SoDu How-To

[SoDu How-To] Dispose of Live Christmas Trees

The City of Durham accepts live trees starting in January. Be sure to remove decorations, lights, tinsel, nails, and stands. Don't bag them. And cut them in half if taller than six feet.

Wes Platt

28 Dec 2025 — 3 min read

Our artificial tree is pretty low-maintenance, and easy for the kids to decorate. But I get the appeal of a real tree.

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My family's been putting up an artificial tree for Christmas during the past several years, mostly because I just don't like dealing with all the fallen pine needles on the floor.

We might try another live tree sometime. Maybe even next year. But for those of you who got a real Douglas fir for your yuletide season, I'm happy to share what you need to know about the City of Durham's free disposal options.

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