Lower Merion Township

Ban status

Phased fuel-source ban adopted Nov 19, 2025 (amended 2026 to exempt wheeled gas equipment). Gas-powered handheld/backpack leaf blowers prohibited on a widening seasonal schedule -- June 1-Oct 1 in 2026; Jan 1-Apr 1 & June 1-Oct 1 in 2027; Jan 1-Oct 1 in 2028 -- becoming a year-round total ban on Jan 1, 2029. Portable gas generators used to charge electric blowers are also prohibited.

Timeline

• 2026-06-01Effective date reached — Seasonal gas-powered leaf blower ban takes effect in Lower Merion Township

Research & citations

• Lower Merion Banned Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers — Now Residents Fight Over What It Means— gas leaf blowers, 2026-06-23T15:43:53.000Z
  Lower Merion Township, PA enacted a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, and residents are now in dispute over how the ordinance should be interpreted and enforced. The article tracks the evolving controversy around the township's leaf blower ban.
• Seasonal gas-powered leaf blower ban in effect in Lower Merion Township; Radnor weighing its own— gas leaf blowers, 2026-06-01T20:47:22.000Z
  Lower Merion Township's seasonal restriction on gas-powered leaf blowers is back in effect, while neighboring Radnor Township is reportedly weighing a ban of its own.
• Seasonal gas-powered leaf blower ban takes effect in Lower Merion Township— gas leaf blowers, 2026-06-01T18:49:40.000Z
  Lower Merion Township's gas-powered leaf blower restrictions took effect Monday, June 1st, under the township's new regulations limiting use of the equipment seasonally.
• Lower Merion restrictions on gas-powered leaf blowers begin June 1— Mainline Media News, 2026-06-01
  Full phase-in schedule: 2026 Jun 1-Oct 1; 2027 Jan 1-Apr 1 & Jun 1-Oct 1; 2028 Jan 1-Oct 1; year-round Jan 1 2029. Adopted November 2025.
• Lower Merion Township — Gas Powered Leaf Blower Restrictions Begin June 1— Lower Merion Township, 2026-05-22
  Township notice: handheld/backpack gas blowers + gas generators restricted from June 1 2026; seasonal ramp through 2028, full-year ban 2029.
• Haverford Landscapers Oppose Gas Blower Ban Coming to Lower Merion— gas leaf blowers, 2026-04-28
  Landscapers based in Haverford Township appeared before commissioners to voice opposition to a gas-powered leaf blower ban advancing in neighboring Lower Merion Township. The ban has not yet reached Haverford, but commercial operators are raising concerns preemptively about its impact on their businesses.
• Narberth Borough phases out gas-powered leaf blowers by 2029, following Lower Merion's ban— gas leaf blowers, 2026-04-28
  Narberth Borough (PA) passed a seasonal ban on gas-powered leaf blowers that will phase them out entirely by 2029, bringing its code in line with neighboring Lower Merion Township's existing ban.
• A Pennsylvania community amends gas-powered leaf blower ban (6abc)— 6abc Philadelphia, 2026-01-01
  2026 amendment exempting wheeled gas-powered equipment; first seasonal phase June 1, full ban by 2029.
• Gas-powered leaf blowers banned after Lower Merion commissioners vote (CBS)— CBS Philadelphia, 2025-11-20
  Commissioners voted Nov 19 2025 to ban gas leaf blowers; phased out 2026-2028, completely banned 2029.
• Lower Merion Township Code Ch. 92, Art. III — Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers (Ord. 4322)— Lower Merion Township Code (eCode360), 2025-11-19
  Codified township ordinance (Ord. 4322, adopted Nov 19 2025): gas-powered leaf blower prohibition phasing in 2026 (Jun 1–Oct 1) to 2027 (adds Jan 1–Apr 1) to 2028 (Jan 1–Oct 1) to year-round Jan 1 2029, with scope (all persons/properties) and tiered penalties ($100/$250/$600).
• Lawn Equipment Electrification — Lower Merion Sustainability Office— Lower Merion Township
  Official township regulations page: full legislative history (amended gas-blower ordinance adopted by the Board of Commissioners Nov 19 2025) and the 2026-2029 phase-in schedule (2026 Jun1-Oct1; 2027; 2028; year-round Jan 1 2029).
• Gas-powered leaf blowers banned; the details— Philadelphia Inquirer, 2025-11-20
• Lower Merion is banning gas-powered leaf blowers — what to know— WHYY
• Lawn Equipment Electrification: Leaf Blower Regulations — WeConservePA