Susan Africa and her husband Walter run a small landscape contracting business in Ardmore, Pa. They provide landscape maintenance services to large estates within Lower Merion Township. Like contractors nationwide, hand-held equipment is an important staple in their maintenance business.
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Township officials want to mandate the hours and days that a blower can be used – between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday – and the number of blowers used on a single property – one, except during the leaf collection season of October, November and December, in which two can be used. But, that’s only until Jan. 1, 2011, at which time two blowers can never be used on one property, even during leaf collection season.
Approved gas-powered leaf blowers are those with an operating decibel level that does not exceed 65 dba. The oldest blower Susan and Walter use is 3 years old and it does not meet the proposed decibel standard.
At least one hearing has already been held. Susan fears that the ordinance will be passed this month before she can round up her fellow contractors and equipment suppliers to tell their story. The township is not being forthcoming with information even though Walter has operated a legitimate landscape business in the area for more than 25 years. The four-employee firm maintains 10 estates. One of them is 25 acres. If blower use is restricted, they would be required to manually rake the property.
A call for the ban apparently stems from one retired individual who is tired of hearing blowers before 8 a.m. on Saturday morning. The township already mandates that equipment – gas-powered blowers, jack hammers, etc. – cannot be used before 8 a.m. Rather than reporting a violator of that particular ordinance, or appealing to the town for improved enforcement, the individual has organized the Lower Merion County Citizens for Action Against Leafblowers.
“The whole thing is insane,” Susan says. “Next they’ll be blaming blowers for global warming. How can they expect us to rake our estate properties? Our customers will have to pay the (increased labor) price. In turn, that may take a bite out of our other services like planting beds.”
Susan and Walter maintain properties in an area called Main Line. It’s an affluent area where customers demand pristine surroundings. Living areas are part of the outside grounds. Pool covers and trellises need to be blown daily. When parties are held over the weekend, their crew may be on the property all day Saturday planting flowers and readying the grounds for the party goers.
Parties aside, Saturdays represent a back-up day for times when rain washes out regularly scheduled maintenance.
“Our workers are dependent on their income,” Susan says. “These are employees who have worked for us for 20 years. We’re above board. They have health insurance and they have families to feed.”
Curiously, the ban does not include townships that send out 20-man crews to clean the area’s parks throughout the week and on Saturdays.
Susan hopes the township commissioners will listen to the voice of reason. Fast action is required and she hopes she can convince her peers to turn out in force.
For gas-powered blowers to remain a staple in your business, take heed of Susan’s story. Responsible use and good etiquette should be adhered. Issues such as this are popping up in communities across the U.S. For an update on the national situation, turn to page 58.
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