Loose Leaf Pick Up
Spring Loose Leaf & Brush Pick Up: Begins April 28, 2025
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.
Spring Loose Leaf Pick Up: Begins Apri 28, 2025
One Pass Only
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.
Spring Loose Leaf Pick Up: Begins Apri 28, 2025
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 will begin April 28, 2025. 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 by April 28, 2025.
General Guidelines for the Loose Leaf & Brush Collection Program
- Feel free to rake and pile leaves on the tree lawn prior to date April 28, 2025.
- 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.
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
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.
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!
A Greener Way of Life
Switching to electric lawn equipment is a great way to reduce your environmental impact. Unlike gas-powered tools or single-stroke engines, electric equipment reduces emissions, helping to lower air pollution and your carbon footprint. It's also much quieter, reducing noise pollution in your neighborhood! With no risk of fuel spills or leaks, and requiring less maintenance, electric tools are a cleaner and more efficient choice for lawn care. Making the switch supports a greener and quieter way of life!
TCLP Rebate Program
Traverse City Light & Power has a residential rebate program to help customers save energy and money. As fall cleanup is underway, rebates are offered on a wide variety of energy-saving products including electric lawn equipment.
The program is designed specifically for our area to help you save money, save energy, and help save our environment through your own conservation.
Use Leaves For The Good!
Leaving fall leaves on your lawn supports a greener, more eco-friendly lifestyle. Instead of raking, mulching leaves into your grass has several environmental benefits:
- Natural fertilizer: Decomposing leaves provide nutrients, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and promoting healthier grass.
- Weed prevention: Mulched leaves cover bare spots, helping to prevent weeds like dandelions and crabgrass.
- Less waste: By skipping the raking and disposal, you reduce waste and save time.
- Garden boost: Excess leaves can be used as mulch around garden beds, trees, and shrubs, improving soil health and reducing weeds.
This approach benefits both the environment and your lawn!