Loose Leaf Pick Up

Fall Loose Leaf Pick Up: Completed December 9th and 10th

The City provides a loose leaf pick up program in the fall and a loose leaf and brush pick up program in the spring.

Loose Leaf Pick Up Progress Map


For further clarification as to placement of leaves, visit City Ordinance 668.03.

New Leaf Pick Up Map by Zone

The City is launching a new map to streamline its annual leaf pickup program, dividing the city into six zones for efficient service. Leaf collection will begin on the west side in Zone 1 and progress eastward through all zones. Residents can view the map to identify their zone and prepare for leaf pickup accordingly. Due to weather conditions and the unpredictability of leaf fall, exact dates for each zone's pickup will not be provided. The City encourages residents to be ready by having their leaves gathered before collection starts in their zone.

Progress updates will be announced via social media and will also be available on the interactive map on the City's Leaf Pickup webpage. While crews may clean streets outside of the scheduled zone to finish up the day, if they are not officially picking up in that zone, they will return at the appropriate time. This zoned approach will help ensure timely and effective leaf removal across the City.

Fall Loose Leaf Pick Up: City Crews Completed Leaf Pick Up on December 9th and 10th

When temps warmed and snow melted, the Streets Division picked up the remainder of leaves in the streets on December 9th and 10th.  

The City of Traverse City conducts a loose-leaf pick-up program in the fall. Due to weather and leaf fall variables, no specific pickup dates are scheduled. We will cover the City neighborhoods, beginning on the west side and moving eastward, over a period of 5 to 7 weekdays, and then will return to the west side to repeat the process. Leaves should be raked out in front of your house for pick up as promptly as possible on or after the determined date.

Please note that brush is not picked up during the Fall Loose Leaf Pick Up Program.

General Guidelines for the Fall Loose Leaf Collection Program 

  • Please keep leaves off of the street until Thursday, October 24th
  • Feel free to rake and pile leaves on the tree lawn prior to the fall pickup date
  • Do not use plastic bags - only loose leaves are best and biodegradable bags are acceptable
  • The City will not be picking up brush or sticks - loose leaves only
  • Always avoid covering catch basins when raking
  • Leaves will be picked up from the paved edge or gravel shoulder of the road. We will only pick up leaves in the alleys along Division Street, East Front Street from Railroad Avenue to Munson Avenue, Munson Avenue from East Front Street to Airport Access Road, and Eighth Street from Union Street to Woodmere Avenue
  • Please do not park vehicles over leaf piles on City streets - we are unable to pick up those leaves and will be the homeowner's responsibility

Spring Loose Leaf Pick Up

Brush Pick Up is in Spring Only

The City of Traverse City conducts a loose-leaf and brush pick up in the spring. The Spring Loose Leaf Pick Up generally begins in early April.  Due to weather and leaf fall variables, no specific pickup dates are scheduled. We will cover the City neighborhoods, beginning on the west side and moving eastward, over a period of 5 to 7 weekdays and do one pass only. Leaves should be raked out in front of your house for pick up as promptly as possible on or after April 6th.

General Guidelines for the Loose Leaf & Brush Collection Program

  • Feel free to rake and pile leaves on the tree lawn prior to date TBD
  • Do not use plastic bags - loose leaves only are best and biodegradable bags are acceptable
  • Leaves in the street; brush in the alley - if there is no alley, the brush can be placed behind the curb or pavement edge of the street
  • Brush piles cannot exceed 8' x 8' and 4' high - branches no more than 4" in diameter
  • Christmas trees are okay
  • No logs, stumps, or root balls
  • Always avoid covering catch basins when raking and leave them clear of debris
  • Please do not park vehicles over leaf piles on City streets - if we are unable to pick up those leaves, it will be the homeowner's responsibility

Please note that brush pick up is done separately and may not occur at the same time as you leaves begin picked up.

Yard Waste Outside of Spring or Fall Pick Up Programs

Residents should remember that if they have yard waste that they want picked up before the City’s leaf pick up, GFL (formerly American Waste) does have a program to pick it up for a fee. Call GFL at (231) 943-8088 for information regarding their sticker program.

In addition, Grand Traverse County has a seasonal Brush Drop Off Site. 

Learn More

 

Fun Fact

The City’s Loose Leaf Pick Up program prevents leaves from winding up in a landfill and catch basins. The leaves are turned into rich screened topsoil and used by the Parks Division for flower beds!