Help Keep City Streets Clear of Leaves and Debris

With the cold that’s come through this week, followed by wind and rain, trees are losing their leaves for winter. Pretty as the sight of golden leaves scattered in lawn can be, the city is asking for peoples help in keeping those leaves from clogging storm drains and cause street flooding.

Tree leaves are the largest contributor to a blocked storm drain, according to a press release from the city. Moving leaves and other debris 10 to 12 inches from the curb allows water to flow to the catch basin or storm drain without carrying leaves and other debris to the inlet. 

During dry weather use a rake or pitch fork to clear leaves and debris from catch basins to help to the drain clear, according to the city. If a grated storm drain is already flooding due to blockage, contact the City of Woodinville at 425.489.2700.

Leaves left on driveways or streets diminish the life span of the asphalt that makes up the road surface, which leads to premature wear, according to the city. Leaves and other yard debris can be composted or placed in green waste. Composting leaves provides a great fertilizer as the leaves contain a fair amount of minerals. Shredding or grinding your leaves and adding nitrogen will help your develop a great compost pile. 

For more information on the city’s storm drainage system check the city’s website here.