Natural Christmas Tree Recycling In East Texas

Another memorable East Texas Christmas is behind us. All of the presents that were underneath your tree have been opened up by the kids and family and now they're being played with.

That once-full Christmas tree is looking sad and empty. If you purchased a natural tree, brought it into your home, and decorated it, it's going to continue to slowly dry out and soon the needles will begin to fall off making a mess on the living room carpet and tile.

Now is the time to recycle that Balsam, Frasier, Douglas Fir, or Spruce Pine Christmas tree before it gets too old. Your recycled tree could end up benefitting the fish population in Tyler area lakes.

When you make the decision to undecorate the natural tree, whether that's today or January 2nd, you can take that tree to one of the recycling drop-off locations in Tyler and it could end up being used as a fish habitat in an area lake or turned into mulch for the parks department.

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Beginning Thursday, December 26th residents may drop off undecorated, non-flocked trees at the designated spots on Fun Forest Park or Golden Road Park in Tyler. Trees must be free of decorations, tinsel, and lights. These drop-off locations will be available to residents free of charge through Wednesday, January 15th. If you set your tree curbside for the City Of Tyler Solid Waste Department to pick up on normal trash days, those trees WILL NOT be recycled.

Recycled trees in the designated areas are available for area fishermen/fisherwomen to pick up at any time for use in ponds and lakes to create a fish habitat. The City of Tyler says,

'Small fish eat the aquatic insects that find a home in the tree branches. The fish also use the trees as a hiding place. As a result, fishing is improved around the recycled trees because more fish congregate in these areas.'

Christmas Tree Recycling Drop-Off Locations:

Golden Road Park - 2300 McDonald Rd
Fun Forest Park - 2000 N Forest Ave

The last day to drop off trees will be Wednesday, January 15th. Just look for the signs that say 'Christmas Tree Drop-Off'.

In Longview, residents may drop off undecorated natural Christmas trees at the City Of Longview Compost Site located at 2020 Swinging Bridge Road or you can set them curbside and at least 4 feet from your trash and recycling carts in order to be picked up by the city.