Communities offer Christmas tree disposal
Officials: Drying trees are fire hazards

By Melanie Davis

The leftovers are gone, the relatives have traveled back to their homes, and wrapping paper is no longer spread across the living room floor. Now it is time to put the decorations back in the box and dispose of the cut Christmas tree.

The drying trees quickly become a fire hazard. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 24 percent of home fires ignited by Christmas trees occur in January.

Blowing Rock Fire & Rescue has issued a statement, warning residents not to store dead trees near or inside the home pending disposal. The trees should not be burned in fireplaces or outdoor fire pits. The drying needles can burn very quickly, adding to the hazard.

Christmas tree disposal opportunities and schedules are listed by community below.

Beech Mountain residents have the option of taking the tree to the Beech Mountain Recycling Center or leaving the tree on the curb. If the second is chosen, pick-up must be scheduled by calling (828) 387-9282. The recycling center is located at 510 Beech Mountain Parkway and the business hours are 9:30 to 4:30 p.m. five days a week. The center is closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Residents of Blowing Rock may leave the tree outside with regular trash for pickup. Trees will be picked up as they are found by town employees.

Curbside pick-up is also available for Boone residents. The trees will be picked up on the normal trash pickup schedule through Jan. 15.

Seven Devils residents are asked to bring the tree to the Seven Devils maintenance building, located on Chinkapin Road, below Town Hall. The business hours for the maintenance building are 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Watauga County residents may bring a tree to the Watauga County landfill for free disposal, located on Landfill Road off of U.S. 421 just south of the Bamboo Road intersection. The business hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Anyone who leaves a tree on the curb for pickup is reminded to place the tree in a position that will not block streets, sidewalks or drains.