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Mulch – the Gift that Keeps on Giving

The decorations and lights have been taken down and the eggnog has been drunk. Now, what to do with the tree? Why not make mulch from it?

Christmas trees can be re-used for many purposes: erosion control, fish habitat and, most importantly, mulch. Pine mulch is an excellent source of nutrients and organic matter, and for us in South Texas, provides the added benefit of slightly acidifying the soil.

The City of San Antonio is once again offering to recycle your tree into nutrient-rich mulch. Just bring it to one of 17 drop-off locations throughout the city from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 10, 11, 17 and 18.

Can’t make the drop-off dates? Bitters Brush Recycling Center, 1800 E. Bitters Rd. and Nelson Gardens Brush Recycling Center, 8963 Nelson Rd. will accept Christmas trees for free throughout the month of January. Mulch will be available for free while supplies last.

For more information, visit sanantonio.gov/swmd or call 3-1-1.

Picture of Mark Peterson
Mark Peterson
Mark A. Peterson was a conservation project coordinator for San Antonio Water System before retiring. With over 30 years of experience as an urban forester and arborist, Mark is probably the only person you know who actually prunes trees for fun. When not expounding on the benefits of trees and limited lawns, you're likely to find him hiking San Antonio's wilderness parks or expounding on the virtues of geography and history to his friends.
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