How has DC's ban on gas-powered leaf blowers been working out?

Submitted by em_p_v t3_zzcih4 in washingtondc

I work remotely, which means I am lucky enough that I can work from anywhere, and I am looking to relocate because I have severe noise anxiety and where I live now, the constant noise from gas-powered leaf blowers is out of control. I know that Washington D.C. has had a ban on leaf blowers since January 1, 2022, but what I can't figure out is how it's going, and if it is actually enforced. So I thought it best to ask people who actually live there. Any thoughts? Thanks for the help.

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GenericReditAccount t1_j2azgh5 wrote

I’ve def noticed the landscaping companies that operate in my neck of the woods have made the switch. Individuals obviously weren’t required to, and it seems many have not.

Fwiw, the electric blowers are also noisy, just higher pitched. I def wouldn’t move to DC solely bc of this ban.

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em_p_v OP t1_j2b57kf wrote

Oh we have those too, and they are also noisy no doubt, but gas-powered is a whole other level of loud. Thanks for the info.

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random_generation t1_j2arvxu wrote

My neighbor has a lawn care company biweekly 3/4 of the year and they use gas-powered blowers.

Anecdotally, I’m not sure I’ve noticed anyone that’s actually made the switch.

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em_p_v OP t1_j2b51cv wrote

Thanks for the info. I found that you can report violations:

https://dcra.kustomer.help/contact/consumer-complaint-form-Sk6BW94Lu

But am not sure how popular, known, or practical it is. Also ratting on neighbors does not feel right, but these things are a menace so I don't know...

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Initial_Run1632 t1_j2e6ab9 wrote

Start by informing your neighbors. 90% they are not home when the landscapers are there, and have no idea what's actually happening. I have also called the company itself on a couple occasions to remind them the law, and let them know I will report them the next time. I do not understand your hesitancy; leaf blowers are a heinous pox on quality of life, as the regulations recognize.

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em_p_v OP t1_j2etv88 wrote

Totally with you, couldn't agree more.

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random_generation t1_j2ebb6g wrote

Some people just have bigger fish to fry 🤷🏼‍♂️

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Initial_Run1632 t1_j2ek4sj wrote

We all have bigger fish to fry. But someone's gotta look after the small fish, too.

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BubsterX1 t1_j2dlerm wrote

Same. My neighbor's lawn care company uses gas-powered blowers and even though it is a relatively small property the blowers literally seem to be going steady for well over an hour during leaf season. It is extremely annoying, but I have not dropped a dime on them.

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DrewinSWDC t1_j2bzihu wrote

Lol I see fucking dc gov employees using them still on the reg

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TechnoBagels t1_j2df7va wrote

the company that landscapes my neighborhood continued using gas-powered for months until someone reported them for it.

then, days later (what a coincidence!), told us their blowers were "stolen from their truck" during the most recent time they were doing our landscaping (the time someone reported them).

insurance fraud to buy new electric blowers? idk. I can't hear the new blowers from inside, so I'm happy.

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sadistbiker t1_j2baphb wrote

Still see them all the time. I’ve seen landscapers use an electric one a handful of times but it’s still pretty loud.

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BansheeLoveTriangle t1_j2b0jvt wrote

I’ve not seen a gas powered one since, but most of the ones I’ve seen were at DC government buildings

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em_p_v OP t1_j2b5z54 wrote

I just now escaped my home because of a leaf blower (he usually comes Monday, I hope it's because of the holiday, however, it just rained so for the first and only time all year, there are actually leaves on the ground). On my 15 min drive to the office (Pasadena) I usually see between 5 and 10 crews actively blowing (today closer to 10). So to hear "I've not seen one since" is a pretty big statement!

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alizadk t1_j2b8c2g wrote

It's a long ass commute from DC to Pasadena, even if you're living right off 295. I lived in Hill East and commuted to Ft. Meade. It usually took me half an hour to get there, and an hour-plus to get home. If you only have to go in occasionally, it might not be that bad, but even once a week would be rough.

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IcyWillow1193 t1_j2dfls4 wrote

Moving to DC to get away from noise isn't a great idea. You'll trade leaf blowers for much more obnoxious noises, such as every fifth car with a tricked out intentionally loud exhaust and every third car with the bass turned up so high your walls shake. Some DC burbs also have gas leaf blower bans - I would recommend looking at those first.

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