Yes, it’s that time of year and momentum is building town-wide as residents ready their rakes, mowers, and leafblowers for the annual “Department of Highway and Grounds Fall Leaf Collection”.  Pile-peepers can wind their way through town, judging residents on raking methods and, ultimately, pile techniques. What’s your favorite way? We ask residents to share their stories.

Ever prepared, Hugh Drake wheeled out his Billy Goat F18 leaf blower with a 6 – inch discharge and an air velocity close to 200 mph. “It’ll only take me a minute to get the job done,” he said, flashing a boastful smile.  “These leaves won’t know what hit ’em.”  Editor’s note: Mr. Drake was fined $50 last year for violating CT General Statutes (CGS) 19a-335 – “Nuisance on Highway” for blowing his leaves onto the road.

Setting stakes in the ground, Noah Tall said, “Total control is the only option. These leaves are headstrong. They will go anywhere they want. I like to set up a perimeter fence along the roadside.  I use the Tenax 4′ UV stabilized poultry fence with the .75″ hexagonal mesh.  Not only does that prevent blowback but the mesh is too small for leaves to become trapped in the fence itself. ”

New transplants from West Hartford, the Dintnos, mistakenly bagged their leaves last year. “We just want everyone to be the same.”

Meanwhile, Ray Cands praised his Power Dynamics 28 in. 24-Tine Leaf Claws. “Not only do they allow you to grab a huge pile of leaves in one go, the rake head makes it easy to gather up those stray leaves at the bottom of the pile.  I want to make sure I get every one I can.”

Earl E. Frost notes, “I prefer the leaves in spring. These leaves are worthless to me now. Sure they provided shade during the spring and summer and they were beautiful when they changed color, but now they’re dried up. I’m ready for spring again.”  When asked about how he handles the leaves he added, “I live in a 55+ community.  They do it for me.”

Teetering atop the branches of her oak tree, Wendi Agivup shook the branches furiously.  “These. Leaves. Take. For. Ever. To. Fall!  I can’t figure these leaves out. Why can’t they be like all the other leaves?”

Overwhelmed by the whole process, Russell Ingleaves admitted he prefers outsourcing. “I use a service for leaves,” he said. “I don’t want to have to deal with all the drama.”

One resident, Lee Vitanature, likes to keep it simple.  “Let the leaves fall and return to feed the earth,” he said as he stopped to admire a butterfly in his milkweed patch. “The leaves have a purpose. Why try to undermine them? We should be supportive and let them be what they are. ”

! The 2017 fall leaf collection is tentatively scheduled to begin Monday, October 30, 2017 !