Yard cleanup in Austin

Yard cleanup stays at ground level: raking and bagging leaves, weeding, picking up debris and light hand pruning. Ladders, chainsaws and tree work aren't part of it, and neither is hauling debris away, which is where the city's curbside collection comes in.

Two leaf seasons

Austin's live oaks drop their old leaves in spring, from about March into early May, as the new ones come in, so spring cleanups are as common as fall ones. Pecans, cedar elms and other trees shed in late fall and winter. Oaks shouldn't be pruned from February through June, when oak wilt spreads most easily, so leave oak branches for later in the year.

Bagging for the city

If the City of Austin collects your trash, yard trimmings are picked up every week on your trash day. Use paper lawn and leaf bags or a reusable container, never plastic bags, which are collected as trash, and tie branches in bundles shorter than 5 feet. Rules change from time to time, so check Austin Resource Recovery (opens another site) before a big cleanup, and say in your task whether you have bags and where they should go.

Heat and timing

From June to September, early mornings are the best time for outdoor work. Mention shade, where to find water, and any pets in the yard.