Christmas tree pickup to aid in wetland protection

St. Charles Parish residents now have the opportunity to recycle their Christmas trees for coastal restoration.

From now until Jan. 26 residents can drop off their trees at the East and West Bank Bridge Parks. Curbside pickup will be available for residents from January 9-26.

Parish officials noted that all trees should be stripped of ornaments, lights, and stands. The recycling program is for non-flocked, non-painted trees. No artificial trees will be accepted, and the trees should not be bagged.

Planning Administrator Earl Matherne said the ready availability of Christmas trees and their bushy nature makes them ideal for coastal restoration efforts.

“Additionally, it keeps them from going into the landfill, so it has that environmental benefit too … because the trees come from people’s homes, it’s a direct way for folks to participate in the project,” he said.

St. Charles Parish has been reusing Christmas trees for coastal restoration since 1987. Unlike other trees, Christmas trees are large and lightweight and allow the movement of water and sediment without being a barrier. The organic limbs also provide an ideal fisheries habitat, and the brush fences that are created by the trees allow the creation of marsh habitat and provide an effective wave break and increased water clarity.