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.
Why won’t San Mateo effectively enforce the upcoming gas leaf blower ban?
The San Mateo City Council has unanimously agreed to ban gas leaf blowers in San Mateo. However, it is getting inadequate guidance on enforcement.
During the 10/6/25 gas leaf blower study session, the use of citizen affidavits for enforcement was blocked. Without them, gas leaf blower ban enforcement would rely on a code enforcement officer personally witnessing every violation. The San Mateo City Council acknowledged that is virtually impossible, and said that we would just have to trust landscaping business owners and property owners to voluntarily comply with the gas leaf blower ban.
Other cities, including Burlingame, have some form of gas leaf blower enforcement that relies in some part on citizens witnessing violations. Quiet Clean San Mateo is asking for a compromise – something in alignment with how other cities have enforced their gas leaf blower bans. After all, landscaping workers are most at risk from gas leaf blower pollution. The community only wants to offer a helping hand to code enforcement, just as we do with other types of problems.
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?