TAB editorial: Newton leaf blower plan goes too far

TAB editorial: Newton leaf blower plan goes too far

Read the full editorial here.  

The voices of those bothered by leaf blowers have been heard loud and clear — especially during the past couple years. Their complaint is understandable: The blowers are indeed noisy and at times they are improperly utilized. Even many landscapers understand this.

But the regulations as proposed by P&S go too far — and in some cases could exacerbate the situation through unintended consequences. Consider this: If the 65-decibels limit were to be enforced (it currently is not, even though it is on the books) it would take two blowers to do the work of one, requiring more manpower by landscapers and probably taking longer per job. In other words: more expensive landscaping bills and an extended duration of noise.