Leaf pick up set for Nov. 13

COEUR d'ALENE — It's almost time to do what everyone in Coeur d'Alene has been waiting to do since the arrival of fall: Push all those leaves in your yard into the streets so the city can take them away.

Leaf Fest 2023 is set to begin Nov. 13. That's when crews will start picking up leave south of Sherman Avenue and make their way north as they move through town.

With a 14-day forecast of mostly sunny skies with clouds and some rain, optimal conditions are shaping up to make the leaf collection a success.

That's unlike last year, when the city had to postpone the popular program due to Mother Nature as it was extremely cold, trees held their leaves late into the season and snow-covered mounds of leaves in early November.

But city officials are optimistic it will go well this year. The city commits significant resources to collecting more than 1,000 tons of leaves. It takes about three weeks and includes dump trucks, front-end loaders and about 30 staffers from different departments. 

Here's a few tips for Leaf Fest:

• Start putting leaves/needles out after Wednesday, Nov. 1.

•  Keep the leaves about one foot away from the curb line to allow for water flow.

•  Please move vehicles off of the street during leaf pick-up.

•  Be alert for leaf pick-up equipment traveling through your neighborhood.

•  Keep a safe distance away from leaf pick-up equipment. 

Some don'ts include:

•  Place bagged leaves in the street.

•  Mix branches, garden debris, grass clippings or other trash in with leaves.

•  Miss the deadline. The city will make only one pass.

Follow the city's progress  at: maps.cdaid.org/leaf/

Sweepers will follow city trucks to collect remaining/excess leaves.

Info:  streets.cdaid.org or call the Streets and Engineering Department at 208-769-2235.