Fall cleanup: Keeping curbs, gutters free of leaves and debris

Published on October 2, 2025

Every fall, the red, gold and russet leaves falling across Huntsville offer a vivid reminder of the changing season. But those same leaves, if left unchecked in our curbs and gutters, can cause serious headaches for homeowners, motorists and the city alike.

Flooding, street damage and safety hazards

When leaves pile up along the curb or slip into storm drains, they can block vital drainage pathways. During heavy rain, water has nowhere to go, backing up onto streets and yards, increasing flood risk and threatening nearby property. Obstructed drains also force extra strain on our public works system and lead to accelerated wear on roads and sidewalks.

Wet leaves along curbs can become slick, making driving and walking riskier. Worse, leaf piles can hide depressions, potholes or storm grates that catch tires and trip pedestrians.

Protecting water quality and the environment

Leaves decomposing in storm sewers release nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients can lead to harmful algal blooms and low-oxygen zones in our local streams and lakes, impacting fish and aquatic wildlife. By preventing leaf runoff into drains, residents help protect watershed health and improve overall water quality.

City ordinances and shared responsibility

Huntsville’s city code requires property owners to keep curbs, gutters, ditches and nearby roadside areas free of debris.

“We can’t overstate the importance of properly disposing of leaves and yard waste,” City Public Works Director Chris McNeese said. “If you’ve ever driven on a flooded residential street, odds are good it’s because of clogged storm drains.”

Additionally, McNeese encourages a simple disposal method.

“We just ask everyone to bag their leaves, secure the top of the bag and place them on the curbside. Public Works will come by and collect those bags and properly dispose of the leaves. Through this partnership, a lot of problems can be avoided.”

These statements reinforce that this fall-cleaning effort isn’t just cosmetic. It’s essential infrastructure stewardship and a small action with big payoff.

Practical tips for residents

• Bag it right: Use paper or biodegradable leaf bags (≤ 32 gallons, ≤ 50 lbs). Place them curbside by 7 a.m. on collection day.
• Mow or mulch: Shredded leaves are less likely to clog gutters. Also, mulched leaves act as natural fertilizer.
• Stay away from the curb: Don’t blow leaves into the street. It violates ordinances and can threaten drainage.
• Adopt your drain: After storms, check storm drains near your home. Scoop away leaves to keep water flowing.

By doing a little leaf cleanup each fall, Huntsville residents can help prevent flooding, reduce long-term maintenance, support water quality and keep neighborhoods safe and attractive.