The City of Alexandria has fully transitioned from gas-powered to electric leaf blowers as it prepares to implement a citywide ban on the gas devices later this year.
The city reported this week that it has completed the transition to electric devices for city maintenance and operations. The May 17 phase-out came one year after City Council approved the ban, which made Alexandria the first locality in Virginia to approve such a measure.
“By switching to electric equipment first, City staff are ready to lead by example and demonstrate the positive environmental and noise control benefits compared to the gas-powered machines,” the city said in a release.
The gas-powered leaf blower ban will extend to contractors and residents Nov. 17, 2026, after an 18-month phase-out period. The city says citations for violations will be issued when the full ban takes effect. Penalties are the same as a noise code violation — a violation notice followed by fines between $100 and $500 for repeated offenses. If a landscaping company a property owner hired is caught using a gas-powered leaf blower, the city says both could be fined.
The ban was sought to address both noise and environmental concerns associated with gas-powered leaf blowers. City staff noted that while some electric models might be loud, studies show they produce lower decibel levels at frequencies that do not travel as far or penetrate homes as readily as gas-powered devices.
On air pollution, the city noted that gas-powered devices can emit carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter associated with respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems and certain cancers.
Other D.C.-area localities that have implemented gas-powered leaf blower bans include D.C. and Montgomery County, Md. D.C.’s ban has been in effect for three years, while Montgomery County’s ban on sales took effect July 1, 2024, with a use ban beginning July 1, 2025.
Leaf blowers are regulated under Alexandria’s noise ordinance, which allows the devices to be used from 7 a.m.- 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. weekends and holidays.
