New research from Homestars.com, a trusted platform for hiring trades professionals, reveals that 25% of Canadians believe gas-powered lawn mowers should be banned nationwide due to their environmental impact.
Interestingly, men were slightly more inclined to support a ban than women—28% compared to 23%. The strongest backing came from younger Canadians: nearly a third (30%) of those aged 18–34 agreed with banning gas mowers. Support remained solid among those aged 35–54 at 28%, while only 21% of residents aged 55 and over shared the same view. Regionally, Quebec led the way at 28% support, with Ontario close behind at 27%. In contrast, Alberta showed the least support, with just 21% of residents in favour.
Gas mowers remain popular in Canada, especially for large properties, and millions are estimated to be in use nationwide. In the United States, however, bans are already in place, prompting major manufacturers like Honda and John Deere to pivot toward electric models. With Canada committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, experts suggest restrictions on gas-powered equipment could be inevitable, as such tools conflict with the country’s climate goals.
“Gas mowers are still a staple for many homeowners, but change seems inevitable,” says Colleen McGrory from Homestars.com. “Several municipalities are already discussing limits on gas-powered lawn equipment, and others may follow. While gas models are often preferred for their power and endurance—especially for bigger yards—advancements in battery technology will likely push more Canadians toward cleaner, electric options.”
HomeStars.com’s tips for greener lawn care alternatives:
Electric mower
Electric lawn mowers have come a long way — and now come in cordless options. They are quieter, lighter, often require less maintenance, and obviously have no gas emissions, but will increase your electricity bills. Plug-in lawn mowers have clear limitations and are less suitable for large yards, while battery-powered ones have a limited usage before they need to be recharged.
Robot mower
Robot mowers are all the rage, but they have pros and cons. They tend to be expensive to buy, and require set up, which can be complicated depending on the size and shape of your yard. Also, robotic mowers can be a particular danger to pets and children, due to their sharp blades.
Don’t mow! (Or do it the old-fashioned way)
No Mow May encourages homeowners to let their grass run wild, which is helpful to pollinators and wildlife. However, you will still need to look after your lawn, and eventually some type of management will be needed. A natural alternative to mowing is using a human-powered push mower, or even a scythe. Both offer varied results depending on the person completing the work, and are very time consuming.
