The City of Rockville is reminding residents that Montgomery County’s ban on gas-powered leaf blowers and leaf vacuums is now in effect and applies to properties in the city.
The countywide ban is intended to reduce air emissions and reliance on fossil fuels while limiting health impacts associated with the equipment, including hearing loss and cardiovascular and respiratory issues. A separate ban on the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers and vacuums took effect in 2024.
Montgomery County offers rebates to help residents and businesses transition to electric leaf blowers. The law prohibits the use of handheld, backpack, and walk-behind gas-powered leaf removal equipment on private and commercial property, as well as by local and county government. It does not apply to Montgomery County Public Schools or Montgomery Parks, which are managed by the state of Maryland. Violations will carry a $500 fine. Additional information about the ban and available rebates is available through the Montgomery County leaf blower program.
Rockville is also reminding residents that Montgomery County’s restrictions on nonorganic pesticides apply within the city. The law prohibits most nonorganic pesticides on private lawns, playgrounds, mulched recreation areas and child care facilities. The city recommends several alternatives for maintaining lawns without restricted pesticides, including soil testing, aerating compacted soil, using compost and other natural materials, mowing grass at a height of more than four inches, leaving grass clippings on lawns and pulling weeds by hand.
Residents are also encouraged to overseed lawns to create denser grass that makes it more difficult for weeds to become established. Fall is considered the best time for broad overseeding, while bare or thin areas can be repaired during the spring and summer.
Additional information about organic lawn care is available through Montgomery County’s lawn care program.
