When you see a Green Acres Lawn & Garden van pull up to a property, you are looking at a business designed for the future. Through our nationwide partnership with STIHL, a global leader in outdoor power equipment, we have fundamentally changed how we care for Kiwi backyards by driving a large-scale transition from traditional petrol tools to advanced, commercial battery technology.
This isn't just about switching out gear—it’s a long-term commitment to reducing our collective carbon footprint, supporting our small business owners, and delivering a cleaner, quieter service for our customers.
Here is a look at the core actions and benefits behind this enduring partnership:
Quiet Comfort for Your Neighbourhood
The most immediate benefit our customers notice is the sound—or rather, the lack of it. Traditional commercial lawnmowers and line trimmers can dominate a street with noise. All of the commercial STIHL cordless equipment used by our operators runs comfortably below 85 decibels.
Instead of the roar of heavy machinery, your backyard is filled with birdsong while we work. Whether you are working from home, have young children sleeping inside, or simply value your weekend peace, our battery-powered service ensures your property is beautifully maintained without the disruption
Slashing Carbon Emissions by the Tonne
Our transition to battery power is designed to make a massive, measurable environmental impact. By replacing petrol equipment across our nationwide network of operators, the initiative removes an estimated 80 metric tonnes of carbon emissions from the atmosphere annually.
To put that into perspective, that is the environmental equivalent of taking at least 25 large utility vehicles completely off New Zealand roads permanently. It means that when you choose Green Acres, you are directly contributing to a lower-carbon future right in your own backyard.
Safer, Healthier Working Conditions for Franchisees
Sustainability isn't just about emissions; it’s also about the long-term health and well-being of our people.
Before committing to this technology, our operators put the STIHL Cordless Range through a rigorous six-month commercial trial, testing handling, power, and performance in all weather conditions. The results were clear: battery equipment makes for a much safer workplace.
Up to 40% Lighter: The battery mowers and trimmers reduce weight significantly compared to petrol models, reducing physical fatigue, back strain, and bodily stress for our operators.
Zero Fumes: Franchisees no longer spend their days breathing in exhaust fumes or transporting highly combustible fuels in their vans, drastically lowering workspace hazards.
Closed-Loop Sustainability: Free Battery Recycling
One of the biggest questions around green technology is what happens to the equipment at the end of its life. Because we partner with STIHL, our network has direct access to their national battery recycling programme. Used lithium-ion batteries are safely and responsibly recycled free of charge, ensuring we minimise our environmental footprint from start to finish.
Proven Financial Sustainability
A truly green business model must also be an economically viable one. By removing the ongoing costs of petrol, spark plugs, and heavy engine servicing, our business owners run leaner, more efficient operations.
Supported by strategic commercial finance options—including access to innovative green business banking rates through ANZ—we make it simple for our franchisees to invest in world-leading technology. This cost efficiency helps keep our businesses financially stable, ensuring we can continue providing excellent service to Kiwi communities for decades to come.
A Message from Our Leadership
"Our partnership with STIHL demonstrates our ongoing commitment to innovation. We want to show that moving toward a sustainable business model doesn't have to be complicated. When you do the groundwork, making choices that protect the environment actually makes your business more efficient, safer, and highly rewarding for everyone involved." — Jason Hill, General Manager
The Green Acres Standard
Kiwis are increasingly mindful of their environmental footprint, actively monitoring everything from home energy efficiency to waste reduction. At Green Acres, we believe in meeting those expectations head-on.
By combining the world-class research, development, and repairability of the STIHL brand with our 30-plus years of local lawn and garden expertise, we aren’t just mowing lawns—we are leading the service industry into a cleaner, greener tomorrow.
Read other media releases:
ChannelLife NZ: Green Acres and STIHL to launch emissions reduction program
Franchise NZ Magazine: Lawn & garden franchise goes electric
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