COEUR d'ALENE — No piles, please.

That's part of the message from the city of Coeur d'Alene's Streets and Engineering Department as it begins its annual spring cleanup.

The city had to cancel its annual Leaf-Fest pickup in November due to weather conditions, so many properties still have leaves.

But Director Todd Feusier said residents should not push them into the streets, but instead take them to the transfer station on Ramsey Road.

The sweepers are not designed to remove large piles of leaves and needles, he said, so they will be left alone.

Crews will sweep on arterials, hills and collectors to pick up the leaves and needles which have fallen naturally over the winter, as well as accumulated debris, according to the city.

The stormwater drainage crews will follow with the cleaning of city catch-basin drains.

"The removal of sand, rock, and debris from the basins prevents pollutants from blocking the drainage system and discharging into the lake and river," a press release said.

The city offered some spring cleanup tips:

• It is OK to sweep sand from sidewalks into the gutter of the street for sweepers to pick up. Do not blow or sweep into the travel lane or middle of the street. Once the sweepers have passed, refrain from sweeping additional debris into the street.
• Do not put debris such as sod, garden or wood waste, limbs or branches in the street.
• If possible, move parked cars when the sweeper is due to be in your neighborhood.

Collection conditions look good through Thursday, with partly cloudy conditions. But snow and rain are in the forecast starting Friday and into the weekend.

• Trim low hanging branches and limbs from your curbside trees, shrubs or plants to allow the sweeper to clean as close to the curb as possible.

A map on the city’s website will show when crews are scheduled to move into the residential neighborhoods.

Info: maps.cdaid.org/estreetmx/