A new ordinance on gas-powered leaf blowers will make neighborhoods along the Main Line quieter over the next several years.
On Monday, June 1, Lower Merion Township enacted a gradual phase-out ban of leaf blowers. According to the ordinance, the fines start at $100. These restrictions apply to everyone who lives and works in the township, including landscapers.
This year, individuals are not permitted to use gas-powered leaf blowers from June 1 to Oct. 1. Next year, that period will run from Jan. 1 to April 1, in addition to June 1 to Oct. 1. In 2028, the period runs straight from Jan. 1 to Oct. 1, before the full ban begins on Jan. 1, 2029, according to a CBS News Philadelphia report.
Township officials cited pollution and contribution to climate change as reasons for the ban.
Electric-powered leaf blowing is allowed. However, using gas-powered generators to run corded electric leaf blowers will not be permitted.
Narberth has also enacted a similar ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, prohibiting their use from Sept. 1 to Oct. 1.
In 2027, the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in Narberth will be prohibited from Jan. 1 through April 1, and from June 1 through Oct. 1. In 2028, the use of gas-powered leaf blowers will be prohibited from Jan. 1 through Oct. 1. Beginning Jan. 1, 2029, and beyond, the use of gas-powered leaf blowers will be prohibited year-round in Narberth, according to a Main Line Times & Suburban report.