Unseasonably wintery weather in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula has resulted in leaves falling earlier than usual, prompting a call to residents to help clean up.

City Streets Maintenance Manager Steve Guy said contractors were are already busy sweeping and clearing footpaths following the recent spate of bad conditions.”

“While the leaf fall period is typically spread over the months of April through to July, heavy rainfall or high winds can speed up the process,” he added.

The city has a high number of mature deciduous trees, which means autumn can be particularly busy for contractors.

“Drains can be blocked, and footpaths become slippery with leaf build-up, so our contractors inspect high leaf fall areas at sufficient frequency to determine when they need cleaning,” he said.

“Cleaning is only required when the leaves are over the kerb upstand or present a health and safety issue to users of the footpath, cycleway, or carriageway. If there is a build-up of leaves that could cause an issue, the street is swept within 48 hours.”

Residents can also contribute to reducing leaf build-up by clearing leaves from their own berms and gardens and putting them into their green bin.

“Please don’t wait for the street to be cleared and then dispose of your own leaves into the street and then call up for the street to be swept again (it happens more than you may think), as this will slow down our ability to get around the city and maintain our full roading network” he said.

If residents see leaves piling up or a blocked drain, they are urged to phone the Contact Centre on 03 941 8999 or use the Snap Send Solve app.

“Along with the routine schedule, our contractors are on standby to respond to requests that come through the Contact Centre,” Mr. Guy assured.