Department of Agriculture lets you dispose of your Christmas trees safely

The Department of Agriculture invites island residents to dispose of their unwanted Christmas trees in the coming weeks. Forestry Division Chief Christine Fejeran told KUAM News they're, "hosting our annual Christmas tree chipping program for the next two weeks. So the first two weeks in January, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 to 12:30, we'll be accepting Christmas trees from the general public.

"Now, these aren't trees from a commercial business, this is from your residence and the requirements are that the trees must be completely clean, so bare of ornaments, lights, tinsel. It's got to just be a completely clean tree and you'll be dropping that off at the Department of Agriculture, Dairy Road, so it's our nursery across the street from the main compound. You'll see it, we'll have the pop-ups up and the big red chipper you can't miss it."

Fejeran added that residents who bring in their Christmas trees will receive a free native from the Department of Agriculture. DOAG is promoting a "no burning" of trees in residential areas as doing so requires a permit.

Requirements for the Christmas tree drop are as follows: Trees must be completely bare of ornaments, lights and other accessories. Mulch may be collected for personal purposes only and not be sold and residents who want to collect mulch will need to bring a bag and shovel. Chipping days are Jan. 3, 5, 7, 10, 12 and 14.