‘Tis the season to recycle the Christmas tree

Ken Done unloads his Christmas tree at Murray Park in Murray on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013.

Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY Live Christmas trees carry the scent of fresh pine and bring wonder to the season when annual traditions of bringing one home are involved.

Eventually, however, those cut evergreens dry up and are thrown out. And while each city might have a different set of rules for disposal, waste management officials are encouraging residents to dispose of Christmas trees properly.

"They can always be used somehow," said Davis Landfill manager Preston Lee. He said that by the end of January, there's quite a pile of old trees at the landfill.

"It's better than throwing it away and it's free," he said. "And it doesn't end up taking landfill space."

Christmas trees can be disposed at the landfill in Layton at no charge. The trees are then ground into mulch and sold for $5 a scoop, which is half the price of the site's regular mulch mix. Pine mulch, Lee said, is more acidic than some wood products and "provides a great weed barrier."

Tim Parson, of Monster Tree Service in Layton, said when used properly, different mulch products can condition the soil and decaying wood, such as pine, is often beneficial to flower and plant beds.

Depending on the region of the country and what is grown there, he said Christmas trees can include Douglas fir, white fir, spruce trees and hemlock. Each type provides different nutrients to the soil when it runs through its life cycle.

As a certified arborist, Parson provides advice on tree conditions and proper care and maintenance, cost estimates on hazardous tree removal, as well as other services.

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'Tis the season to recycle the Christmas tree