The City of Hattiesburg’s Urban Forestry Division is preparing for its Annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program. The community is invited to recycle their Christmas trees from December 30-February 28.
There are four, drop-off points for the disposal of live Christmas trees. Designated sites include Duncan Lake on James Street, Cameron Ball field at Kamper Park, Highland Cemetery behind the office on W. 7th Street, and #8 Fire Station on Lamar Blvd., near Petro Nissan.
All trees collected will be chipped into mulch and placed at Highland Cemetery. This mulch is free to residents on a first come, first serve basis, for as long as the mulch last. Recycled tree mulch can be used for landscaping, gardening and compost.
“Mulch not only is decorative, it helps to retain moisture, insulate plant roots-cooling in the summer and holding heat in the winter,” said City of Hattiesburg Certified Arborist Andy Parker. “It is recommended that fresh mulch be allowed time to go through a “heat” breakdown cycle, before placing around young plants. By recycling the trees, we save valuable landfill space and reduce illegal dumping,” Parker said.
Participants of the program are asked to remove Christmas tree stands, decorations, lights and any other foreign material that may damage the chipper. No artificial or frocked trees will be accepted. For more information, contact the Urban Forestry Division at 601. 545.1541 or 601.596.6649.