The crunching sound of fall leaves on local sidewalks has started throughout Alexandria. Here's info on when our area will reach peak color — and when you'll start hearing vacuum trucks, too.
Peak Color
Peak color in the Alexandria area is expected in early November, with areas in the western hills toward the Blue Ridge already at or near peak color. According to local meteorologist Amelia Draper, "The D.C. area had a very dry summer, followed by a lot of rain in early fall," and that doesn't bode well for particularly brilliant colors around the District.
Fairfax County Leaf Collection
Fairfax County provides vacuum leaf collection services in some areas of the county. To find out if your residence qualifies, check the interactive map here. (Collection is very limited in the Alexandria area of Southeast Fairfax County.)
Those who do qualify and pay for this service, in zone 8, may see their first collection as early as Nov. 7.
Solid Waste Management Program customers who do not get vacuum leaf service should follow Curbside Yard Waste guidelines from Fairfax County. Guidelines include putting leaves in compostable paper bags or rigid containers and not using plastic bags.
Fairfax County notes that people who receive trash and yard waste services from a private company should contact that company.
City of Alexandria Leaf Collection
Alexandria is split into five collection zones, each with a specific start date. Residents who receive City trash collection receive three passes by vacuuming trucks during leaf season. Each zone takes several days. Residents are invited to access the interactive Residential Leaf Collection Viewer map for more detailed collection information.
Residents are also allowed to take up to 15 biodegradable paper bags from city distribution sites. Bags of leaves are collected at the curb on residents' regular trash collection day. A list of bag pickup locations is available here.
Composting leaves at home is also an option. Mowing leaves into small pieces and letting them biodegrade on the lawn can provide shelter for bugs and small critters, making for healthier lawn in the spring. More information is available at alexandriava.gov/LeafCollection.
City of Alexandria
