A Newton alderman wants to outlaw gas-powered leaf blowers, joining Cambridge, Lincoln, and other communities around Boston that are considering leaf blower restrictions.

A Growing Movement

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Police would be responsible for enforcing the proposed ordinance. Officers could issue warnings and fines of up to $300 to violators.

Around the United States, other cities, including Los Angeles; Aspen, Colo.; and Palo Alto, Calif., have enacted or considered restrictions on gas-powered blowers in the 1990s and more recently despite the objections of landscapers who say it increases costs for their customers.

US companies made or imported nearly 3 million leaf blowers in 2006, according to industry estimates.

Blowers Reduce Costs

Richard Simonelli, a landscaper in Newton, said customers will pay a lot more if workers have to use rakes instead of leaf blowers.

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Joe Lamacchia, owner of Lamacchia Landscaping, said he cannot imagine what he would have to charge some Newton residents who already pay as much as $3,000 a month for lawn care if the ban is enacted.

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