Mount Auburn Cemetery goes fully electric with landscaping equipment, cuts emissions equivalent to 660 trees

Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts has become the first cemetery in the United States to switch all its handheld landscaping equipment from gas to electric. The transition eliminates emissions from leaf blowers, trimmers, and other tools, with the reduction equal to the carbon absorption of 660 trees annually. The cemetery demonstrated the near-silent electric equipment at a May 28 event. This move reflects a growing trend among institutions to electrify their grounds maintenance operations. Gas-powered leaf blowers and trimmers produce significant local air pollution and noise, and replacing them with battery electric alternatives cuts both emissions and noise complaints. For Mount Auburn, the switch also aligns with its role as a green space and arboretum in the Boston area. The shift to electric landscaping equipment is a practical step for any organization looking to reduce its carbon footprint. While the upfront cost of electric tools can be higher, lower maintenance and fuel costs often offset that over time. This project shows that even historic cemeteries can make the switch without disrupting operations.