If you’ve noticed more leaves—and more mess—on the streets lately, you’re not imagining it. Our Block-by-Block Operations Team has been hard at work over the past few weeks tackling an unusually intense spring leaf drop across Coconut Grove’s business district.

Thanks to multiple cold fronts that rolled through in late March and early April, the district’s majestic oak trees have been shedding at record levels—filling over 50 bags of leaves a day. When wet, these leaves don’t just look unsightly; they smell, become slippery, and clog our storm drains. It’s the kind of mess that’s hard to ignore—and even harder to clean up.

“It’s been one of the worst cycles we’ve seen in years,” say our ambassadors. “But we’re on it.”

So what’s behind all this? Believe it or not, it’s part of the natural growth cycle of oak trees—even here in South Florida. As the season transitions, deciduous trees like live oaks drop their old leaves to make room for new growth. This process is completely normal, though the recent cold snaps made it more intense than usual.

Why It Happens:

• New Growth Pushes Old Leaves Off
• Oak Trees Are Pollinating (yes, that yellow dust too!) Spring Temperatures Accelerate the Process

While we all love the Grove’s iconic tree canopy—and wouldn’t trade it for the world—spring leaf drop is a reminder of the ongoing maintenance it requires.

The BID team is on top of it, but we appreciate your patience as we keep our district clean, safe, and beautiful for everyone who shops, dines, and does business in Coconut Grove. Have a concern or suggestion? Reach out to us anytime.

IN OTHER OPERATIONS NEWS:

Directory-Signage Project: Replacement of those large directory signs that are strategically installed all around the Grove is in the works. Presently, the project is moving along with final design and content, then they start to be manufactured. Please note that in addition to the replacement of the existing nine signs within the BID, for consistency sake, the BID Board approved replacement of the nine other signs that are positioned outside business-district boundaries, i.e., by Coconut Grove Elementary School, by Aldis Market on Douglas, on US 1 by Walgreens – and even as far as nearby Vizcaya.

Paver Replacement Project: Sidewalk paver repair and replacement is schedule to get underway over the next month throughout the Grove. Bricks are presently on order and will be installed during the next stretch of dry weather. This work can take place during overnight hours – perhaps over the period of three nights – to minimize inconvenience.