Cali Gardening services goes green with electric-powered STIHL tools
In the beginning of 2023, Cali Gardening Services seized a remarkable opportunity in partnership with Resilient Palisades, a community group dedicated to sustainability. This opportunity revolves around applying for grants awarded to businesses to transition from gas-powered to electric landscaping equipment, a pivotal move for our company.
Our motivation for this shift is twofold. Firstly, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels is a strategic move to improve our financial bottom line. Secondly, it's a commitment to the well-being of our team and the environment. The negative impacts of gas-powered tools on both our finances and our health have pushed us to explore cleaner alternatives.
The grant process required our staff to undergo training on the proper operation and maintenance of next-generation electric landscaping tools. Once we qualify for the program, we are contractually obligated to support these tools in the field and provide infrastructure for at least the next three years.
The benefits of commercial electric tools are substantial. Electric tools offer an escape from the noise pollution and health hazards associated with two-stroke engines. They are also more cost-effective in terms of maintenance, requiring fewer overhauls compared to their gas-powered counterparts.
In November we were excited to hear that our application was accepted and we were set to receive funding to replace our tools with STIHL commercial equipment. We chose STIHL because of the success that we have had with their gas-powered lineup. STIHL tools are developed in Germany with a meticulous attention to construction and a focus on ease-of-use. STIHL’s approach to electric tools is built on the renowned architecture of their gas motors and adapts the powersource to a sleek battery system that can handle extended run times.
California is at the forefront of efforts to eliminate internal combustion engines. While we'll primarily use STIHL's commercial battery line, some of our gas tools will remain in service until they reach the end of their useful life or until cost-effective electric alternatives become available.
Our clients share our forward-thinking approach and environmental consciousness. They appreciate our commitment to nature and our dedication to pioneering zero-emissions landscaping. This transition not only benefits our team's health but also elevates our craft with these modern tools.