City hosting holiday tree recycling; KRRB shares the benefits

RIO RANCHO — The Rio Rancho Parks and Recreation Department will host its annual holiday tree recycling from Dec. 26 to Jan. 6 at the Rio Rancho Sports Complex on High Resort Boulevard.

Residents will have access to free mulch while supplies last, courtesy of PNM and Keep Rio Rancho Beautiful.

Recycling that live tree after Christmas or even the New Year’s is beneficial for many reasons, and KRRB has the details.

KRRB coordinator, Nick Dahl, has a history with tree recycling.

“I grew up in the Midwest, where winters were brutally cold. Despite the dense urban forests, some wildlife still needed a little extra help to stay warm,” he said.

When he and his family were done with a tree, they would place it in the backyard as a sanctuary for the winter wildlife, offering shelter until spring arrived.

He added that another recycling option, if people don’t want to put their tree through the chipper, is to plant it. Some conifer trees are drought-tolerant, and with a bit of research before purchase, people might find a fir tree that will thrive for years to come.

For those participating in the tree recycling with the city, trees will be turned into mulch, also known as wood chips.

“Holiday trees are biodegradable, making them an easily recyclable. Last year, the city of Rio Rancho and PNM collected approximately 700 trees. Had those trees been sent to our landfills, they would have taken up valuable space, causing the landfills to expand faster than necessary. Remember, recycling helps reduce waste — please recycle whatever you can,” Dahl said.

Mulch can be very beneficial to residents, too.

“The mulch created from these holiday trees makes an excellent natural cover for your garden. It serves as a protective layer for your flowers and plants year-round. As winter approaches, the mulch helps shield areas where your garden has gone dormant, providing insulation and warmth,” Dahl added.

According to him, in the spring and summer, it absorbs heat, preventing the soil from overheating under the harsh sun.

“Plus, the mulch is completely free. This event offers a wonderful opportunity for the community to give back while benefiting from their efforts. Even if you don’t have space at home for mulch, recycling your tree is a meaningful way to pay it forward, and your contribution is deeply appreciated,” Dahl said.

Residents are able to drop off their holiday tree from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Only real trees will be accepted. Trees must have all decorations removed.