The Green Grind: Challenges Landscapers Face When Switching to Electric Equipment

As the push for sustainability accelerates, more cities and states are encouraging landscaping professionals to transition from gas-powered tools to electric alternatives. In some cities, counties, and states this is even becoming a requirement. While the shift promises a cleaner, quieter future, it’s not as easy as swapping out a leaf blower or mower. For many landscapers, especially small business owners, the road to going electric is riddled with challenges that can’t be ignored. Join us in this multi-part blog series dedicated to addressing these challenges faced by the landscaping industry and ways to navigate them successfully. First, I want to outline what exactly these challenges are. 

1. Upfront Costs Are No Joke

One of the biggest barriers is the cost of entry. Professional-grade electric equipment comes with a steep price tag which is often significantly higher than gas-powered equivalents. Add in the cost of multiple batteries, rapid chargers, and possibly even a power station or generator to keep everything running on the go, and the investment can quickly snowball into something that seems unattainable. 

For solo operators or small crews working on tight margins, that kind of capital outlay can be a deal-breaker to make the switch. 

2. Battery Life vs. Workload

Time is money in landscaping. Crews need tools that can run all day without interruption. Unfortunately, even the best commercial electric tools may not match the run-time of their gas-powered cousins on a single charge or battery. This can be especially true when tackling large properties or tougher projects. This leads to perception and stigma that there is significant down-time associated with battery powered equipment. 

3. Durability and Performance in Tough Conditions

Professional landscaping is hard work. Equipment gets beat up, tossed in the truck bed, used in the rain, dragged through dust, mulch, and mud. There are concerns about reliability and the continued investment 

4. Retraining and Adjusting Workflows

Electric tools often behave differently than gas-powered ones. The weight distribution, power delivery, noise levels, and maintenance routines all change. Crews have to retrain their muscle memory, and owners may need to rethink how they schedule jobs or manage batteries.

5. Client Expectations and Regulatory Pressure

In many places, clients and local governments are starting to expect, or demand, electric service options. That pressure can force landscapers to make the leap before they’re financially or logistically ready.

Some cities, states, and counties have already banned gas-powered leaf blowers, with mowers and other tools likely to follow. Landscapers who can’t adapt risk losing business, but those who jump too early can risk taking on unsustainable costs. Balancing the two can seem impossible or even needless at times.

So, What’s the Path Forward?

The transition to electric landscaping is not just about flipping a switch, it’s a complex process that requires planning, support, and realistic expectations. Manufacturers, municipalities, and industry organizations need to step up with rebates, financing options, and training programs. We plan to dive into each of these topics to explore the challenges faced by professionals in this industry on the fence or even unsure if they should make the switch.

Landscapers should be part of the solution but they can’t do it alone.