The Village of Park Forest's tree canopy is primarily green; however, that will change over the coming weeks as colder air settles in. 

After the leaves change colors, they begin to fall, prompting the Public Works Director Roderick Ysaguirre to remind residents not to rake leaves into the streets but to throw them in their yard waste bags.

"Residents need to rake up leaves in the parkway and private property and dispose of them using the lawn waste collection service that is part of overall garbage collection service," Ysaguirre said. "You'll need to use brown bio-degradable paper bags and purchase bag stickers from Village Hall."

Lawn waste pick-up service is ongoing every Tuesday until Nov. 26. Ysaguirre mentioned that the brown bags are sold at local home improvement stores. In addition, the yard stickers are available for purchase at Village Hall for $3.15. He emphasized the importance of disposing of leaves properly and not raking them into the streets.

"I can't stress this enough: Please do not rake or blow leaves, grass, or debris into the street," Ysaguirre said. “It’s against Village ordinance, and you risk being issued a citation”

Leaves clog Village storm sewers, resulting in flooded streets. Residents, contractors, and businesses will be fined for raking or blowing leaves, grass, or debris into the street.

Ysaguirre said the Village is responsible for sweeping leaves that naturally fall into the street and curb line. Residents are asked to remove their cars from the streets during the week of street sweeping to ensure the most effective cleaning. He said the Village would announce the street sweeping schedule ahead of time via social media, the Village's website, and the digital signs in town.