How to reuse your Christmas tree + drop-off locations in the Birmingham area

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Trussville tree
Live tree or fake tree? (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Well, it’s that time of year again–you got a live Christmas tree and now you have to figure out what to do with it before the needles start to fall. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered.

Keep reading to learn more about tree repurposing and where to drop off your tree in Birmingham.

Don’t waste your tree–reuse it

Before you drop off your tree, consider reusing your tree. Here are some sustainable ways you can repurpose your tree before disposal:

  • Create your own mulch
  • Create fresheners from pine needles
  • Make firewood
  • Make compost
  • Insulate your garden

If you plan to drop off your tree, make sure to do it sooner rather than later. The more dry a tree gets, it can become a fire hazard.

Birmingham Zoo drop-off

zoo
The Birmingham Zoo has been Birmingham’s premier tree drop-off location for decades. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

Every year, the City of Mountain Brook and the Birmingham Zoo host a Christmas tree recycling event. From December 26 to January 9, take your tree and follow the signs to the designated tree drop zone.

City of Homewood

From December 26 to January 8, take your tree to the corner parking lot at Dale Avenue and Grace Street to be recycled into mulch that will be used for paths at the Homewood City School’s Community Garden.

If you are a Homewood resident, you can skip the drop off–Christmas tree removal is included in your waste removal service. Make sure trees are free of all decorations including ornaments, lights, wreaths and garland before putting them out for pick-up.

Vestavia Hills drop-off

Drop off your natural, decoration-free trees at Scout Square (The Christmas Tree Lot) right off of Montgomery Highway. Donated trees are used by Alabama Power to create fish habitats in local waters.

Shelby County drop-off locations

If you’re in the Shelby County area, here are a few spots where you can take your Christmas tree:

  • Pelham City Park (U.S. 31)
  • Chelsea City Hall
  • Heardmont Park
  • Ray Building (504 Hwy 70)
  • Propst Promenade Alabaster

Drop-off areas will be located in parking lots and marked with orange traffic cones and signs.

City of Birmingham pickup

The City of Birmingham has plenty of options for tree disposal. Here are some ways to recycle your tree:

Check out our guide to Christmas tree drop-offs in Huntsville.

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Grace Howard
Grace Howard
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