With about four months to go until the City of Alexandria completely bans the use of gas-powered leaf blowers, the city government will hold a meeting Tuesday on specifics of the ban.
Residents, business owners, property owners and landscapers are invited to the meeting on the ban from 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 21. There are options to attend in person at the Charles Houston Recreation Center in the preschool activity room or virtually through Zoom (meeting ID 972 6916 1416 and passcode 575982).
Alexandria City Council had voted for the gas-powered leaf blower ban in May 2025. It went into effect for city operations on May 17, and it will apply to all residents, property owners and contractors across the city on Nov. 17.
“The purpose of this regulation is to eliminate unnecessary noise generated by gas-powered leaf blowers, reduce harmful air emissions from fuel, and protect healthy lungs and ears,” according to the city.
The ban will apply to any leaf blower or leaf vacuum powered by gasoline, diesel, alcohol or other liquid or gaseous fluid. The city recommends electric leaf blowers, leaving leaves in yards, mulching and using manual tools like rakes and push leaf sweepers as alternatives.
Civil penalties may be issued once the ban takes effect. Fines for repeated violations could range from $100 to $500 in accordance with the city’s noise ordinance. Violations will be reported through the city’s Environmental Quality staff at 703-746-4065 or the city’s 311 system.
Image via Philip Myrtorp/Unsplash
