What should you do with your Christmas Tree?

 

The coming of the New Year is a time for celebration, resolutions, and for many, taking down holiday decorations. Of course as you take the lights down and pack everything away there is always a looming question for those who bought a fresh tree for the holiday. What do I do with the darn thing?

There are a few options available in Rohnert Park:

• Rohnert Park Disposal will begin picking up trees starting the week of Jan. 7 until Jan. 18 with normal curbside service. They ask that all trees are bare of decorations, lights, tinsel, and stands. Flocked trees will not be accepted. A flocked tree is one with artificial snow applied to it.
• For those without regular curbside service they will pick up trees left curbside on either Wednesday, Jan. 23 or Friday, Jan. 25 based on a pre-determined driving route. You can view the map on their website by clicking here. Flocked trees will not be accepted.
• For people with a yard waste container a tree can be included only if it is cut into small pieces that fit inside of the container with the lid closed (4 feet or less).
• If you live in a condo or apartment complex contact your resident manager or HOA representative as most complexes have a specific tree drop-off area designated for a few weeks for residents to utilize. Tree should not be placed in dumpsters.
• Up to 2 trees can be dropped off for free at the Rohnert Park Corporation Yard located at 600 Enterprise Drive. They are accepting trees daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from now until January 15, 2013.
• You can call (707) 565-3333 to schedule an appointment for a non-profit pickup your tree for a suggested donation of $7 for trees less than 6 feet or $10 for larger trees. Call before Friday, January 11.
• Trees are biodegradable so for those with access to a chipper, the tree can easily be shredded and used as mulch in the garden.

It is never a good idea to dispose of a tree by burning it in a fireplace or stove as most pines, firs, and similar evergreen trees often have high levels of flammable turpentine oils which can then contribute to creosote buildup within the chimney creating a fire risk.

Recycling a tree properly is important as they can be used to create compost and mulch instead of sending more to the landfill.