Why Switch to an Electric Leaf Blower?

Gas-powered leaf blowers create excessive noise, spew toxic chemical compounds, such as formaldehyde and hydrocarbons, and spread animal feces particulates.

One hour of gas-powered leaf blower operation is equivalent to driving a car 1,100 miles (Los Angeles to Denver) – that’s 498 times more hydrocarbons, 49 times more particulate matter, and 26 times more carbon monoxide emitted!

Gas-powered leaf blowers can generate noise up to 112 decibels (as loud as a car horn at 3 feet), and spread dust and particulate matter at hurricane-level speeds (over 200 mph).

Electric leaf blowers are available at competitive prices and cause significantly less noise pollution, without a significant reduction in power. The Town purchased two electric leaf-blowers that have been used successfully at the Town Center.

• Use on lowest possible speed and place nozzle as close to the ground as possible – creates less dust, less noise and wastes less fuel.
• Sweep or rake large piles first to reduce the amount of time a leaf blower needs to be used.
• Do not use leaf blowers on “softscape” surfaces such as dirt.Consider using a layer of large, wood-chip mulch around plants to help keep soil in place if a leaf blower is used nearby.
• Be aware of your surroundings – if there are people or animals close by, do not use until they’ve passed to start blowing to reduce their exposure to airborne dust and particulate matter.

Excessive blowing on "softscape" removes valuable topsoil, creates more dust and debris, and disrupts the natural mulching process that is beneficial to the soil.

The trade in program is now finished. 

The Program ran from January 1, 2020 until June 1, 2021

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped Portola Valley become a more resilient and climate friendly community.

If you have more question about leafblowers in Portola Valley please email Towncenter@portolavalley.net

 The use of gas leaf blowers in Portola Valley has been banned starting January 2021.  If you would like to report the use of a gas leaf blower please note the location and time of use.

Report the use of a gas leaf blower on the PV Connect App or webpage