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Crews from the Public Works Department in Covington, Kentucky, will commence leaf collection on Monday, October 21. The initiative targets residential neighborhoods with significant tree coverage where leaves obstruct gutters and streets.
Residents are required to move their vehicles to allow crews space to work. To determine when crews will be present on specific streets, residents can access the Leaf Pickup Schedule online by entering their address. The schedule provides two dates: one for the north or east sides of the street and another for the south and west sides, depending on street orientation.
Crews will tackle one side of the street at a time, allowing residents to park on the opposite side or nearby areas to avoid tickets. “No Parking” signs will be posted a business day before leaf collection begins, along with sandwich-board signs in visible locations.
Residents should rake or blow leaves to the curb but not into the street a day before crews arrive. Leaf piles must be free from obstructions such as parked cars, fire hydrants, mailboxes, water meters, and landscaping features. Piles should contain only leaves without other yard waste.
City crews will handle piling leaves from sidewalks. The formal schedule continues through December 17, with spot pick-up extending until December 31. Residents can report missed areas by calling (859) 292-2292 toward season's end if necessary.
Leaf pickup is crucial not only for aesthetics but also for infrastructure maintenance. Leaves and debris can block storm drains leading to flooding issues. Additionally, decomposing organic waste contributes excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus to local waterways, causing uncontrolled algae growth and affecting aquatic ecosystems.
