For a greener, safer san mateo
Quiet Landscaping in San Mateo
The Problem
Gas powered leaf blowers inflict large public pain for a small private gain. They use 19th century technology that disturbs the peace while spewing a host of harmful toxins and pollutants into our neighborhoods. It’s like lead in gasoline: it was never necessary, but it was allowed to poison our communities for decades.
Worker Safety
Using gas-powered leaf blowers places landscaping workers at high risk for hearing loss, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Air Pollution
Gas-powered leaf blowers spew unfiltered exhaust containing unburned gas and oil, carbon monoxide, acetaldehyde, benzene, formaldehyde, 1,3-butadiene and other hazardous chemicals into our air.
Extreme Noise
Gas-powered leaf blowers operate at 90 – 100 decibels, and their low-frequency noise penetrates doors and windows. This loud, persistent noise is a serious health hazard.
the combustion engine-powered leaf blower… [has] a net negative effect on human health and climate mitigation efforts compared with their electric analogs. [Its] ongoing use is therefore unjustifiable, warranting a citywide ban and replacement with battery-powered machines
Oakland Municipal Code Chapter 8.64
The Solution
Clean Power
Landscapes were well maintained before gas-powered leaf blowers took over our neighborhoods. Many pro landscapers know they’re not a necessary tool, and by using clean alternatives to leaf blowers in their clients’ yards, they’re cultivating thriving landscapes with just as much curb appeal, but also richer soil, healthier ecology, and less need for watering and fertilizer.
Bottom line–these clean alternatives produce better results and healthier neighborhoods.
Progress!
The San Mateo City Council held its final vote on the gas leaf blower ban on March 16, 2026. It passed unanimously! The ban will take effect January 1, 2027.
The ordinance can be viewed here.
We appreciate the fine efforts of San Mateo city staff and those of the San Mateo City Council. Council Member Lisa Diaz Nash introduced this ordinance, and has seen it through to the end. We suggest that supporters of the City of San Mateo gas leaf blower ban email their city council member to thank them. Their contact information can be found here.
It is also a big step forward for the City of San Mateo’s environmental goals. Gas leaf blowers are surprisingly heavy polluters! But the bigger victory is for public health, especially worker safety. Landscaping workers will benefit most from this ban! They are at “ground zero” for gas leaf blower health hazards, as described on this website.
We are pleased the City Council did not expand leaf blower operating hours. Sundays and selected holidays remain leaf blower-free!
While we are pleased that this ordinance passed, we feel the ordinance could have been improved by citing the public health motivation for the ban. Citing public health in the ordinance itself would have helped the community understand the immediate, positive benefits to landscaping workers. But community members may still spread the word about the public health and safety aspect of this change. Please do so!
We are also asking community members to “get ahead” of the effective date. Why wait? Landscaping customers are already telling their contractors what, when, and where to do their work. The only thing left is to tell them how: use electric equipment!
Finally, we have allies in nearby San Mateo County cities working on gas leaf blower bans. Unfortunately, it seems those cities are going through all the same steps the San Mateo, Burlingame and other cities did. First, attempting incentives alone for several years – a rebate for electric leaf blowers. Then, studying the issue multiple times over those years, seeking feedback from landscaping business owners. Those business owners, too often, are stuck in the ancient gas-powered ways and mistakenly believe there is no other way. Finally, all parties realize the days of gas-powered lawn equipment are long over, and a ban is necessary to complete the transition. Meanwhile, years pass, landscaping workers struggle, and blood pressures rise.
Why reinvent the wheel? Other cities could use what is already known through real world experience and move forward: electric lawn tools have been in commercial use for years, too many landscaping business owners will not replace their old gas tools until they are required to, and rebates/incentives are more of a nice gesture than they are a necessity.
Join Forces to Create Change
Get involved in the movement to bring about safer working conditions and quieter neighborhoods. Stand alongside passionate activists who are striving to make San Mateo a safer, more inviting place to live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can landscapers still make money with alternative tools?
Yes. In fact, they will see greater profits.
Aren’t gas-powered leaf blowers already banned in California?
No. California has banned only the sale of new 2-stroke gasoline engines. Without further action, gas-powered leaf blowers will plague our communities for many years to come.
How can landscapers pay for new tools?
The City of San Mateo is offering electric leaf blower rebates. There are also many financing options available, and alternative tools quickly pay for themselves via lower operating costs.
How will a gas-powered leaf blower ban impact low-income landscaping workers?
Gas-powered leaf blowers are most harmful to the workers who use them. Resisting circumstances that primarily harm low-income, often immigrant workers is a primary reason to ban gas-powered leaf blowers.
Will a gas-powered leaf blower ban increase landscaping service prices?
Is a convenient yard service worth endangering workers and ignoring the City of San Mateo’s climate goals?