Will the transition to gas leaf blowers result in higher prices for lawn services?

Data obtained from a wide range of pricing sources show no pattern of significantly higher prices for lawn services in communities that have banned gas-powered leaf blowers (GPLBs).  

The cost of residential landscaping in communities comparable to those in Lower Merion that have already successfully banned GPLBs (Montclair NJ, Maplewood NJ, White Plains NY, Chevy Chase MD and Bethesda MD) is roughly the same (and sometimes lower) than comparable services in Lower Merion. 

For example, the cost of bi-weekly lawn service is typically between $55 and $85 per visit in Montclair NJ, while comparable service in Bryn Mawr and Bala Cynwyd is typically between $60 and $90 per visit. It has been three years since Montclair prohibited the use of GPLBs.  

This pattern is consistent with the evidence that initial investments in battery-powered leaf blowers can be rapidly recouped due to reduced time obtaining fuel, zero costs in paying for gas, and much lower maintenance costs. 

Yet there are now some landscapers raising alarm among their clients in Lower Merion with the claim that, because of the initial investment to switch, they will need to raise their prices.  Indeed, a Lower Merion resident on a fixed income was told by his landscape company that they would need to cut trees down on his property because the leaf clean-up costs would become unaffordable if GPLBs were banned! 

The evidence in this systematic comparison with communities – just like ours in Lower Merion – that have had GPLB bans in place shows that prices for lawn services after bans take effect are not higher.  Fears of price increases are therefore unwarranted.  

This conclusion is supported by the testimony given by Maplewood, NJ’s Mayor Nancy Adams to our Board of Commissioners on October 22.

MAPLEWOOD IS BETTER NOW
Since 2023, Maplewood, NJ has had a year-round ban of gas leaf blowers. Listen to Mayor Nancy Adams describe how this town prioritized public health, switched from gas, and made life better for the people of Maplewood.