FAIRMONT — The recent windy days have stripped a lot of foliage from the trees, a signal that the city of Fairmont’s annual curbside leaf pickup is imminent.

Local residents have a little more than two weeks to get their yards raked in preparation for the event.

The process will be unchanged from previous years, according to Troy Nemmers, city engineer/public works director, with the exception of the Lake Avenue construction zone. Nemmers said the city will coordinate with residents along the construction corridor concerning their schedule.

The project will split the city into three zones: north, central and south. A map outlining these pickup zones is available on the city’s website, www.fairmont.org, under Popular Links/2020 Leaf Pick-up.

The first week begins Nov. 2 and focuses on the center part of the city, Zone 2, and properties south of Blue Earth Avenue/Lake Avenue and north of Lair Road/Cardinal Street.

The second week, starting Nov. 9, will hit Zone 3, the southern third of the city and properties south of Lair Road/Cardinal Street.

The final week, starting Nov. 16, will cover Zone 1, the northern tier and properties north of Blue Earth Avenue/Lake Avenue.

There is no charge to take advantage of the curbside pickip. The cost is covered by a small fee included in monthly utility bills.

Residents should have unbagged leaves ready for collection by 7 a.m. on the Monday morning corresponding to their scheduled week. People should be aware that the process will take the entire week so some leaves may not be removed until the Friday of the scheduled week.

Leaves should be placed in a windrow along the boulevard within 5 inches of the curb. It is the resident’s responsibility to ensure leaf piles are accessible to the pickup crew and equipment. Inaccessible piles will not be picked up.

Any sticks, bags, rocks, trash or other non-conforming items will not be picked up. A significant snowfall also may curtail the pickup project.

Residents are encouraged to use care and not blow grass clippings and leaves onto the street where it can be carried into the storm sewers and, ultimately, the lakes where it potentially can cause algae bloom.

Residents also may use the city’s yard waste recycling site, more commonly called the tree dump, at 1880 100th St. to drop off brush, leaves, grass clippings and personal yard waste.

Anyone with questions about the leaf pickup may call City Hall at (507) 238-9461.