When is the first frost?
The frost-free season ends around mid-October on average, so bring tender plants indoors and protect pipes by then.
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Fall in the Treasure Valley
Leaves, the end of burn permits and getting ready for winter
By J&H Digital Services LLCChecked Oct 23, 20264 sources
In short
Fall is the valley's most comfortable season, with its own chores: leaves, shutting off outdoor water and getting ready for winter. State burn permits stop being required on Oct. 20, the frost-free season ends around mid-October, and Boise's leaf program runs through early December: leaves go in your compost cart, with up to ten paper bags beside it each week.
- Burn permits
- Required outside city limits through Oct. 20
- First frost
- The frost-free season ends around mid-October
- Leaves in Boise
- Compost cart plus up to ten paper leaf bags beside it each week
- Leaf drop-off
- Free, paper bags only, at eight sites from late October to mid-December
- Studded tires
- Legal from Oct. 1
What changes in fall?
Oct 20Last day state burn permits are required outside city limits
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Season runs May 10 to Oct. 20 · Idaho Department of Lands: Burn permits required May 10 to Oct. 20~Mid-OctEnd of the frost-free season
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1991 to 2020 climate · NOAA ACIS: Boise daily data10 bagsPaper leaf bags you can set out beside your Boise compost cart each week
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City of Boise · City of Boise: LeavesWhat should I do in the fall?
- 1
Handle your leaves
In Boise, leaves go in your compost cart. If it overflows, set out up to ten paper leaf bags next to the cart each week with three feet of space around them. Free drop-off sites take paper bags only.
- 2
Winterize outdoor water
Before the first hard freeze, drain or blow out sprinkler lines and shut off and drain outdoor faucets so pipes do not burst.
- 3
Know when canal water shuts off
Your irrigation district posts the date it stops delivering water. Plan to finish lawn and garden watering by then.
- 4
Service your heat and filters
Have your furnace checked, and use a MERV 13 filter if your system allows it, since smoke and inversion days can follow.
- 5
Decide on studded tires
They are legal from Oct. 1 to April 30, but the state advises against them unless conditions warrant.
- 6
Finish outdoor burning
State burn permits are required outside city limits until Oct. 20. After that, city rules and DEQ air-quality burn restrictions still apply.
Fall in the valley: common questions
Where do I put my leaves?
In Boise, in your compost cart, or in paper bags set out next to it. Free drop-off sites take paper bags only. Other cities have their own rules, so check your city's trash and recycling page.
Can I still burn yard waste after Oct. 20?
The state burn permit is not required after Oct. 20, but city rules still apply and DEQ air-quality burn restrictions can ban burning on bad air days. Check with your local fire department first.
Does smoke last into fall?
Some years, yes. Smoke season is usually late July to September, and some years it runs into October. usually start in November.
When do I need to prepare for winter?
Before the first hard freeze and before storms: drain sprinkler lines, check your furnace and keep a winter kit in the car.
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Sources (4) · Checked Oct 23, 2026
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