Upcoming Ban: Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers

Sam Post performs his song about the upcoming county ban on gas-powered leaf blowers at the neighborhood porch open-mic concert on June 15, 2025.

Dear neighbors, here’s a reminder that Montgomery County’s ban on gas-powered leaf blowers goes into effect July 1. These loud and inefficient machines release dangerous toxic and carcinogenic emissions. As a favor to your ears, your lungs, and especially your musician neighbors, please inform your landscapers about the ban, or hire landscapers who have transitioned to electric. Starting in July, new rebates for landscapers to go electric will be available. Be a good neighbor; respect the ban!
—Sam Post, The Beacon, Spring 2025

Sam subsequently debuted a song he composed about the upcoming gas-powered leaf blower ban at a recent neighborhood open-mic porch concert. It was an audience hit! For those who missed the event or who want to listen to song again, check out a video recording of it below, followed by full lyrics. Enjoy! (And respect the ban!)

For more information about the county’s gas-powered leaf blower ban, see www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DEP/property-care/leaf-blowers/

Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Ban Song
by Sam Post

Lyrics:

In case you don’t know about County Bill 18-22
I wrote this handy song in order to make sure that you do
Montgomery County followed DC and decided to ban
The sale and the use of gas-powered leaf blowers across this land
So now I’m asking you to get out there and help spread the word
‘Cause the number of leaf blowers in this neighborhood is absurd
They’re louder than an airplane
Which is why I started this campaign to complain
Before I go completely insane

Please respect the county’s ban on gas-powered leaf blowers
To me this is religious stuff although I’m not a churchgoer
I know this might not be the thing that you lose sleep over
But every time I hear one I want to use a flamethrower

Leaf blowers are awful for your health and my sanity
So I speak for myself but also for all humanity
I am really trying not to use any profanity
But if you wrote music for your job you would understand me

Now I was hoping to explain this county law with this new beat
But right now there’s a leaf blower going right across the street
It’s making it really hard to concentrate; I’m trying to rhyme
I’ve got two kids over here; so I don’t really have much chance or opportunity 
So I’m hoping that this community will show unity against this leaf blower lunacy


I plead with you to  respect the county’s ban on leaf blowers
To me this is religious although I’m not a churchgoer
I know this might not be the thing that you lose sleep over
But every time I hear one I want to use a flamethrower

Leaf blowers are awful for your health and my sanity
So I speak for myself but also for all humanity
I am really trying not to use any profanity
But if you wrote music for your job you would understand me

Please mark your calendars
This ban starts July 1st
Please tell your landscaper
This law is on paper
This isn’t quackery so
If you want to be informative
Tell them use a battery-powered alternative

Our country may be turning into an autocracy
But luckily Montgomery county is still a democracy
So if you truly believe in progressive policy
Please help me out
Don’t hire a landscaper unless they plan to make switch
To electric battery power it works without a hitch
If you want to talk more later, I’ll be around the neighborhood
To make my pitch

Neighbors’ Upcoming Musical Performances

Kassia Music

Kassia Music is a chamber group of strings, piano, and clarinet, including two composers, one of whom is pianist Sam Post. The group blends classical traditions with folk and rhythmic influences from around the world. kassiamusic.org or @KassiaMusic on Instagram and Facebook

Femme Brillante: rare chamber works by women

Saturday, February 15, 7:00 pm
Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 6201 Dunrobbin Drive, Bethesda, MD
musicatredeemer.org

Sunday, February 16, 4:00 pm
Grace Episcopal Church, 1607 Grace Church Rd., Silver Spring, MD
www.kassiamusic.org/performances

The Vico Cycle

The Vico Cycle, featuring Josh HelfinSiegel on bass and guitar, blends rock, funk, blues, soul, and hip-hop into a lively fusion of raw sound. www.vicocycle.com or @TheVicoCycle on Instagram and Facebook

Saturday, February 8, and Saturday, April 26, between 7:00–10:00 pm
Tommy Joe’s, 7904 Norfolk Ave., Bethesda, MD
tommy-joes.com

Saturday, March 8, between 8:00–11:00 pm
Solace Outpost, 444 West Broad St., Falls Church, VA
solacebrewing.com

Jeff Weintraub

Jeff Weintraub, vocals and guitar, plays an eclectic mix of jazz, folk, blues, country, and bluegrass along with some of the best musicians in the DC area. www.weintraubmusic.com

Jeff will perform at The Urban Winery on Thursdays, January 16, February 20, and March 20, between 7:00–9:00 pm.

Do you perform in a musical group not listed here? Don’t be shy! We invite you to share information about your performances on the neighborhood listserv.