Rockville Reports

Leave the Leaves to Us

Second Pass for Leaf Collection Begins This Month

Rockville crews are vacuuming leaves from neighborhood curbs, with the second of two collection rounds beginning Monday, Nov. 17.

Rake leaves next to, but out of, roadways, gutters and bike lanes, and away from parked vehicles. Leaves should be raked by 6 a.m. on the first day of their collection period, but no earlier than one week before the collection dates to avoid grass damage or fire hazards. Remove sticks and other objects from leaf piles. Avoid parking near leaf piles or other vehicles.

Sustainable Leaf Tips

• Leave some leaves where they fall or rake into garden beds to serve as natural mulch and habitat for beneficial insects that overwinter in leaves, such as butterflies, fireflies and native bees. Learn more about helping wildlife at rockvillemd.gov/backyardhabitats.
• Mow over leaves to break them up into tiny pieces that can filter into the grass, providing much-needed nutrients.
• Compost leaves at home with other yard trimmings.