Small, gas-powered engines are on the verge of surpassing cars as the top polluters in California. Operating a gasoline lawn mower for just one hour emits as much smog-forming pollution as driving a car for 45 miles. Together, gas-powered lawn equipment contributes about 5% of U.S. CO2 emissions annually.
Not only do gas-powered garden tools add to overall air pollution, but the gardeners who use them are exposed to harmful exhaust fumes that can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and respiratory illnesses. This year, California has prohibited the sale of gas-powered lawn equipment.
Fortunately, there are various reliable, powerful electric alternatives available to replace your smog-producing lawn care tools.
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Leaf Blowers
Most leaf blowers use a two-stroke engine that requires a fuel-oil mixture. These engines only combust 70% of the fuel, leading to nearly 300 times the hydrocarbon emissions of a pickup truck.
While some argue that leaf blowers are unnecessary and leaves should be raked instead of blown, if you find them useful, electric models offer similar performance ratings to gas-powered ones without the emissions.
Lawn Mowers
Gas mowers spill more fuel annually than the Exxon Valdez disaster.
While lawn mowers may not be as easy to do without as leaf blowers, there are numerous gas alternatives available. For the most environmentally friendly option, consider a push mower. However, if powered equipment is necessary, electric models, whether corded or battery-powered, offer comparable performance to gas lawn mowers with less noise and pollution.
Hedge Trimmers
Before opting for a hedge trimmer, consider if you truly need one. Maintaining a hedge, regardless of the tools used, can be high maintenance. If space allows, consider planting an edible hedge that doesn’t require formal trimming.
If you have a large hedge that manual shears can’t manage, electric hedge trimmers are the better choice. They are quieter and more powerful than gas trimmers.
String Trimmer
Whether you call it a weed whacker or weed eater, the string trimmer is indispensable for unkempt lawns and tight spaces inaccessible to mowers.
Consider the trade-offs between gas and electric trimmers. While gas trimmers are loud, polluting, and can cause physical damage, electric trimmers have limitations with extension cords and power for dense growth. In some cases, manual tools or hiring goats might be preferable to power tools.
Editor’s Note: This article, originally published on July 17, 2018, was most recently updated in August 2024.
