Fall Leaf Pickup

The recent burst of winter weather has complicated leaf collection efforts, leaving city crews juggling fall and winter responsibilities at the same time. What is normally a straightforward seasonal transition has become a logistical puzzle as several inches of heavy, wet snow arrived before many neighborhoods had completed their annual raking.

Snow-covered piles of leaves are significantly harder to collect. Once saturated, leaves become heavier, clump together, and often freeze into dense layers that clog vacuum equipment. Crews must spend additional time breaking apart matted piles or returning to streets later, when conditions improve. In some areas, leaves have frozen to the pavement entirely, preventing collection until temperatures rise.

The snowfall has also forced the city to shift personnel and equipment to snow and ice control, further delaying leaf pickup.

City crews will continue collection efforts as weather permits. If your leaves have not been picked up by January 5, 2026, please contact the Street Department at 937-498-8159 and provide your address so crews can be notified.

Rules for Efficient Collection

To help ensure efficient collection, keep these rules in mind:

• Do not place leaves over storm sewer basins or in the streets.
• Leaves should be placed in the tree lawn - the area between the sidewalk and the gutter.
• No yard waste will be picked up with the leaves.
• All yard waste needs to be prepared and disposed of as usual.