Mason's annual leaf collection season is underway, with city crews working neighborhoods through early December.

The City of Mason's Service Department began pickups the week of Monday, Oct. 12, and will continue through the week of Tuesday, Dec. 8, according to the city's brush and leaf collection page. The city announced the season's start on Sunday, Oct. 11. Crews use mechanical equipment similar to a large vacuum to collect leaves from curbside piles.

The city asks residents to rake leaves as close to the curb as possible and cover piles with a tarp. Leaf piles should not be placed on sidewalks, in gutters, ditches or roads. Blocking fire hydrants is also prohibited.

Staff will post signs in each neighborhood two days before the scheduled collection day.

What to keep out of the pile

Twigs, branches, sticks, rocks, bottles, garden debris and pumpkins should not be mixed in with leaves. Those items can clog the collection machine and cause delays for the entire route, the city said.

Residents should also avoid parking near leaf piles. Piles blocked by vehicles will be skipped.

The city recommends leaving at least 40 feet of clearance on each side of a leaf pile to give crews room to operate.

Storm drain rules

Residents should not rake leaves into the street or storm sewers. Leaves clogging storm drains can back up water during heavy rains, according to the city's service page.

Late-season delays possible

The same trucks used for leaf collection also handle snow and ice operations. Converting the equipment between services takes time, so early winter storms can push back leaf pickups.

Weather, equipment breakdowns, street parking and debris mixed with leaves can all slow the schedule, the city said.

Residents who want a free load of leaves delivered to their property can call the Service Department at 513-229-8580.