(NYC Parks)
Jan. 4, 2021 By Michael Dorgan
The holidays are over and residents have a chance to dispose of Christmas trees in an eco-friendly way during the city’s annual MulchFest.
Residents can bring their Christmas trees to a number of designated parks and gardens throughout the borough to be turned into mulch. This year’s event kicked off on Dec. 26 and residents can drop trees off at listed locations throughout all five boroughs through Jan. 9.
The mulch created by the trees will be used by the city in public parks and gardens to help trees and plants grow. Mulch adds nutrients to the soil, deters weeds, retains moisture and keeps roots warm.
Residents can also watch their trees get mulched at designated chipping sites on Jan. 9 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and can also take home a free bag of mulch.
The City requires residents to remove all lights, ornaments and netting from the trees before they are brought to a mulching site.
Mulchfest, which is run by the Dept. of Sanitation and NYC Parks, has been an annual event for more than 20 years. Last year the city mulched around 50,000 trees.
This year the city is appealing to residents to wear a face covering and practice social distancing if visiting any of the locations.
Drop off locations and chipping sites
Astoria Park located at 19th Street and Hoyt Avenue
Forest Park located at Forest Park Drive and Woodhaven Boulevard
Hunters Point South Park located at 51st Avenue and Center Boulevard
Juniper Valley Park located at 80th Street between Juniper Boulevard North and South
Travers Park located at 78th Street and 34th Avenue
Drop-off location only
Captain Mario Fajardo Playground located at Kissena Boulevard at Booth Memorial Avenue*
Queensbridge Park located at Vernon Boulevard and Queensbridge Park Greenway
Windmill Community Garden located at 39-22 29th St.
Windmuller Park at Lawrence Virgilio Playground located at 39th Drive and 54th Street
All drop off locations can be found here.
