Life
Where to Ditch Your Old Christmas Tree
When your Christmas tree is losing its needles and the holiday has long passed, it’s time to say goodbye. Haul your tree to one of these local spots to give it a little purpose in its afterlife.
By Jenna deJong, additional reporting by Jordan Blomquist
Dec 01 2023 at 8 a.m.
Photo by Kyle Davis
Donate to a Worthy Cause
For only $5, Wickman’s Garden Village (1345 S. Fort Ave., Springfield; 417-862-3707) takes your tree and donates the money collected to Ozarks Food Harvest. Wickman’s then mulches the tree, and owners can take some of it home—so be sure to bring an extra container. Whatever is left over, Wickman’s uses in its nursery. Before drop-off, remove all glass and plastic. Call for more details.
Revisit Your Tree Farm
Revisit one of the Christmas tree farms around town for an easy and convenient drop-off location for a tree that’s lived its last Christmas dream. When Jessie Huntley first started working as a teenager at Cole’s Tree Farm (23100 Highway 00, Lebanon; 417-588-3008), he worked under a former U.S. forester who allowed people to drop off their used Christmas trees on his 30-acre property. Since taking over the business eight years ago, Huntley continues the tradition and allows guests to drop off their trees on a specific part of his property to spur wildlife growth. Bridgestone Christmas Tree Farm (9615 County Lane, 251, Webb City; 417-529-8508) also allows trees to be disposed of on their property if guests call beforehand.
Call Yardwaste Recycling Center
If all else fails, rely on the convenient option of Yardwaste Recycling Center (3772 County Road 119, Brookline; 417-864-1905). The center accepts all trees free of charge until the last day in January. Hansen's Green Waste (3341 S. Farm Rd 107, Brookline, 417-272-8733) also offers disposal of live trees at no charge between December 26 and January 31, after there is a $5 charge.
