How Homeowners Can Help Landscaping Companies Go Electric

Why the Shift to Electric Landscaping Equipment Matters

Switching from gas to electric landscaping equipment isn’t just about buying new tools—it’s a cultural and logistical shift. At Seattle Sustainable Landscapes (SSL), we’re actively working toward this transition, but getting there takes more than the right equipment—it takes support from the communities we serve.

The truth is, homeowners play a huge role in helping companies like SSL make this transition possible, practical, and sustainable.

Here’s how you can help.

1. Make Outlets Available for On-Site Charging

While most battery-powered crews do the bulk of their charging back at the shop or via truck-based systems, having access to a well-placed exterior outlet can make a big difference during longer visits.

If you’re comfortable, letting your landscaper plug in can:

• Extend battery runtime for larger jobs
  
• Reduce unnecessary trips for charging
  
• Help accelerate the shift to electric maintenance
  

We always ask first—but this small gesture can make a big operational impact.

2. Be Patient as the Industry Evolves

Battery-powered landscaping equipment has come a long way, but it’s still evolving. Even the best tools on the market today may:

• Take longer to complete heavy-duty tasks (like wet leaf removal)
  
• Require more frequent recharging or equipment swaps
  
• Operate slightly differently than their gas counterparts
  

If you notice crews taking more time or using quieter tools that seem less aggressive, chances are they’re making an effort to go electric. A little patience goes a long way during this shift.

3. Rethink Fall Leaf Expectations

Leaf season is the most challenging time for battery-powered blowers. Wet leaves, steep driveways, and dense plantings can push even top-tier electric equipment to its limits.

Here’s how you can help:

• Consider using leaves as mulch in garden beds rather than removing everything
  
• Adjust cleanup frequency (every other week instead of weekly)
  
• Budget for more labor-intensive visits if full removal is still preferred
  

These small changes align beautifully with natural yard care and allow battery-powered service to succeed without compromising quality.

4. Share Your Support

If you’re someone who values quiet service, clean air, or sustainable practices, let your landscaping company know! Positive client feedback helps companies:

• Justify investing in battery systems
  
• Build internal support among staff and crews
  
• Stay committed during the inevitable bumps in the transition
  

It might be a simple “thanks for keeping things quiet today,” but it can make a huge difference.

5. Understand That Electric Service May Cost More (At First)

Commercial-grade electric equipment isn’t cheap. Battery blowers, mowers, and chargers are often 2–3x more expensive than gas counterparts, and managing them takes additional planning and training.

As companies transition, service prices may reflect these new investments—especially during the early phases. Supporting this change helps fuel innovation, improve work conditions for crews, and reduce environmental impact.

6. Spread the Word

You can help shape industry standards by:

• Requesting battery-powered service when you hire a landscaper
  
• Asking your HOA or condo board to prioritize quieter maintenance options
  
• Referring companies like SSL that are committed to sustainability
  

Client demand is one of the most powerful forces in moving the industry forward.

Final Thoughts

Battery-powered landscaping is gaining momentum, but the transition takes time, training, and trust. If you’re a homeowner who cares about clean air, quieter mornings, and a more sustainable city, your support helps accelerate this shift.

Whether it’s letting us charge onsite, embracing mulched leaves, or simply cheering us on, your role is essential in this evolution.

At SSL, we’re working hard to build a battery-powered future. With your help, we’ll get there even faster.

Want to support a cleaner, quieter approach to landscaping?

Choose a landscaping company that’s committed to sustainability and innovation. At Seattle Sustainable Landscapes, we’re investing in electric tools—and partnering with homeowners to make the transition successful.