Changes are in the air for Walnut Creek—and they are significantly quieter. Starting April 1, 2026, the City of Walnut Creek will officially prohibit the use of gas-powered leaf blowers.
The move follows a growing trend across California, with over 100 cities—including neighboring Lafayette—already implementing similar restrictions to improve community health and meet environmental goals.
According to Downtown Walnut Creek ACE Hardware’s Business Development Manager, Bob Wilson, electric leaf blowers have three main benefits over gas models.
They are safer for operators, quieter, and have a significantly smaller impact on the environment, especially on climate change-related pollutants and air quality pollutants that affect public health, says Wilson.
For Walnut Creek residents who rely on professional landscapers, rather than owning their own leaf blowers, preparation will be key, says Wilson.
Downtown Walnut Creek ACE Hardware will be holding ongoing demo days now and throughout the year to help residents and professional landscapers have a “hands-on” experience with the solutions available at the store.
“Our associates and B2B Team will be happy to assist residents and their landscapers in making the right decision for conversion,” says Wilson. “Come meet with us and learn about the various options that work for you as a resident, and learn what is available for your landscaper.”
Wilson encourages residents to notify their landscapers about the upcoming ban and ask them how they can help with the transition.
“Some potential ways to help include allowing landscapers to charge batteries at your property or offering to keep a charged battery on site,” says Wilson. “Transitioning to batteries can be expensive for the landscaper, so be receptive to a price increase to help cover the cost.”
While adapting to the ban can take time, Wilson advises residents to be open-minded and flexible as they adjust to the new equipment.
Wilson recommends three primary brands available at Downtown Walnut Creek ACE Hardware for residents to switch to battery-powered leaf blowers.
- Milwaukee: Ideal for homeowners already using the M18 battery platform. You can buy the blower tool and use your existing batteries. Milwaukee has both handheld and backpack blowers that operate on its 18V M18 platform. It also offers both handheld and backpack blowers, along with a full line of outdoor power equipment, including trimmers, hedge trimmers, and chainsaws.
- EGO: Known for having the most powerful residential and commercial handheld and backpack blowers on the market (ranging from 615CFM up to 11000 CFM). Working with EGO, Downtown Walnut Creek ACE Hardware also has a commercial loaner program that allows commercial landscapers to borrow equipment and test-drive it for up to a week under real-life conditions. Authorized dealers, like Downtown Walnut Creek ACE Hardware, can offer fleet pricing on the commercial line for up to 20% off for qualifying purchases.
- STIHL: Many commercial landscapers are familiar with the STIHL brand and have transitioned from gas-powered to battery-powered equipment. STIHL has both residential and commercial product lines and utilizes several different battery platforms. They have a full line of blowers, from handheld to backpack. STIHL offers both handheld and backpack blowers, along with a full line of outdoor power equipment, such as trimmers, hedge trimmers, and chainsaws.
Downtown Walnut Creek ACE Hardware is also a qualified service center for both STIHL and EGO.
Residents who currently own gas-powered leaf blowers will have disposal options. The units with no gas remaining can be retired at the Concord Recycling Center or Rapid Recycle in Pacheco.
Downtown Walnut Creek ACE Hardware, a locally loved business since 2008, is owned by husband-and-wife team Kevin Fisher and Deb Donnelly. According to Wilson, their local ownership reflects their commitment to the community.
“We believe in doing the right thing,” says Wilson. “We look forward to working with you and sharing our knowledge and experience with you to help you make the right decision. Change may not be easy, but we can help make it easier for you.”
For more information and resources on ban, visit the Downtown Walnut Creek ACE Hardware at: https://wcace.com/ or head on over to the city’s website: https://www.walnutcreekca.gov/government/departments/e-c-o-sustainability/leaf-blowers