Choices abound for discarding that formerly live Christmas tree, the only restrictions being they be stripped; no decorations or stands.
The annual Bring One for the Chipper Christmas tree program, sponsored by Keep Georgia Beautiful, disposed of more than 5.2 million trees while handing our more than 1 million tree seedlings to participants since its inception in 1991.
Beyond its obvious environmental benefits, the chipper program helps local governments comply with state regulations against dumping trees in municipal landfills. Mulch from trees is spread at playgrounds, local government beautification projects, wildlife habitat and home yards.
In Woodstock, trees can be taken to Hobgood Park until Jan. 7. City workers will be on site Jan. 7, which has been proclaimed “One for the Chipper Day” to hand out free hot cocoa, tree seedlings and mulch in return for a tree.
Trees can also be taken to Olde Rope Mill Park near the intersection of Woodstock Parkway and Ridgewalk Parkway from 8 a.m. to dusk through Jan. 14, as part of the city of Woodstock’s Christmas Tree Chip and Dip program. The following week, those who donated trees can return with a shovel and bag to collect free mulch.
Advanced Disposal customers in Woodstock can leave their undecorated Christmas trees for pick up during the first two weeks in January.
The Holly Springs drop-off for Bring One for the Chipper is at the city public works building, 100 Hickory Circle, until Jan. 7.
Canton’s drop off is at from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 7. Free seedlings will be given to donors while supplies last.
For a complete list of sites, visit www.KeepGeorgiaBeautiful.org which has a ZIP code-based listing of drop-off centers throughout the state. For more information about Bring One for the Chipper, call (404) 679-1580.
If you want to help fish you can have your tree dunked in Lake Allatoona by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers which will be recycling trees into fish habitats at three locations in Cherokee County.
Galt’s Ferry Day Use Area, Victoria Day Use Area and Sweetwater Campground will be open daily from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. for the Corps of Engineers program.
Put trees in the flagged area at the beach parking lot at Galt’s Ferry, 7299 Rocky Lane, Acworth; Victoria Day Use, 937 Victoria Landing Drive, Woodstock; and at the overflow parking at Sweetwater, 1400 Fields Chapel Road, Canton. For more information, call (678) 721-6700.
