We decorated them. We illuminated them with strings of bulbs. We sang songs about them. Then, when the holidays are over, they get tossed out with the trash.
To prevent this tragedy NYC Parks created Mulchfest: an opportunity to leave your undecorated tree at selected city parks where it will be transformed into mulch and afterwards bestow benefits to parks, gardens, and street tree beds. Mulch maintains the health of trees and plants by deterring weeds, retaining moisture, preventing compaction, adding nutrients to the soil, and keeping roots warm.
Starting December 26 through January 12 you may drop off you tree in our area at McCarren, McGolrick, Domino, and Maria Hernandez parks during their park hours. You may want to wait for the weekend of January 11 and 12. This is a chipping weekend, and if you bring your tree to the previously mentioned parks between 10 a.m.–2 p.m. you’ll be given a bag of mulch. McGolrick Park has been added to chipping weekend this year; previously it was drop-off only.
Participation in Mulchfest was on a consistent surge when 2023’s event collected 58,309 trees for tree-cycling, the most ever. It continued the boom 2021 started, when 50,934 were recycled — this was double that of the average collection in years prior. However, the numbers dipped for last year’s Mulchfest; still over 46K trees were collected. Here’s hoping this is the beginning of a beautiful tradition.
“Mulchfest is as much about nourishing our city’s living infrastructure as it is about building community, by bringing neighbors together to practice sustainability and environmental responsibility. Last year, New Yorkers truly outdid themselves, recycling over 46,000 trees, and we’re hoping to better that total for 2025,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “We’re grateful to everyone who helps make this event a success each year, especially our partners at Citi. Let’s make Mulchfest 2025 one to remember!”
If you can’t make it to Mulchfest, your tree can still become mulch if you properly set it out for curbside pickup by the NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY). Remove it from its stand and take off: all lights, ornaments, and tinsel. Set it out for Curbside Compost collection (do not bag the tree). To find your Curbside Compost collection day visit: https://www.nyc.gov/assets/dsny/forms/collection-schedule .
For more information go to: https://www.nycgovparks.org/highlights/festivals/mulchfest
Drop-off sites at local parks are: Domino Park, River Street and South 3rd Street; Maria Hernandez Park, Suydam Street and Knickerbocker Avenue; McCarren Park, Lorimer Street and Driggs Avenue; and McGolrick Park, Monitor Street and Driggs Avenue.
The Greenline 