Leaf Blower Information
Beginning June 1, 2022, gas-powered leaf blowers are banned in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson during the summer and winter months (June 1 - August 31, and January 1 - March 31). The text of the law may be accessed here. Some exceptions apply. Please speak to your lawncare company, if you use one, to ensure compliance with this new law.
An informational flyer is available in both English and Spanish. Click here to access the flyer.
Why Croton Banned Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers in Summer and Winter Months
Air Quality
Two-stroke engines produce ultrafine particulate matter, or PM 10 and PM 2.5, which is a mixture of solid and liquid particles suspended in air. This pollution is made up of a number of components, including volatile organic compounds (e.g. benzene), and they aerosolize acids, metals, pesticides, soil particles, feces and allergens (pollen or mold spores) from the ground. Small particles 10 microns and less in diameter (PM10) pose the greatest problems, because they can get deep into the lungs; the smallest particles (PM 2.5) even get into the bloodstream, and can traverse the blood-brain barrier where they can cause inflammation. Larger particles can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and trigger asthma attacks.
Soil Quality
Leaf blowers worsen soil quality. Ask your landscaper to restrict their use to driveways and paths, and to use a mulching mower on your lawn that grinds leaves back into the soil.
Noise Pollution
Anything in excess of 85 decibels is damaging to the ears; leaf blowers regularly hit 115 decibels. Stereocilia in the inner ear, which are responsible for our hearing and balance, do not regenerate once damaged, meaning hearing impacts from lawn equipment noise is permanent. Noise pollution also adds to stress, which is one reason why communities everywhere have noise ordinances.
Why Croton Banned Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers in Summer and Winter Months
Air Quality
Two-stroke engines produce ultrafine particulate matter, or PM 10 and PM 2.5, which is a mixture of solid and liquid particles suspended in air. This pollution is made up of a number of components, including volatile organic compounds (e.g. benzene), and they aerosolize acids, metals, pesticides, soil particles, feces and allergens (pollen or mold spores) from the ground. Small particles 10 microns and less in diameter (PM10) pose the greatest problems, because they can get deep into the lungs; the smallest particles (PM 2.5) even get into the bloodstream, and can traverse the blood-brain barrier where they can cause inflammation. Larger particles can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and trigger asthma attacks.
Soil Quality
Leaf blowers worsen soil quality. Ask your landscaper to restrict their use to driveways and paths, and to use a mulching mower on your lawn that grinds leaves back into the soil.
Noise Pollution
Anything in excess of 85 decibels is damaging to the ears; leaf blowers regularly hit 115 decibels. Stereocilia in the inner ear, which are responsible for our hearing and balance, do not regenerate once damaged, meaning hearing impacts from lawn equipment noise is permanent. Noise pollution also adds to stress, which is one reason why communities everywhere have noise ordinances.
What Can You Do To Help?
The best way to manage leaves is to use a mulching mower to add their carbon back to the soil. You can ask your landscaper to do this. See Leave Leaves Alone for practical tips for homeowners and professionals, both in English and in Spanish. Mulching is actually beneficial for the grass!
Properties over 40,000 square feet in size may apply for a permit to operate gas-powered leaf blowers in summer or winter months; the exemption application is available here.
Exemptions
Properties maintained by the Croton-Harmon School District and Village of Croton-on-Hudson are exempt from the law.
Public utilities (Altice, Con Edison and Verizon) are exempt if using the equipment in association with utility work.
The Village Manager may temporarily authorize the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in case of emergency circumstances.
Questions
If you have questions regarding the Village's new gas-powered leaf blower law, please email the Croton Conservation Advisory Council at CCAC@crotononhudson-ny.gov.
Fines
Violation of the Village's law regarding gas-powered leaf blowers is punishable with a fine up to $250 per each violation.
Reporting Violations
During regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday), please call Code Enforcement at (914) 271-4783. After hours, please call the Police Department non-emergency line at (914) 271-5177.