If you follow news in the landscaping industry, you’ve probably heard about California’s emissions regulations and the dramatic impact it’s having on lawn and landscaping equipment. Phasing out small off-road engines (SORE) means that landscapers in California won’t have access to gasoline-powered equipment like lawnmowers, leaf blowers, and trimmers. It’s also paving the way for other states and regions to possibly pass their own regulations.
What’s Going On In California?
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) set emissions standards for SORE in 1990. Since then, manufacturing innovations and commitments to environmental protection resulted in efficient, low-emission gasoline engines. California didn’t think the reduced emissions were enough, though. New regulations effectively banned all gasoline-powered lawn and landscape equipment in 2024.
Homeowners and landscape professionals in California can still use gasoline-powered equipment they already own. However, to comply with new regulations, only zero-emission lawn equipment can be sold in California. This effectively bans the sale of gasoline-powered equipment, leaving only corded electric and battery-powered options available.
But What If I’m Not In California?
While California is the only state that’s taken steps to completely ban gasoline-powered lawn equipment, similar regulations are in the works for other states or cities. Several cities already ban the use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers. New York State currently has a bill that will, if it remains active, require new lawn equipment sales to be zero-emission starting in 2027.
Other locations that haven’t moved to ban gasoline equipment yet are taking steps to incentivize people to purchase electric lawn equipment. Here in Texas, Denton and Dallas plan to start offering rebates on purchases of electric-powered lawn equipment in 2025. The goal is to prompt a shift away from gasoline-powered equipment without outright banning its sale.
Incentives to purchase electric rather than bans on gasoline put us in a good position. It makes it easier for people planning to purchase new electric-powered equipment, which can be more expensive than comparable gasoline-powered models. It’s also good for those who still want or need the option to purchase gasoline-powered equipment.
What Are The No-Emissions Options?
In areas with no-emissions regulations, electric-powered lawn equipment is the only option. Corded electric models work if you have access to outdoor power outlets. However, the power cord can easily get in the way and it limits your range for using the equipment. Battery-powered equipment is a much more convenient option.
Thanks to lithium-ion batteries, modern battery-powered lawn equipment can offer power and performance comparable to gasoline models. This is true even for commercial-grade equipment, particularly hand-held equipment like trimmers and leaf blowers.
Battery-powered equipment has a higher upfront cost than gasoline-powered equipment, but the cost of fuel for gasoline-powered equipment often negates those savings. For hand-held equipment, you can actually save money by switching to battery power. There isn’t the same level of cost-savings when you look at bigger equipment like a riding lawnmower, though.
If you’re going to purchase battery-powered equipment, plan on choosing one brand and sticking with it. Purchasing all your equipment from a single brand, like EGO or ECHO, lets you interchange batteries between different equipment. This gives you more flexibility in using and charging the equipment.
Are There Low-Emission Gasoline Engines?
Sometimes, gasoline-powered engines just make more sense for the type of work you’re doing. This can be especially true for commercial applications, where it’s harder to recharge batteries on the go during a busy workday, and for larger equipment like riding mowers.
If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your lawn equipment, the good news is that a lot of modern gasoline-powered equipment is quieter and more environmentally friendly than older models. Some modern leaf blowers, for example, are no louder than a standard vacuum cleaner.
Many brands invest in engine technology to make their equipment both fuel-efficient and low-emission. For example, manufacturers like STIHL invest in producing fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly gasoline-powered equipment. STIHL’s patented hybrid 4-MIX® or stratified charge 2-cycle engines have low emissions, improved fuel efficiency, and decreased maintenance than older engines. The gasoline-powered options still let off engine emissions but they are much cleaner than they used to be.
Where Do I Buy Quality Equipment in North Texas?
The growing push toward electric, including emissions regulations like we see in California, has a significant impact on equipment choices for homeowners and lawn care professionals. Whether it’s local bans on noisy leaf blowers or cash-back incentives to purchase electric equipment, regional policies play a role in how we choose which equipment to buy.
Many people will find that right now, a blend of gasoline and battery-powered equipment is the best choice for them. For example, you might keep your gas-powered zero-turn mowers but replace trimmers and other hand-held equipment with battery-powered models. Or perhaps you decide to switch over gradually, replacing your current equipment with battery-powered versions as the equipment wears out instead of making the switch all at once.
If you’re here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, come visit us at Richardson Saw & Lawnmower. We carry fuel-efficient gasoline and lithium-ion battery equipment from top green industry brands. From innovative cordless electric-powered lawn equipment from EGO to battery-powered versions of long-established brands like STIHL and ECHO, we’ve got you covered for your zero-emission equipment needs. And for your gasoline-powered equipment, our trusted brands invest in technology improvements to lower emissions, make the engines more fuel-efficient, and lower the noise levels on leaf blowers.
Buying from a local dealer (rather than a big-box store) ensures you get a high-quality product at competitive prices, benefit from personalized service and expert knowledge, and receive long-term support for your new equipment. For personalized assistance with our premium power equipment selection, contact us today or stop by to chat with our equipment experts.
