Montgomery County passed legislation in 2024 to address environmental, noise, and health concerns related to gas-powered leaf blowers and vacuums. Sales of gas-powered equipment have been banned since July 1, 2024, and the ban on their use officially begins this Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
The law prohibits the use of handheld, backpack, and walk-behind gas-powered leaf removal equipment on private and commercial property, as well as by local and county government. It does not apply to Montgomery County Public Schools or Montgomery Parks, which are managed by the state of Maryland.
To support the transition, the County is offering rebates for the purchase of electric leaf blowers. Starting July 1, violations will carry a $500 fine. According to the County, the ban is aimed at reducing harmful emissions, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, and minimizing health risks such as hearing loss and respiratory disease.
Montgomery County issued the following reminder on June 26th: “Montgomery County is reminding residents and businesses that starting July 1 the use of gas-powered leaf blowers and leaf vacuums — including backpack, handheld and walk-behind models — will no longer be allowed.
The legislation, passed by the County Council and signed by County Executive Marc Elrich in October of 2023, phased out the sale and use of gas-powered leaf removal equipment in favor of quieter and cleaner electric alternatives.
“This change is about protecting public health and improving quality of life,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Gas-powered leaf blowers are loud and harmful to the people who use them and to the neighborhoods where they’re used. Electric alternatives are quieter, cleaner and more sustainable. Offering rebates and information, we have been working to make this transition as smooth as possible, especially for small businesses and landscapers, because everyone deserves less noise in their communities.”
The ban applies to all handheld, backpack, and walk-behind gas-powered leaf blowers and vacuums used in residential, commercial and public spaces. An exception is made for agricultural producers. The law also applies to Montgomery County Government properties.
Key details:
-
Prohibition on the use
of handheld, backpack and walk-behind gas-powered leaf blowers and leaf vacuums will begin on July 1, 2025. -
Limited Rebates
are available July 1 to help offset the cost of replacing gas-powered equipment with electric models. -
Noise limits
remain in place: Leaf blowers and vacuums must not exceed 70 decibels at a distance of 50 feet.
“We recognize that this transition represents a significant change, particularly for landscapers and small business owners,” said Jon Monger, Director of the County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). “That’s why we’ve developed a comprehensive support system—including rebates, multilingual outreach and educational resources—to ease the shift to electric equipment. Our priority remains helping every resident and business successfully adapt to this new standard.”
To aid in the transition from gas powered lawn equipment to battery powered lawn equipment DEP has:
- Hosted a Landscaping with Batteries Workshop & Field Day for landscape professionals.
- Advertised in English and Spanish through radio, digital ads, bus ads, mailers, social media, gas pump toppers, and other channels.
- Connected with landscapers and residents through direct conversations across Montgomery County.
DEP continues to work directly with local landscaping companies and independent contractors to promote awareness and assist with rebate access.
For more information about the law, the rebate program, compliance resources and the July 15 public hearing visit the County’s
Leaf Blower Transition
website.”
