El Paso County encourages ‘Treecycling’ your live-potted Christmas trees

by: KTSM Report

Posted: Dec 21, 2020 / 01:31 PM MST / Updated: Dec 21, 2020 / 01:33 PM MST

FILE – In this Nov. 28, 2015, file photo, Tommy Lawson looks out into rows of Christmas trees as his family browses for their tree at the John T Nieman Nursery in Hamilton, Ohio. For many people, it’s hard not to think about the upcoming holidays already. Some folks are holding early Christmas celebrations so they can be with elderly parents outdoors while the weather still allows it. As the holidays approach, the pandemic is forcing people to come up with creative ways to celebrate. Experts say rituals have always been with us and there has always been room for improvisation. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — El Paso County Parks and Recreation Department is asking for the public’s help in recycling their live potted trees this season, “Treecycle.” Beginning December 26 to January 7, El Paso County residents will be able to drop off their live-potted trees at Ascarate Park’s Maintenance Shop at no cost.

Treecycling is an easy way to return a renewable and natural resource back to the environment instead of disposing of it in a landfill, where decomposition rates are slowed due to the lack of oxygen. By accepting live-potted trees after the holidays, El Paso County will plant them across other County-owned facilities.

Ascarate Park will be accepting the live-potted holiday trees at their maintenance yard located inside the park. Residents are asked to remove all ornaments, lights, and tinsel from the tree before dropping it off.

Ascarate Park Maintenance Yard

ONLY live-potted trees will be accepted