Tauranga's autumn has been nothing short of spectacular, with deciduous trees turning brilliant hues of yellow, gold and hot orange, set against bright blue skies.

SunLive readers have been commenting on the thick mass of leaves carpeting many streets during May.

This serves as a timely reminder to check roof gutters and spouting, as well as nearby stormwater drains ahead of winter rainfalls, making sure grates are not clogged with leaf debris.

McLaren Falls Park is spectacular duing autumn. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

One of the special things about autumn in New Zealand is the colours, with usually the South Island being renowned for producing the most distinct autumn hues.

Tauranga has had autumn showing off its vibrant "drop dead gorgeous" self from McLaren Falls Park through to many suburbs around the city, from Greerton to Bethlehem.

Dante Taigel riding his bike in Greerton amongst the autumn scene. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

The science of autumn

Abscision is the name given to the falling of leaves and fruits from a plant, and usually happens when cool temperatures arrive in autumn, the days are shorter, or when plants are drought-stressed.

Chlorophyll steadily breaks down, allowing other pigments present in the leaf to show through, resulting in the foliage turning to colours apart from green.

The oak tree outside Tauranga courthouse, next to Cameron Road, shedding its autumn leaves. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

The brightest leaf colours are produced when days grow short and nights are cool, but remain above freezing.

The other pigments include carotenoids that are yellow, brown, and orange. Anthocyanin pigments produce red and purple colours, though they are not always present in the leaves. Rather, they are produced in the foliage in late summer, when sugars are trapped in the leaves after the process of abscission begins.

Bethlehem Town Centre's carpark after autumn leaves started falling profusely. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Drop dead gorgeous leaves blocking up the grates

Tauranga City Council has undertaken extensive work to develop flood hazard maps and modelling to help predict where the worst of the effects of heavy rain and damaging storms will be felt so property owners can be prepared.

Residents can also help prevent flooding by unblocking drains and gutters, and notifying council when stormwater blockages occur.

The street culvert opposite Bethlehem School on Bethlehem Road being covered in autumn leaves. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

The culvert opposite Bethlehem School on Bethlehem Road being covered in autumn leaves. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Planning for heavy rainfall

If heavy rain is forecast, Tauranga City Council staff will check and clear debris from over 100 stormwater grates at 60 specified locations around the city.

Beach and dune stormwater outlets are also checked and blockages cleared.

Autumn scene in Gate Pa, along Cameron Road. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

During a storm, every call from the public is logged and requests for help to unlock drains are sent to contractors. A team of council staff is also on standby, ready to help if needed.

After a storm has passed, stormwater grates and outlets are re-checked and unblocked.

Anyone with an urgent enquiry or a concern about blocked outlets and grates can contact Tauranga City Council on 07 577 7000.

Thick carpet of autumn leaves along Carmichael Road, Bethlehem. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

What can we do to help our community?

Tauranga City Council advise keeping your roof gutters and drains clear of leaves and debris,.

"Check your drainpipes and soakage holes regularly to make sure they work well," says a council spokesperson.

"If you internal or private drains are overflowing, this is your responsibility. Contact a private drainage contractor to deal with the blockage.

Residents are encouraged to help their community and council be keeping an eye on nearby road gutters and clear away leaves and debris before heavy rain arrives. Council can also be alerted to concerns about roadside leaf debris by phoning 07 577 7000.

McLaren Falls Park in autumn. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Ideas for using autumn leaves

Once autumn leaves reach the ground, they can be put to great use in the garden, or turned into decorative crafty items.

Leaf mould is garden gold. As well as improving the structure and water retention of soils, it attracts organisms that boost soil health. Just gather your leaves into a wire container or bag with air holes and keep them damp, adding more water as they dry out. Leaves will decompose and be ready to dig into your garden soil or use for mulching.

One of the stunning autumn leaf displays at Bethlehem Town Centre. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Simply shred leaves and apply them straight to your gardens as a mulch. Mulching helps protect plants, suppresess weeds, retains soil moisture and keeps worms - a gardener's best friend - safe from hungry birds. .

Another quick and easy way to dispose of an abundance of fallen leaves is to add them to your compost bin or heap.

Autumn leaves can also be used for children's winter crafts, artworks and hangings.

For more ideas on using autumn leaves click here

Trees covered in autumn leaves along Cameron Road. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Autumn scene in Bethlehem.  Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Thick carpet of autumn leaves along Carmichael Road, Bethlehem. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Autumn leaves build up in grating in driveways and roadsides and can eventually cause blockages, preventing water draining, resulting in road sheet flooding.Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.