Christmas Tree Recycling Program in Pueblo
In Pueblo, you can dispose of your old Christmas trees free of charge at the dedicated recycling event held by Pueblo RecycleWorks. Take note of the days and hours for drop-off:
Thursdays and Fridays: January 5, 6, 12, 13 | 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturdays and Sundays: January 7, 8, 14, 15 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
The location for the drop-off is: 1595 Stockyard Rd.
Before you come, make sure you take off all the decorations, tree stands, wires, and nails as only bare trees are accepted. Remember, no wreaths or garlands.
Christmas Tree Recycling Means Free Mulch for Pueblo Homeowners & Gardening Enthusiasts
Here’s an added benefit: You can get mulch from the recycled trees at no cost. This is available on Friday, January 13 and Saturday, January 14; make sure you come early since it’s offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
For additional details, visit the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment website or contact them by phone.
This service is available to all residents of Pueblo County and is a joint effort between the local departments, RecycleWorks and Black Hills Energy.
Benefits of Mulch
The growing season is coming fast upon us, and Christmas tree recycling offers an opportunity for Pueblo homeowners and gardening enthusiasts to get a jump on the upcoming season.
Mulch offers several benefits that can be particularly advantageous for the Pueblo, Colorado growing season. Our area is challenged by variable weather and water availability, and mulch helps to keep moisture in the soil, which can be essential for plant health during drier periods.
It also reduces erosion, a significant benefit here in Pueblo where we can get violent spring rains, as well as high winds – both of which contribute to erosion.
Weeds are less of a problem with mulch, as it suppresses their growth, making any that do emerge easier to pull. Additionally, mulch can improve the physical condition of the soil as it decomposes.
Preserving Christmas Tree Mulch for Future Use
We’re still a couple of months and likely a few big snowstorms away from starting the gardening season. So in order to make sure your mulch is ready for use when the growing season starts in earnest, here are some tips:
Keep Your Mulch Dry
Moisture can lead to mold growth and decomposition. Store your mulch in a dry place, and if it’s outside, cover it a tarp to protect it from rain and snow. The tarp shouldn’t be so tight to completely restrict airflow though – as we’ll touch on in a moment.
Let Your Mulch Breathe – Provide Access to Outside Air
While you must protect your mulch from the elements like rain and snow, it shouldn’t be so tight that airflow is completely restricted. The mulch must have access to outside air to prevent the mulch from growing mold or breaking down and becoming acidic – which can actually be harmful to the flora on your property.
Elevate Your Mulch
This may be a tough one for many homeowners, but if possible, use raised surfaces – like pallets or similar contraptions to keep your mulch off the ground. If you don’t, runoff from winter snow and rain can drain right into your mulch pile, causing mold growth or even worse – potentially ruining your mulch.
When Storing Mulch Remember These Three Things: Keep it Dry, Allow Airflow, and Keep it Elevated if Possible
Christmas Tree Recycling Details
Pueblo’s Drop-off Sites for Christmas Tree Recycling
- Locations:
- 1585 Stockyard Rd.: Pueblo RecycleWorks
Steps to Recycle Christmas Trees in Local Colorado Areas
- Process:
- Remove decorations and stands
- All ornaments, tinsel, and lights must be removed
- Stands, wires, and nails must be detached
- Drop off at designated sites
- Natural trees only (no artificial trees)
- Fees:
- Recycling services are free of charge.
