NJ Landscapers Sue Maplewood Over Leaf Blower Ban

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The sound of silence may be golden, but the benefits of Maplewood’s leaf blower ban are borne on the backs of its landscapers, an industry group claims.

The New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association (NJLCA) and nine individual landscape companies recently filed a civil suit against the town of Maplewood, NJ.com reported. They are miffed at the town’s controversial ban, which prohibits the use of commercial, non-electric leaf blowers from May 15 to Sept. 30.

While the ban doesn't apply to Maplewood residents or non-commercial associations, it weighs heavy on local landscaping businesses, who are only allowed to use gas-powered leaf blowers when the ban isn't in effect, and only then during restricted hours (Mondays to Fridays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) On Sundays, only residents can use leaf blowers from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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The ban cites "health hazards" and the "annoyance to area residents" as the reason for the regulations. First offenses are punishable with a $500 fine, which increases to $1,000 for a second offense and a $1,500 fine for a third offense.

• See related article: Maplewood Leaf Blower Ban Returns

According to the NJ.com report, here are some of the reasons why the landscaper community says Maplewood’s ban is unfair:

• The law doesn’t apply equally to all (residents and municipal workers are still allowed to use the devices)
• Landscapers are forced to use "inefficient and time-consuming methods” like rakes, brooms and hoses in lieu of leaf blowers
• The ban has affected their financial bottom line, causing “an adverse impact on business and goodwill”

After the Maplewood leaf blower ban was passed, MRCTV pointed out that there are many technological devices in the daily lives of Maplewood residents that also increase noise and pollution, but which aren't being demonized the same way leaf blowers are.

"State Route 124 runs directly through the town, and Interstates 280 and 78 are located nearby," MRCTV stated. "Since federal highway safety mucky-mucks note in official releases that highway noise is generally 30 to 35 dB(A) louder than what most humans like, one wonders why the town council is not banning highway travel to reduce noise and air pollution."

Maplewood isn't the only Essex County municipality to ban or regulate the use of leaf blowers.

When the town's nearby Essex County neighbor, Montclair, enacted its leaf blower ban, several landscapers and leaf blower supporters expressed concern about the effects the law would have on local businesses and their employees.

• See related article: Montclair Remains Divided On Leaf Blower Law

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