Wow, good work, Michael. It is hard work trimming them down yourself. I was wondering the same thing. There must be someone in the recycling department chipping these things and making them available, but I haven't seen anything in the paper. We should write our commissioners.

Before Christmas, I spoke with the church where we buy our tree (during my guilt for buying a live, cut tree), and asked about their chipped trees. Like last year, I exchanged names and numbers with the person that chips and disposes of their damaged trees and tree parts. I had 3 full small truckloads (about 6-7 yards each) of chipped trees delivered to my yard for free. My DH made quick work of each load and it still smells heavenly around here. It makes great mulch, acidifies our alkaline soil, and works great for everyone. The church that supplied it did not have to take it all the way to the landfill and pay the dumping fee. Everyone was happy, including my earthworms.

More people should take advantage of this wonderful mulch this time of year. It actually looks nice, too. Good for you for thinking about this. Thanks for posting!

Anna

Here in Jacksonville, the Boy Scouts used to collect Christmas trees then took them to the beach to act as barriers against the loss of sand. Don't know if they still do.
The city does have what I'd call a community compost pile where you can fill your pickup for free. (last I heard, it was free). As Martha would say, "it's a good thing". cora

Wow Anna, sounds like you hit the motherlode. I'll have to check with the churches or tree lots locally to see what they do with the leftover trees.

I had a friend call me up shortly after I posted the original message to let me know I could come and pickup his families tree. On the way over there I ended up finding 3 more. Made a quick stop at the Starbucks and grabbed a couple of bags of coffee grounds as well. My wife just rolls her eyes at me and grins.

By no means am I totally organic/green, but if it's free you just can't beat the price. I'm lucky enough to live about 15 minutes from Monterey Mushrooms so I can always grab the spent mushroom compost too. Again free!!!! Gotta do something to fix this builders fill dirt that lurks just below the surface.

Mike

Mike, you're a man after my own heart!
Recycling is great, and FREE is even better! In a few minutes, the dog and I are going to cruise the neighborhood and see how many gift plants have been thrown away. I should have a whole new batch of cuttings in (recycled)yogurt cups by tomorrow!
As for the mulch, this year I've gone strictly eucalyptus. It's from down state - Ft Meyers, I think. It costs more, but I refuse to buy cypress or rubber mulch and I don't like that dyed stuff. So I bite the bullet, so to speak.
;o) cora

Michael, just approach these places soon after they start selling trees. They quickly realize that the scraps add up and take up space, and they start trying to get rid of them.

I am sooo envious about the mushroom compost. I don't know of any around my area. Would love to have a truckload of that. I am spoiled about getting things delivered for free! Wish I had a truck.