Sedgwick County is once again putting on a Christmas tree recycling program. With nearly two dozen drop-off sites, county residents can drop off their Christmas tree and also pick up free mulch, made from dropped-off trees.

CLICK HERE FOR LIST OF LOCATIONS

Wichitan Tiffany Haynes Reed says her family hosted a foreign exchange student from Japan this year, so the family went for a real Christmas tree to get the full experience. She was one of the people dropping off their tree Wednesday.

“One of my New Years resolutions was to be more environmentally-friendly so this kind of helps me get an edge on on January 2,” Haynes Reed said.

Horticulture expert Matthew McKernan with the K-State extension office in Sedgwick County says the mulch can benefit land in many ways, and that using old Christmas trees is making use of an item many consider to be trash this time of year.

“It helps reduce weeds that come up in the garden, and it also helps as these trees break down over time to improve the soil health of your landscapes and gardens,” McKernan said.

McKernan additionally suggested tying up your tree in the corner of your yard or deck to serve as a canopy for birds or other wildlife and to protect them from predators. Or toss your tree into your pond to serve as a coral reef or sorts for fish.

If you have a wood-burning stove, consider letting the tree dry out for several weeks, and you’ll have easy-lighting firewood.

The county asks that you remove all tinsel, lights, ornaments and decor from the tree before leaving it at one of the drop off sites.

“There’s lots of ways Christmas trees can be recycled to serve purposes throughout the whole year,” McKernan said.

Drop off continues through January 23.