Massachusetts Town Considers Seasonal Leaf Blower Ban

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NEWTON, Mass. – About a dozen landscapers showed up at the Programs and Services Committee meeting last week, where the panel voted in favor of a proposed seasonal ban on the use of leaf blowers.

A public hearing on the ban is being scheduled for early June. If approved by the full Board of Aldermen, the use of leaf blowers on properties smaller than 5 acres would only be allowed April 1 to May 1 and then Oct. 1 to Dec. 1.

Alderman Dick Blazar, a member of the Programs and Services Committee, said he likes the idea of a three-year, seasonal ban. At the end of three years, the board could evaluate the effect and possibly ban the use of leaf blowers altogether. “I think it’ll be a good thing to try and see how it works,” Blazar said.

The Newton Board of Aldermen considered a ban several years ago, but after much public opposition, didn’t approve it.

For the full article, click here.

Read a letter from Newton landscapers on the potential ban, here.