LETTER TO THE EDITOR: We don’t need to use the ‘B’ word when it comes to blowers
To the Editor:
In January, the City of Palm Beach banned gas-powered leafblowers on land less than one acre. And in October of last year, the City of Naples implemented a similar ordinance, whereby only battery-powered leaf blowers are allowed.
Could that happen here? My view is, probably not.
The Beacon has periodically published letters to the editor about leafblowers. Most of those have appealed for something close to an outright ban on all leafblowers. The problem with that position is, too much is invested in good-looking properties on Gasparilla Island … and lawn crews gotta work.
Having said that, property owners and managers have the wherewithal to do something about what has become the grating soundtrack of our island from sunup to sundown. Buy a cordless electric leafblower for your house when your landscaping crew comes to blow.
I require my crew to use my EGO brand 145 hp, 600 cfm, 56 volt, lithium-ion cordless leafblower. That’s the backpack version that has comparable power and air flow to the two-cycle gas blowers standard with most landscape crews. It makes a strong “whoosh” sound when running – the decibel rating is about 65 db, which is what the Palm Beach and Naples ordinances call out. A normal conversation is around 60 db. A two-stroke gas-powered leafblower is usually 90+ db. A plane taking off is 105 db. Bear in mind, it is not just the decibels but also the “whine” of gas leafblowers that can get to you.
My backpack EGO with a larger rechargeable battery costs about $420 (available at Ace Hardware, Home Depot, Lowes and Amazon). There are plenty of hand-held versions that are just as powerful for around $250. Everyone is getting into them – Toro, Black & Decker, DeWalt plus a range of brands you haven’t heard of but are making strong entries into this fast-growing electric landscaping tools sector.
Why won’t your landscape crew buy them to use? Battery life will be the main problem for a crew that is busy all day blowing. My EGO will last about an hour before needing a recharge. Other models claim up to 180 minutes. But that’s plenty of time for my property. That’s why I insist they use my EGO that is hanging in the tool closet when they come to my house. They have no complaint with that. Already Gasparilla Landscaping is using rechargeable hand-helds for some clients in Boca Bay. It is also worth noting that EGO over the last year has developed a commercial line of products for landscapers. And in some areas, landscapers have taken the plunge and outfitted their trailers with a bank of batteries which they can charge up at night.
All you have to do is ask your landscaper to use electric leafblowers and, if necessary, go buy one for them to use when they come to your house. Your island will thank you.
Sam Howe
Damficare Street
