SUFFOLK
A naturally grown Christmas tree is a festive backdrop for the holiday season. As the needles start dropping, however, consider how you may reuse or recycle it in the days ahead: Place the tree outside to become a backyard habitat for wintering birds and creatures; cut boughs for covering and protecting flower beds; or use a few small branches to feed an outdoor fire pit.

For a simple alternative, find out how and when your city or county will collect or accept Christmas trees. Over the next few weeks, Hampton Roads residents may contribute to this seasonal recycling program when they place their naturally-grown Christmas trees on the curb or drop the trees off at specified collection areas. Most localities chip the trees into mulch that is then used to spruce up plantings around town. Trees should be free of any ornaments, tinsel or stands and lights. And remember, strands of Christmas lights are not recyclable in curbside recycling carts.

As of this date, the following cities and counties have announced their natural Christmas tree recycling/pick-up schedules to HR Green. For updates or information on localities not listed below, call your locality or visit their website. For additional information about all things green, go to askHRgreen.org.

Isle of Wight

When: Ongoing

Where: Natural Christmas trees can be recycled at any of Isle of Wight’s Refuse & Recycling Centers.

What to know: Tree should be free of the stand, ornaments, tinsel and lights. Trees will be composted.

Smithfield

When: Through Jan. 11

Where: Curbside

What to know: You must contact Kathy Bew-Jones at 365-4200 or kjones@smithfieldva.gov and provide your address if you have a Christmas tree to be picked up. Tree should be free of the stand, ornaments, tinsel, garland and lights. Trees will be mulched.

Suffolk

When: Dec. 26-Jan. 5

Where: Curbside

What to know: Christmas trees will be handled as normal debris but during this two-week period, collections will not count against your 12 free bulk pickup collections.