Fury as new ‘upkeep’ law will fine homeowners $200 for common yard maintenance practice

Massachusetts homeowners are furious over a new maintenance law that threatens them with fines of up to $200 for using gas-powered leaf blowers, even on their own property.

Arlington residents are expressing outrage as the city prepares to impose fines of up to $200 on homeowners who use a common garden tool that has been targeted by a sweeping new “maintenance” and noise control law.

The regulation was approved at the municipal meeting and began to be implemented in stages in 2023.

It reached an important milestone this spring when commercial landscapers were permanently banned from using gas blowers effective March 15, 2025.

Residents still have a few months before the rules tighten further. Starting March 15, 2026, homeowners will also be prohibited from using gas-powered blowers.

Until then, residents can only use gas-powered blowers during two seasonal windows, March 15 to May 31 and September 15 to December 30, and only during limited hours.

Electric blowers remain legal all year round but can only be used from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and public holidays.

The application is already in progress. First-time offenders receive a written warning, followed by a fine of $100, then $200 for each subsequent offense.

Gas-powered leaf blowers, once a gardening staple, are now at the center of Arlington’s sweeping ban.

The new law threatens Arlington residents with fines of up to $200 for using gas-powered leaf blowers on their own property.

Penalties apply to both the property owner and the landscaper, meaning residents can be fined for infractions committed by a hired crew on their property.

Complaints must be filed with the city health department and include the name of the operator, the location and time of the incident and the signature of the complainant.

Electric blowers are only permitted from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends and public holidays.

Arlington’s decision reflects a growing national trend to phase out gas-powered lawn equipment.

The controversy extends well beyond Arlington, with online debates highlighting how polarizing the rule has become.

One Reddit user wrote: “This can’t happen fast enough. Not only is it much better for the environment, but electric ones are so much quieter! I am so annoyed by the noise of gas powered lawn equipment in late summer.

Another added: “Bored well before summer ends. People also use them at all hours, inconsiderately.

“I’ve wanted this for decades,” said another.

Others mocked the leaf blower obsession. “Leaf blowers act as if the 2nd Amendment applies to them. You can pry them out of their cold, dead hands,” one commenter joked, while another added: “God forbid they remember the existence of brooms and rakes.”

But not everyone is on board with the change. “I will never go all electric because it’s wasteful where I live,” explained one user.

“The battery doesn’t last long and the time lost makes me never want to use it again.” Another highlighted the practical challenges facing teams: “Workers can’t use batteries all day unless they have around 20 of them. »

Reddit users across the country have sparked fury over the new rule as online debates reveal how controversial the issue has become.

According to USA TODAY, the fight against leaf blowers has intensified as environmental groups, public health advocates and lawmakers work to eliminate the noisy, polluting machines that have been in use since the early 1970s.

Major regions have already adopted bans. Washington, D.C., now fines businesses or individuals up to $500 per violation under its Leaf Blower Regulations Amendment Act.

Environmental groups say the shift is essential: “Transitioning to battery-powered landscaping equipment is a more sustainable alternative that would bring us closer to meeting climate action goals and reduce harmful health effects,” a California-based group told USA TODAY.

Even major retailers are signaling the end of gas-powered tools. According to the Public Interest Research Group, giants like Home Depot and Lowe’s have already reduced their inventory of gas-powered lawn equipment in favor of electric models.

California passed AB1346, banning the sale of gas-powered blowers and weed eaters effective July 1, 2024.

Dozens of cities, from San Diego to Denver to Montclair, New Jersey, have adopted similar restrictions.

Restrictions on gas-powered tools reflect a growing national push for quieter, cleaner alternatives.

Homeowners and landscapers are adjusting to new restrictions on yard maintenance equipment.

However, Texas and Florida have passed laws preventing cities from issuing outright bans, arguing that the rules unfairly target landscapers and harm the oil and gas industry.

Some states and cities are offering financial incentives to accelerate the switch to electric. Dallas, Austin and Louisville offer discounts, as do states like Indiana, Massachusetts, Nebraska and Wyoming.