5 Ways To Recycle Your Christmas Tree In Denver

The holiday season has come to an end, and for many of us, that means saying goodbye to our beloved Christmas trees. But before you send your tree to the landfill, consider giving it a second life by recycling it. Not only is it an eco-friendly option, but it also supports the local community and helps to reduce waste. In Denver, there are several ways to recycle your Christmas tree, and we'll explore five of them in this article.

Tree Recycling Programs in Denver

The City and County of Denver offers a Christmas tree recycling program, which allows residents to drop off their trees at designated locations throughout the city. The program is free, and the trees are chipped into mulch, which is then used in city parks and gardens. To participate, simply remove all ornaments, lights, and tinsel from your tree, and take it to one of the designated drop-off locations.

Drop-Off Locations

• Washington Park
• City Park
• Sloan's Lake Park
• Garland Park
• Eisenhower Park

Curbside Tree Collection

If you're unable to take your tree to a drop-off location, you can also participate in the curbside tree collection program. Simply place your tree at the curb on your designated trash collection day, and it will be collected and taken to a recycling facility. Be sure to remove all ornaments, lights, and tinsel, and cut your tree into sections no larger than 4 feet long.

Tips for Curbside Collection

• Place your tree at the curb no later than 7:00 am on your collection day.
• Remove all ornaments, lights, and tinsel from your tree.
• Cut your tree into sections no larger than 4 feet long.
• Do not bag your tree.

Tree Mulching

If you have a garden or yard, consider mulching your Christmas tree. You can chip your tree into mulch using a wood chipper or by hiring a professional to do it for you. Mulch can help retain moisture in your soil, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Plus, it's a great way to create a nutrient-rich soil amendment for your garden.

Benefits of Tree Mulching

• Retains moisture in the soil
• Suppresses weeds
• Regulates soil temperature
• Creates a nutrient-rich soil amendment

Wildlife Habitat Creation

If you have a large property or a nearby park, consider creating a wildlife habitat with your Christmas tree. Simply place your tree in a location that provides shelter and food for local wildlife, such as birds, rabbits, and squirrels. This is a great way to create a wildlife-friendly habitat and support local biodiversity.

Tips for Creating a Wildlife Habitat

• Choose a location that provides shelter and food for local wildlife.
• Place your tree in a location that receives partial shade to full sun.
• Consider adding other natural materials, such as branches and leaves, to create a diverse habitat.

Composting

Finally, consider composting your Christmas tree. You can add your tree to your compost pile, where it will break down into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. This is a great way to reduce waste and create a sustainable gardening practice.

Tips for Composting Your Tree

• Chop your tree into small pieces to help it break down faster.
• Add your tree to your compost pile, along with other organic materials, such as leaves and vegetable scraps.
• Consider adding a compost starter to help speed up the decomposition process.

By recycling your Christmas tree, you're supporting the local community, reducing waste, and creating a more sustainable environment. Whether you choose to participate in a tree recycling program, mulch your tree, create a wildlife habitat, or compost your tree, you're making a positive impact on the environment. So why not give your tree a second life this year?

We'd love to hear from you! Share your favorite ways to recycle your Christmas tree in the comments below.