Coweta holds “Chipper” event Jan. 8

It has been 20 years since Coweta County began its annual Christmas tree recycling event, “Bring One for the Chipper.” The tradition continues this year on Jan. 8 at the county recreation facility on Temple Avenue.

County spokesperson Patricia Palmer said the 20th year of the Bring One for the Chipper event invites Georgia residents to bring their trees to local drop-off centers. You can bring your tree to the recreation facility on Temple Avenue (the Old Fairgrounds) on the official “Bring One for the Chipper” day, Jan. 8 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. or in Coweta County you can bring your tree to any of the county compactor sites from Dec. 26 through Jan. 11.

Palmer said event sponsors are proud to offer a token of appreciation for Georgia citizens that participate in the Jan. 8 “Chipper” event. Coweta County 4-Hers will help distribute free vegetable seed packets for “treecycling” citizens. It’s a great opportunity to plant a container garden at home or with your children, or save them for community or school gardening projects, said Palmer.

Check the hours of the 12 Coweta County compactors sites on the county website at http://www.coweta.ga.us/Index.aspx?page=368 – or just use the link from the home page.

According to the National Christmas Tree Association (www.realchristmastrees.org) 98 percent of real Christmas trees are grown on farms throughout all 50 states and Canada.  Real trees are a renewable, recyclable resource while artificial trees contain non-biodegradable plastics usually manufactured in China.

On average, for each tree harvested, three seedlings are planted in its place. Chipper trees will be recycled into mulch for playgrounds, public beautification projects, wildlife habitat and homeowner landscaping projects. Mulched landscapes help absorb runoff and prevent erosion during times of heavy rainfall.