the machine should last longer than the gas machines that shake themselves to death, no gas and oil to buy or to mix, much safer and saves having to tote cans of gas around, so quiet that it’s unlikely that anybody will object to the sound–no more wasted time at city council meetings.
And it’s a Stihl, one of the most respected names, if not the most respected, in the power tool business.
OK, you can’t have it all, nobody can. But this comes pretty darn close.
Two years ago, the argument that battery blowers couldn’t do the job had some validity if you didn’t look too closely. Not any more. Ask yourself why Stihl, Echo and others are coming out with these now. The answer is they’ve seen the writing on the wall. More and more localities are demanding cleaner and quieter machines. With both Brookline and Newton requiring quieter machines, the economics of shifting to battery power become more and more compelling.
The basic rule is adapt or die. The blower companies are adapting. More and more landscapers are adapting. You can adapt. It’s a sensible business decision.
Councilor Leary was so busy Compromising on the Summer Ban that she didn’t realize that Gas Powered Generators would be required to power those Electric Blowers in the Summer?? And those Gas Powered Generators will make more NOISE than the leaf Blower?? Too Bad when you were so busy trying to get exemptions for the Colleges and Golf Courses and going on Kenny Parker’s Show that you didn’t pay more attention to what the Landscaping Professionals ( AKA the Legal Immigrants who live, work , pay taxes and VOTE in Newton ) were trying to explain to you about the need for Generators? Do you think that this summer when the City Vendors are cleaning the parks and fields in Newton or the Center of Comm Ave/Carriage Lane they will be plugging their Electric Blower into a TREE??? And in case you still don’t quite understand it – the City Vendor and the Professional Landscapers will need to run that Generator for a LOT longer because the Electric Blower will take longer to clean the yards and fields.
Longer time = more NOISE.
Not quite the outcome you and your organization Newton Safe and Sound were really hoping for. Next Time instead of using Google to get your information – try listening to what the landscaping professionals were telling you.
The cfms of gas are 535 and 908 and they are cheaper to buy stihl is good but you still have the expensive and dangerous waste batteries but thanks for the info anyway
To wise one I just went to the stihl website the battery only lasts 65 minutes and takes two hrs to charge the blower and battery back pack cost $1200 dollars you can buy two gas blowers for that or you can buy two electrics with A generator for that again the battery pack does warm up after a little use plus the u tube demo says it isn’t as powerful as the gas blowers
I am really caught in the middle here. I’m sure we all want the same things. Less noise, less environmentally destructive tools, efficiency, and overall manicured lawns (except Sean – he seems to want his lawn to look like a path in a forest. In Newton. Amongst lovely manicured homes).
Do you really think the landscapers personally enjoy the noise of a leaf blower buzzing in their ear? I truly think that if they could do their job well with a less powerful machine, they would do so.
The landscapers are accepting and proposing of compromise, but they need to get their work done in a timely manner. I should hope people on both sides understand the need to get in and get out – time is money (except Sean – he seems to want to put these guys out of work).
Let’s be patient and watch the technology. These battery blowers are NOT there yet. Charging batteries on the go is not the answer. And forcing them to buy ridiculous amounts of batteries to attempt to get through the day is really just stupid, IMHO. We are making progress. The topic is heated. Can we accept the landscapers’ compromise and revisit?
Sean – I’d like to see you walk a day in their shoes.
oh wise one,
the CFM’s are 494 at boost mode which is the max. A lower setting will bring you to the high 200’s. The battery last “up to” 160 min with the biggest battery and takes “as fast as ” 2.67 hrs. to charge.
Being in the field and knowing people who bought them all said this. It last for 60-80 min at first then a month or so it will be 45-60min. It takes over 3 hours to charge. when being charged they need to be disconnected will completely charged otherwise they can overheat and cause a fire. So, who is going to babysit multiple chargers. There are companies who have 20+ crews that work in Newton. So figure, 6-8 batteries per crew thats 120-160 different charging station. The lithium-ion battery gets hot, weighs about 20 pounds plus the rest of the backpack, has risk of fire. The technology isn’t at the commercial level yet. This is what the landscapers are telling the city. Maybe in a few years we will but not now. You can google all the battery and electric recalls…..there are dozens over the last few years. The blower company i use in the last 15-20 years only had 1 recall for a broken bolt on a muffler. I would love to use a battery blower but we are not there yet. in fact, several Eco-friendly blower companies have gone out of business. This is a new way of being green but it is still in the early stages. Someone told me that the customer should be responsible for owning and maintaining the blower. I don’t think that would fly but if you don’t leave it outside charged then i just drive away with debris all over your yard? i don’t think that is the answer but its an option.
The last thing i will mention is i see a lot of gas cars in Newton, why don’t we make everyone have to own some type of hybrid. Also, you obviously see all the solar panels going up in Newton. The reason i didn’t do it yet was because the solar panels are now being made that can produce electricity 2.5x faster. Panasonic is behind this. 5 Years ago many people didn’t have solar panels but in five year we came a long way. In 5 years we will be there (hopefully) but not now.
just went to homedepot.com. to find something similar to 500 CFM
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-120-MPH-473-CFM-18-Volt-X2-LXT-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless-Leaf-Blower-Tool-Only-XBU02Z/206058495
this is a battery operated blower at 473 CFM with 120 mph…..96dB
29min of battery time
this is louder than a chainsaw.
The stihl you mentioned is 56 dB on the lowest setting.
This just proves my point that we are ready for batteries for commercial use since Echo gas backpack blowers are 65dB with more power.
@Sean – I already said explicitly that I support a leaf blower ban, at least in the summer.
What I was saying is that you and some other people who comment on this blog frequently talk in generalities that assume that things are easy and feasible for everyone. But replacing a lawn or biking, etc., are not options for many people. Should they be encouraged? Yes. Just don’t assume (or talk as if you’re assuming) that anyone who doesn’t do those things is acting out of willful lack of concern for the environment or other people’s quality of life.
Gas powered leafblowers are only restricted in the summer. J says Echo has one listed at 65 db. Use it or one like it during the fall, winter and spring. Simple.
In summer, use something else. Simple.
Landscapers and homeowners can keep their gas blowers during the heavy leaf gathering months. Win.
Residents have a little more peace and quiet in the summer. Win.
All of these outlandish, hyperbolic, insulting comments are unnecessary, as is “walking in another’s shoes,” at this point. We’ve had the hearings, demonstrations, postponements for bogus reasons. It’s been going on for over two years. This is a simple solution.
I implore the city councilors to approve these restrictions.
I also agree with mgwa.
Marti Bowen-
electric and battery operated are just as loud plus the use of generators. doesn’t make sense.
to reduce the number of gas blowers used per property makes more sense
mgwa —
I think you’re reading a whole lot more into my writing than is there.