A-mulching we will go. “Mulching is the security blanket your garden needs to grow like a boss,” said Jeff Favelle, owner of The Ripe Tomato Farms, in a recent YouTube tutorial.  Photo: Jenny Johansson.

By Jade Esteban Estrada, Staff Writer | San Antonio Sentinel

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

  • From Jan. 2-31, the Solid Waste Management Department will provide five sites that will turn natural Christmas trees into mulch
  • In mid-February, free Christmas tree mulch will be available at the Bitters Brush Recycling Center while supplies last

From Jan. 2-31, the City of San Antonio Solid Waste Management Department will provide five sites that will turn natural Christmas trees into mulch. 

As gardeners across the spectrum surely know, trees can be cut or chipped for use as mulch, the layer of organic material that is applied to the surface of the soil. Reasons for applying mulch include conservation of soil moisture, improving fertility and health of the soil, reducing weed growth, and enhancing the visual appeal of the area.

As Christmas trees are often used for only a few months out of the year at most, turning a tree into mulch offers the evergreen a new life as a nutrient-rich fertilizer.

“Mulching is the security blanket your garden needs to grow like a boss,” said Jeff Favelle, owner of The Ripe Tomato Farms, in a recent YouTube tutorial.

READ: New Year’s Eve Reminder: Using Fireworks Within City Limits Is Prohibited

City officials are requesting that trees over six feet should be cut in half, and that all lights, decorations, and stands (even the wooden ones) be removed. Additionally, trees should not be bagged, and no wreaths, garlands, or plants will be accepted. 

In mid-February, free Christmas tree mulch will be available at the Bitters Brush Recycling Center while supplies last. 

Christmas trees can be deposited at the following locations and times: 


Bitters Brush Recycling Center 

1800 Wurzbach Parkway

January 2-31, 2022

Monday-Sunday

8 p.m. - 5 p.m. 

Highway 90 Center 

5450 Castroville Road

January 2-31, 2022

Monday-Sunday

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Culebra Road Drop-Off Center 

7030 Culebra Road

Jan. 4-15, 2022

Tuesday-Friday

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday

8 a.m. - noon

Frio City Road Drop-Off Center 

15331 Frio City Road

Jan. 4-15, 2022

Tuesday-Friday

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday

8 a.m. - noon

Rigsby Road Drop-Off Center 

15331 Frio City Road

Jan. 4-15, 2022

Tuesday-Friday

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday

8 a.m. - noon

More information on San Antonio’s brush recycling programs can be found here.



Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer for the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers public health and other citywide issues. jade@sasentinel.com | Twitter: @satx_writer