Leaf Collection Starting In Lakewood, Parking Restrictions Follow

LAKEWOOD, OH — Fall foliage will peak in Ohio on October 22, meaning the colors will be at their most vibrant. That also means the leaves will begin fluttering from trees and crowding onto lawns and driveways. To help residents clean up the seasonal detritus, the city will start leaf collection services on November 5.

To allow crews to access piles of curbside leaves, the city will prohibit parking from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on collection days. "Parked cars hamper leaf collection efficiency and some leaf material does get stuck under and around parked cars. If large leaf piles are blocked by parked cars, we will post individual no parking signs and attempt to collect them at a later date – cars may be towed if necessary after posting," the city said.

Leaves must be raked into a pile that is close to the curb — no more than 6 feet away, the city said. Crews use a vacuum system to collect the leaves. Leaves cannot be piled in the street.

Loose leaf collection will start November 5 and continue through December 14, weather permitting. Residents on Clifton Boulevard and Lake Avenue will have a separate leaf collection time because of the large quantity of foliage that collects on those streets. Those two streets will see collection begin November 5, and then additional pick-ups on November 19 and December 3. Crews will then sweep citywide, working west to east.

The city asks that residents place leaves out as soon as possible to ensure collection. Officials want crews to make at least three city-wide passes during the season.

A map on the city's website will be updated daily once leaf collection begins. The map will show which streets have been collected, and the progress of crews as they move through Lakewood.

Piles of leaves should consist only of leaves. Other trash should be bagged and put out for normal collection.

There will be no leaf collection on November 22 and 23 because of the the Thanksgiving holiday. Questions should be directed to the city at (216) 529-6810 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

(For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here. And like Patch on Facebook!)

Photo from Scott Anderson, Patch