It's Christmas time, and you might be wondering how does a Christmas tree have anything to do with my lawn and landscape when warmer weather is far off in the next year? Well, it's about Denver’s Treecycle Program 2022, which is an annual program that helps Denver residents recycle their festive coniferous pines and then get them back as mulch! That is how Christmas will save your landscape for the next year! Denver’s Treecycle 2022 program is offered to residents and is both free and easy.
How is mulch important for my landscape?
Mulch acts as an insulator, helping to regulate soil temperature to keep plant roots cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Mulching is especially important for new plantings done in the fall that are still tender as temperatures begin to plummet. Which is a good time to mention this as we all can see the effects of when huge drops in temperature drops in Denver. It also helps conserve moisture and water so mulch can help with spending less time watering. Overall, mulch is a common item found in landscaping and universal in helping protect your lawn and landscape.
How to prepare your tree for Treecycle
1) Remove all tinsel and decorations for the tree. Real evergreen trees only! No artificial or flocked (spray painted) trees.
2) For home pickup: Set your tree out for collection on your Large Item Pickup days during the Treecycle collection period of January 2 to 21, 2023. Your tree should be set out no later than 7 a.m.
3) Do not place trees inside bags or carts. Trees should be at least 2 feet away from trash, recycling containers, and other obstacles. Your tree will be picked up by a special tree collection truck.
How to Treecycle in Denver
If you are a Denver resident, but not eligible for trash collection, or you miss the deadlines, you can drop off trees through January 31. If you happen to be located outside of Denver, many other towns and neighborhoods are offering similar programs to help recycle your Christmas tree.
The following Treecycle locations is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. January 2 to 31*, 2023
Cherry Creek Transfer Station – 7301 E. Jewell Ave. (enter on E. Jewell Ave.)
Havana Nursery – 10450 Smith Rd. (enter on Smith Road)
Central Platte Campus – 1271 W. Bayaud Ave. (next to the Denver Animal Shelter)
*These locations will be closed on Monday, January 16, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. holiday
Weekend Drop Sites: Saturday, Jan. 14, 21 & 28, 2023
The following Treecycle locations will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sloan’s Lake Northwest Parking Lot – W. Byron Pl. and Yates St.
Bruce Randolph – E. 40th Ave. and Steele St.
Fred Thomas Park – 2400 Quebec St.
Evie Dennis School Campus – 4800 Telluride St.
Central Platte Campus – 1271 W. Bayaud Ave.
Carson Elementary – 5420 E 1st Ave.
Kennedy High School – Newland St. and Brown Pl.
Slavens Elementary – 3000 S Clayton St.
East High School – 1600 City Park Esplanade
For more information about drop-off options, check here for days and times the recycling centers are open.