Why Does the City Collect Leaves?
Vacuum leaf collection removes loose leaves that have fallen from deciduous trees in the fall. Removing leaves means less debris and fewer clogs in the stormwater system (which can help reduce flooding). The leaves are composted by the City into leaf mulch which is provided to City residents for free in the spring.
How Does the City Collect Leaves?
Vacuum leaf collection is a difficult job - the volume of leaves is ever changing, precipitation and freezing temperatures complicate collection, the collection itself can be dangerous for staff and other variables like daily traffic patterns affect the logistics.
The City of Falls Church's vacuum leaf collection program is among the region's best. Compared to one or two passes, the schedule above offers residents at least three passes. Crews often double back and make additional passes.
The map below provides a time-lapse view of typical collection patterns (how collection occurs within an area). As noted above, if the variables change, so does the routing. Progress is mapped daily to eliminate missed collections. Please be patient with our team as we strive for the highest level of service delivery possible.
Alternatives to Vacuum Leaf Collection
Did you know that running a two-stroke leaf blower for 30 minutes results in hydrocarbon emissions equal to driving a Ford F-150 Raptor pickup truck 3,887 miles?
Here are some environment-friendly alternatives:
- Leave Your Leaves
- As leaves decompose, they enrich the soil, create composting mixtures and fertilizers, act as a winter blanket that protects plants that form habitats for hibernating insects, and lessen pollutants.
- Mulch Mowing
- Tip: Adjust lawn mowers to the mulch setting. As you mow, the leaves will become part of the grass, eliminating raking, bagging, and hauling leaves around.
- Backyard Composting
- Build or place a compost bin in your backyard and use leaf remnants for gardening! You can also throw food scraps and other yard waste in your composter, reducing need for fertilizer, saving landfill space, and creating nutritious soil.
- Learn more about the City's compositing program and backyard composting workshops.
Time-Lapse Map of Typical Collection Patterns (Routing May Change at Any Time)