Look Out for Leaves!

Spooky season might have ended, but there's still something a little scary lurking in neighborhoods... Fallen leaves! Though it's perfectly natural and beautiful for trees to turn colors and shed their leaves this time of year, it's important to handle the yard debris with care.

Leaves can quickly clog up storm drains along the roadway, which means water won't be able to drain properly during or after rain (or snow). Standing or pooling water on the roadway is dangerous for drivers and impedes bike/ped traffic, too. In addition to preventing good drainage, leaves left in storm drains become a safe haven for nuisance vermin like rodents and insects.

After rain or snow, or even early morning dew, wet leaves left in the street can create an unsafe, slippery driving surface especially for people on motorcycles or bikes.

At home, leaf-clogged gutters can result in costly home repairs and inconvenience. Make sure to clean out gutters regularly, and consider gutter covering products or a professional gutter cleaning service.

Wondering how to help? A good yard maintenance routine is key!

• Sweeping or blowing leaves or grass clippings onto the street or into a storm drain is a violation of City Code. Consider bagging leaves in compostable bags and taking them to the free forestry disposal site, mulching them as part of regular mowing, or composting them!
• Please don't sweep or blow leaves to/along the curb and leave them there. This greatly increases the likeliness of leaves ending up in the street or storm drains.
• If you see someone deliberately sweeping or blowing leaves or grass clippings into the road or into a storm drain, please call Public Works at 913-755-4525. City staff is happy to provide education on risks associated and identify helpful resources for removal.