Lancaster, PA – Lancaster County residents can participate in an environmentally-friendly way to dispose of their Christmas trees by dropping them at the Lancaster County Central Park mulching site between dawn and dusk December 26 through January 31.
The park mulching program is for Christmas trees only – no other yard waste will be accepted. Trees must be free of decorations, lights, plastic bags, and hardware, including nails in the trunk. There is a three-tree limit per vehicle. Commercial haulers are strongly advised to contact their local municipalities for their respective Christmas tree recycling locations.
Mulching is free to Lancaster County residents however, Lancaster County Parks and Recreation is suggesting a donation of $1 for each tree. Donations will go towards the operation of the Dr. John Moss Native Tree Nursery in Central Park. Trees from the nursery are utilized throughout the County Park System. A portion of the funds are used to purchase emerald ash borer protection for about 26 ash trees in Lancaster County Central Park and Buchmiller County Park.
According to park officials, residents drop off about 1,000 Christmas trees each year, which produce tons 15 tons of mulch. The mulch is ideal for acid-loving plants such as rhododendrons and azaleas, and many deciduous ornamental trees and shrubs that require slightly acidic soil conditions. The mulch will be available to residents on a first-come, first-served basis after January 4, near the tree drop-off site. Persons desiring free mulch should bring a pitchfork or shovel, and a bag or a trailer to transport it home.
For more information about the Christmas tree mulching program, residents may call the Park Office at 717- 299-8215, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. To learn more about the County Park System, visit www.lancastercountyparks.org.
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