Many residents take down their Christmas trees the day after Christmas, while others like to enjoy them into January. Whatever you do, if you use a real tree, the county fire department reminds residents to properly dispose of your tree when it begins to dry out. Managing editor Tami Roleff has these tips for getting rid of your real tree…
Dried-out real trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Avoid a mess when removing your tree by placing a large plastic tree bag (available at hardware stores) underneath the tree stand. Pull the bag up around the tree, stand and all, and carry it outside. The fire department urges residents not to burn Christmas trees in home fireplaces, as the pitch in the wood creates huge, fast-moving sparks that can jump right out of the fireplace and into your room, or up the chimney and onto the shingles of your roof, potentially causing a fire.
Residents can recycle their holiday greenery. Make sure your tree is free of ornaments, lights, tinsel, tree stands, nails, or any other debris. Leave your tree at the curb on your regular trash day, through January 9. Do not put it in your trash can. Or bring trees to drop-off locations behind the Twentynine Palms City Hall and Yucca Valley Town Hall.
