Zero emissions landscaping

Beginning 2024, California will ban sales of new gas-powered tools under 25 horsepower.

This will be a big change for landscaping companies, especially small businesses. Because commercial landscaping tools only last a few years before they need replacement, landscaping professionals will need to replace their existing gas-powered tools with electric models shortly after January 1, 2024.

The most common gas-powered tools used by professional landscaping companies include:

• leaf blowers
• pole-mounted chain saws
• hand-held chain saws
• lawnmowers
• hedge trimmers
• weed wackers
• lawn edgers

All of these tools and most specialty landscaping equipment can be replaced with high quality, commercial-grade electric alternatives. Modern commercial-grade electric motors and batteries have a production capacity comparable to gas engines. Additionally, a commercial-grade electric leaf blower can save nearly $1500 in fuel and other operational costs over one year of operation, as compared to a similar gas-powered tool.

Will there be a countywide ban?

The County will not enforce a countywide ban on the use of gas-powered tools. Gas-powered tools will phase out due to the 2024 state ban.

In Marin, the landscaping industry employs many lower-income workers, immigrants, and other historically underserved groups. Many Marin landscaping companies are small, minority-owned businesses. A countywide ordinance would force an unnecessary financial burden on these vulnerable communities.

Instead, we will provide educational resources and assist landscaping businesses with this transition.

Many towns and cities in Marin already have their own small-engine usage ban. Learn more about your jurisdiction's existing ordinance.

What can you do to help?

Encourage your landscaping contractor to use a zero-emission approach. You can also:

• Limit landscaping hours
• Limit power tool use hours on mornings, evenings, and weekends
• Consider low maintenance, water-saving landscaping alternatives

Resources are available to help your landscaping contractor make this transition. Visit the Resources for Landscaping Contractors and Businesses page for more information.