Got Mulch? The City Does, and You Can Have Some

PHOTO FROM PITTSBURGH MAGAZINE ARCHIVES

Just after Christmas, City of Pittsburgh officials announced that unwanted pine trees could be dropped off at 11 sites around the region as part of its annual Christmas Tree Recycling program. Now, mulch made from those recycled trees will be available to the public for free, just in time for the start of gardening season.

The Department of Public Works’ Environmental Services announced Wednesday that residents will be able to pick up free mulch and screened compost at the Pittsburgh Zoo’s overflow parking lot on May 2 and May 9. Pickup is limited to city residents and will take place from sunup to sundown — or while supplies last.

Organizers say Christmas tree mulch is great for landscaping and cover. The mulch enriches the soil with organic matter, improving soil structure, water retention and overall fertility. Compost has many of the same benefits, officials say, and it can be mixed directly with soil to amend and improve it.

The Christmas Tree Recycling Program is offered each year as a free and environmentally friendly way to dispose of Christmas trees after the holiday season has ended. Otherwise, discarded Christmas trees can end up in landfills, where they can take years to decompose.

This year, the city says 845 trees were recycled into mulch instead of going to a landfill.