In the coming week or two, Christmas trees and evergreen swags will be coming down in Albuquerque area homes. Some of us take our trees down the day after Christmas, while others wait until New Year's or January 5^th. Regardless of when we put away the holidays for this year, proper disposal of the trees and greens can poseIn a conundrum.

City Sponsored Programs

The city of Albuquerque offers free tree recycling at the area dump convenience centers as well as at Ladera golf course. The trees are immediately turned into chips and you are welcome to take some of the chip mulch home at no cost. This is an easy way to get the most use from your tree, since come this time of year the gardens can benefit from a fresh layer of mulch. The sanitation department also picks up trees during normal garbage collection times for an additional charge.

Rowland's Nursery

Rowland's Nurseries also offer free tree recycling in the Albuquerque area. Call the one nearest you to find out drop of times and to ensure the location is accepting trees.

Compost

Unfortunately, Christmas trees aren't suitable for the compost pile since the woody parts break down slowly. You can add garlands and wreathes if you break them up first. Another option is to use the needle-covered branches to mulch more tender plants until spring, then add them to your yard waste bin or chip them yourself for use as mulch. Chipped trees can also be added to the compost pile in small amounts.