Blower noise

Leaf-blower regulations nationwide

Many U.S. towns and counties now regulate leaf-blower noise. Some locales simply restrict blower use to certain times of the day or year. But others ban gasoline-powered leaf blowers while allowing only electric blowers, which, while far from silent, are still less noisy overall. And more than a dozen communities, mostly in California, have banned all gas and electric leaf blowers, leaving residents reaching for their rakes and brooms.

The list of leaf-blower regulations below is from the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse, a nonprofit organization based in Montpelier, Vt. If your community is listed here, check with your city or county clerk’s office just in case, because ordinances can change. Even if you don’t find your area on this list, double-check with your municipal or county government for the same reason.

And wherever you live, keep your neighbors happy by not running leaf blowers very early or late in the day, or for long periods of time. If you have a noisy neighbor who’s less courteous than you are, Neighbor wars: Keeping the peace offers advice on diffusing the situation courteously and effectively.

Essential information: Read our review leaf blowers, including Ratings (available to subscribers) or electric handheld, gasoline handheld, gasoline backpack, and gasoline wheeled blowers.