Ban On Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Underway: Village Of Northbrook

NORTHBROOK, IL — Last month, the Northbrook Village Board approved a partial ban on gas-powered blowers. The ban, which went into effect Jan. 1, will be in place during the months of December through March and May through September.

According to officials, the ban will allow landscape contractors and residents to use gas-powered leaf blowers during a four-week spring clean-up window (April 1 to April 30) and an eight-week fall clean-up window (Oct. 1 to Nov. 30). The regulations do not affect the use of electric leaf blowers, including battery-powered and corded options.

"It's a shorter turnaround in terms of maintenance. The noise level is miniscule compared to my neighbors," Trustee Robert Israel, who has been working with his landscaper on the adaptation of the electric leaf blowers, said at Tuesday night's Northbrook Village Board meeting. "I would ask that people give this an opportunity to be adopted and encouraged."

Starting Monday, the Village began offering an incentive program to assist registered landscape contractors to transition to electric leaf blowers. The program, available on a first-come, first-served basis, offers an instant rebate for an electric leaf blower package at the Northbrook Ace Hardware Store, 1941 Cherry Lane.

To qualify, contractors must have a current contractor business license, complete the Landscape Contractor Incentive Program application, and either be based in Northbrook or serve at least two clients within the Village. Vouchers for this program are available exclusively from the sustainability coordinator.

Village President Kathryn Ciesla said she researched the ban while preparing her annual state of the village address, scheduled for Jan. 31.

"There is a bill in the senate, and/or there was, for the state of Illinois, and a bill in the House, to ban the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers," Ciesla said. "I'm not certain that it is going to go anywhere."

RELATED: State Of The Village Address Will Include Q&A — Village Of Northbrook

In addition, the Village is offering an incentive program to help residents make the same transition. The program will also operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents can receive an instant $40 discount on electric leaf blowers purchased at the Northbrook Ace Hardware Store. The discount applies to both battery-powered and corded electric leaf blowers from various manufacturers, including Ego, Craftsman, Dewalt, and more. Vouchers for this program are available only at the point of sale at Ace Hardware.

"It really is a good thing. The notable difference in noise level alone in my neighborhood as a result of the adoption of this has been significant," Israel said. "Be patient with it. Give it some time and I think you'll like it."