Following a delay to a planned April 23 start to Traverse City's citywide leaf pick-up program due to winter weather, city staff have announced pick-up will now begin Monday, May 14.

Loose leaf and brush pick-up will start May 14 on the west side of the city moving east. Crews will only go down each street/alley one time. Residents cannot put any leaves in the street prior to Thursday, May 10. Violators may be cited for a civil infraction, as city ordinance prohibits placing items in the street outside of the designated leaf collection period. Other leaf pick-up guidelines are as follows:

· NO plastic bags. Biodegradable paper bags are acceptable. Leaves may also be in loose piles.

· On curb & gutter streets, rake leaves down into street. Do not block catch basins.

· On all other streets, rake leaves to gravel shoulder or paved edge of the road. Do not place leaves in the alley.

· Do not park vehicles over leaf piles in city streets.

· All brush must be neatly stacked. Large branches cannot exceed 4 inches in diameter and cannot exceed one 8' x 8' x 4' high pile. Christmas trees are allowed. No logs, tree stumps, or shrub root balls are allowed. Brush should be placed in the alley if one exists, or behind the curb or pavement edge on the street.