Leaf Blower Law 2023
New Rules for Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
As you may know, more and more municipalities across the country are restricting the use of gas-powered leaf blowers, due to air and noise pollution. Meanwhile, recent improvements and price-reductions have made electric leaf blowers a more viable alternative than ever before.
Nyack Village Board recently amended local law section 238-4 Prohibited Noises to phase out gas powered leaf blower use in the Village. This transition puts Nyack in line with a number of towns in our area who have already adopted similar regulations, and reflects a growing demand for landscaping methods that are safer for workers and communities, less polluting, and more sustainable.
The terms of the Nyack Village ordinance are as follows:
2023 Seasonal Phase-Out: For the remainder of 2023, gas leaf blowers may be used for Spring and Fall clean-up, between March 15 and May 15, and September 15 through December 15. (During these periods, gas leaf blowers may only be used from 8:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays; and 12 noon until 5:00 p.m. on Sundays and legal holidays.)
2024 Restricted Year-Round: Starting in 2024, the use of gas leaf blowers will be prohibited at all times. Electric and battery-powered leaf blowers are permitted year-round, but still subject to the daily hours of operation listed above.
ENFORCEMENT: This law applies to anyone using a leaf blower, whether professional or amateur, and can be enforced by police, parking and code enforcement officials. The penalty for offense is not to exceed $500 for first offense, and increases with successive offenses.
The Village of Nyack is aware that these restrictions will require businesses and property owners to make adjustments to their equipment and perhaps to the landscaping methods they use. We appreciate your cooperation as together we strive for a more healthy and sustainable community. See the village website for more information.
You can find the full text of the law here.
Making This Transition Together: Helpful Resources
The Village of Nyack is aware that these restrictions will require property- and home-owners to make adjustments to their equipment and perhaps to the landscaping methods they use. The Village will do what it can to ease the transition by providing the following useful links and resources related to electric equipment, sustainable leaf and lawn management practices, and educational videos/workshops to educate yourself and your neighbors about the harmful impacts of gas leaf blowers and the array of alternatives.
The Harmful Impacts of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers
Science Moms: Did you know gas leaf blowers are bad for our kids’ health? [Video]
Clean Air Collective: Why Are Leaf Blowers So Bad?
CleanQuietPDX: Gas Powered Leaf Blowers Noise and Emissions Fact Sheet
The Atlantic: The Public Health Menace of Fall in America [Video]
Yale Climate Connections: Are Leaf Blowers Bad for Us? [Article]
Sustainable Alternatives for Managing Leaves
Leave Leaves Alone https://www.leaveleavesalone.org/
Love ‘Em and Leave ‘Em http://www.leleny.org/
Rockland Green https://www.rocklandgreen.com/news-and-events/a-gardeners-dream-free-mulch/
Healthy Yards https://www.healthyyards.org/
Electric Leaf Blower Reviews and Buying Guides
NYT | Wirecutter The Best Leaf Blower
Popular Mechanics The Best Cordless Leaf Blowers of 2023
Consumer Reports Leaf Blower Buying Guide
The Spruce The Nine Best Cordless Leaf Blowers of 2023, Tested
For Landscapers
American Green Zone Alliance https://agza.net/
Clean Technica The Fully Electric Future of Landscape Maintenance
Leave the Leaves.org Tips for Professionals
AP News Blowers, Mowers, and More: American Yards Quietly Go Electric
Level Green Landscaping 5 Challenges When Changing from Gas to Electric
The Washington Post Lawn Care is Going Electric, and the Revolution Is Here to Stay
