With still more than a month to go before the use of gas-powered leaf blowers will be allowed for fall cleanups, we would like to remind property owners and professional landscapers of the rules.
No one, including homeowners or municipal employees, is supposed to operate anything other than an electric leaf blower from May 20 to Sept. 20. A fine of up to $1,000 may be assessed for a first offense, up to $5,000 for serial offenders.
Unfortunately, compliance with the rule is far from universal. Lawn-care companies appear to be gambling that the town’s stretched-thin Ordinance Enforcement Department will be too busy with other concerns. Let’s prove them wrong — complaints can be made by phoning 631-324-3858. Tips will be investigated even if they are made anonymously, department officials say. An online complaint form can be found on the town website.