Landscaping is undergoing a shift from petrol-powered equipment to quieter and cleaner electric alternatives, particularly in parts of the United States where cities are introducing restrictions on noisy gardening tools.

In Southern California, the familiar sound of petrol-powered lawnmowers, leaf blowers and other equipment has long been part of everyday life. However, concerns about noise are encouraging communities to move towards electric landscaping equipment.

Electric tools also offer other benefits, including lower carbon emissions, reduced vibrations and less exposure to pollution for professional landscapers. They can also allow workers to operate for longer hours because they are quieter and less disruptive to nearby residents.

During a training session organised by the American Green Zone Alliance, an organisation supporting the transition to electric landscaping, an electric backpack leaf blower proved surprisingly easy to use. The equipment was not much heavier than a regular backpack, while operating it required relatively little adjustment.

Although electric blowers still produce a noticeable buzzing sound, they are generally quieter and have a higher-pitched sound compared with traditional petrol-powered machines.

The growing shift towards electric landscaping is also attracting new companies and technologies to the gardening equipment market as cities, businesses and landscapers look for cleaner and quieter alternatives.