Leading a silent revolution

It’s a familiar experience for many Lowcountry residents.
A quiet morning outdoors, with the sound of birds and breeze carrying through the air, can quickly be interrupted by the sharp roar of landscaping equipment. The contrast is often unavoidable in a region where well-maintained outdoor spaces are part of daily life.

Maintaining those landscapes has long meant relying on gas-powered tools, which can produce significant noise, often comparable to a chainsaw or motorcycle.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.
The Greenery has started a silent revolution, switching out gas-powered handheld equipment for much quieter electric models.

“At resort properties especially, we received a lot of complaints. You have a limited window to get work done, and often that means starting early. Being out there with loud equipment at 7 a.m. is the last thing someone wants to hear on vacation,” said Lee Edwards, CEO of The Greenery. “So, in some areas, we began using electric equipment in the early mornings simply because it was quieter. People really liked it, and that got us thinking—it would be great if we could operate this way all day.”

The issue, up until recently, had been technological. While The Greenery’s long-term goal was to go all electric, the equipment available at the time wasn’t up to their standards and was largely cost prohibitive. With massive advancements in battery capacity and charging technology, The Greenery has finally been able to make the switch with their landscaping equipment.

There was a learning curve for the crew out in the field, but ultimately they’ve found that the reduced noise, lower vibrations, and easier maintenance have been a game changer.

“From a team perspective, the difference is noticeable,” said Carlos Flores, Associate Branch Manager for Hilton Head Island. “When people hear ‘electric,’ they assume it won’t perform the same. But once they used it, they realized it’s actually very comparable. That’s when you start hearing, ‘Okay, I like this.’”

This change has made life easier for The Greenery’s staff, while creating a less noisy experience for customers. It has also served as the first step towards slimming down the company’s carbon footprint.

“The reduction in emissions is another big benefit,” said Flores. “It aligns with what our clients expect and where the industry is going.”

With Earth Day right around the corner, The Greenery is pursuing solutions that will help create a greener tomorrow. As they work toward it, we can enjoy a quieter start to the day.

A 20-year Bluffton resident, Barry Kaufman is a freelance writer and editor as well as host of B-Town Trivia. Follow him on Instagram @btownbarry and @btowntrivia