For decades, gas-powered tools have defined the daily operations of professional tree care – bringing with them the unmistakable exhaust, engine maintenance and fuel handling that come with traditional equipment. But the industry is evolving. Concerns over worker safety, rising fuel costs, noise and increasing equipment maintenance are driving momentum toward battery-powered alternatives.

Legislative support, financial incentives and increased industry awareness can make early adoption of battery-powered equipment more viable. Photo courtesy of the author.

Today’s battery technology offers performance that rivals gas, but adoption is still gradual across the industry. Some users remain skeptical, citing concerns over runtime, power or charging logistics. Others already are integrating battery-powered tools into their fleets, often experiencing less downtime, easier maintenance and quieter operation for early-morning residential work.

Alongside the rise in battery-powered tool performance, additional forces are accelerating the shift away from gas reliance. Legislative support, financial incentives and increased industry awareness can make early adoption more viable – and even strategic – for tree care companies looking to stay ahead of emerging regulations. As regulatory momentum builds, so does the opportunity for companies to lead rather than react.

Federal and state action
While in-field adoption is picking up speed, rapid change requires more than just effective tools. The momentum behind battery-powered tree care is being reinforced – and in many cases, accelerated – by legislative action. From local ordinances to statewide bans, government policies are beginning to reshape how professionals equip their crews.

Government bodies are increasingly recognizing the environmental and public-health impacts of gas-powered landscaping tools. California continues to lead the nation in regulatory action aimed at reducing emissions from small off-road engines (SOREs) – a category that includes leaf blowers, chain saws and trimmers. Under the state’s landmark bill, AB 1346, all new small, off-road engines sold in California must be zero emission as of 2026. This legislation effectively phases out the sale of most gas-powered landscaping tools and establishes a model for other states to follow.

The policy is rooted in environmental and public-health concerns. According to the California Air Resources Board (CARB), small gas engines contribute more smog-forming pollution than passenger cars. Phasing them out is seen not just as a climate-related move, but also as a strategy to protect workers from exposure to harmful exhaust and fine particulate matter.

Other states, including New York, Massachusetts and Washington, are actively exploring similar legislation, pilot programs or statewide rebate structures. Some are focusing on reducing carbon dioxide, while others emphasize public-sector equipment standards and noise ordinances as mechanisms to encourage battery adoption.

There is also growing interest at the federal level. While no national mandate currently exists, the Department of Energy (DOE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are collaborating on funding opportunities and pilot projects.

Incentives and funding opportunities
To make the transition more accessible, a number of states, counties and cities have launched rebate and incentive programs tailored to landscaping and tree care businesses.

• California CORE Program – Offers point-of-sale discounts for the purchase of battery-powered landscaping tools, often reducing upfront costs by hundreds or even thousands of dollars per unit.
• South Coast AQMD Commercial Lawn and Garden Incentive Program – Focused on Southern California, this program provides vouchers to professional users, making it easier for small businesses to replace aging gas equipment with electric alternatives.
• Rhode Island Electric Leaf Blower Rebate Program – Offers rebates specifically for battery-powered blowers, targeting emissions and noise reductions in densely populated East Coast areas.
• Montgomery County, Maryland, Blower Rebate Program – Provides structured financial support:
• Small businesses (under $250,000 annual revenue, or five or fewer employees): Up to $1,500/year.
• Larger businesses (six-plus employees or higher revenue): Up to $1,000/year.
• Rebates can be claimed once per year for up to three years.
• Residents and property managers may claim a one-time $100 rebate per property.

These financial-incentive programs are making it increasingly practical for companies and municipalities to modernize their fleets.

Procurement pressures and policy influence
As battery-powered equipment gains traction, policy and procurement practices are beginning to reshape the industry, especially for contractors pursuing public-sector work. While the EPA does not currently regulate small off-road engines as strictly as other emissions sources, it actively encourages the voluntary adoption of reduced-emission landscaping tools. These recommendations are influencing cities and counties nationwide.

Municipalities are increasingly writing battery-equipment requirements into requests for proposals (RFPs), with many contracts favoring or mandating electric blowers, trimmers and chain saws. These evolving standards – driven by public health concerns, emissions goals and EPA guidance – are shaping the marketplace from the ground up.

For companies, this shift presents both a challenge and a strategic opportunity. As standards evolve, procurement teams are beginning to require detailed equipment lists and adherence to electrification targets as part of the bidding process. Contractors who invest early in battery solutions are better positioned to stay compliant, stand out in competitive bids and secure future municipal contracts.

Conclusion
By investing in policy, education and infrastructure, both public leaders and private companies are accelerating the adoption of battery-powered equipment. With strong policy frameworks, accessible incentive programs and clear investment from manufacturers, the transition to battery-powered tree care is becoming less experimental and more essential.

Charles Kemper, CTSP, is a key account manager for Milwaukee Electric Tool, a four-year TCIA corporate member company based in Brookfield, Wisconsin.