Recycling Christmas Trees

After the holiday season, your real tree can be easily disposed of in two ways: 
 Community Recycling Program: Many communities offer drop-off locations in local parks. These trees are mulched and used as ground cover and on walkways or paths. Many communities allow their residents to pick up mulch for personal use while the supply lasts. Contact your local city hall or newspaper office. Wreaths and decorative roping can be disposed of in your trash. DO NOT take them to the drop sites. 
 Local Waste Hauler: Local waste haulers may offer curbside pick-up dates for real trees. These trees are taken to compost sites. Contact your current waste hauler for details. 
Wildlife Cover-Your tree can be used to help fish and wildlife in a variety of ways. 
 Ponds: Trees can be used as artificial fish attractors in ponds. Sinking cut trees into ponds causes fish to concentrate in these areas, which improves fishing. Some fish hide in the branches to escape predators, others feed on snails and aquatic insects found on the structures, and most fish seek the shaded areas during hot and sunny days. Trees commonly are wired to cement blocks and sunk in 6 to 10 feet of water. Make sure that all decorations have been removed from the tree. 
Wildlife: Trees can be used as wildlife cover in fields, forests, and other natural settings. Birds, rabbits, and other small animals can use them as shelter during the winter months, and the trees will eventually decay as any other tree that falls in the area.