Wondering what to do with your Christmas tree?

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 08/01/2021 (881 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Happy new year!

I hope that everyone had an enjoyable holiday season. Even amidst the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and current restrictions, I know we are all looking forward to a healthier and brighter 2021.

January means many residents are beginning to take down their decorations and pack them away for another year. If your house set up a real Christmas tree, you may be wondering what to do with your evergreen.

After a holiday season of shortages and record-breaking sales, real trees were more popular than ever this past Christmas. Many families returned to the tradition of a real tree, while others set one up for the first time.

The wonderful scent, nostalgia and even environmental impacts have increased the popularity of real trees in the past few years.

I’m happy to share a few local options for recycling your tree.

• Forest Park School (130 Forest Park Dr.) is currently collecting trees in its parking lot. Students and staff will be placing collected trees around the schoolyard as part of a project. Students will learn and study the importance of trees in the winter as shelter and food for birds, rabbits and squirrels. In the spring, students will also study composting as the trees are turned into fresh garden soil. This is a wonderful initiative for students to learn about nature.
• Kildonan Park has a free Christmas tree collection site. Trees can be dropped off at the Rainbow Stage parking lot anytime during park hours, free of charge. Trees should not be bagged and should have all decorations, tinsel and stands removed. Trees are turned into wood chips, and these chips will be available for free pickup throughout January. These wood chips are a great way to enrich your gardens and yard — just bring along your own shovel and container.
• The City of Winnipeg has also partnered with local non-profit Sscope, in support of its mental-health programming. This is a convenient curbside collection service. For a small fee, your tree is picked up and recycled. You can call Winnipeg 311 or Sscope at 204-987-3600 to arrange your pick up.

I wish everyone all the very best and good luck as we settle back into our routines, whether that be work, school — or keeping your new year’s resolutions. Stay healthy and stay safe.

Daniel Guenther is president of the Garden City Residents’ Association and a community correspondent for his neighbourhood. Email him at: gardencitywinnipeg@gmail.com