Getting your tree ready for pickup
A few minutes of prep the night before means your tree actually gets picked up on the first pass. Here’s what units look for.
Before pickup day
Strip it bare
Stand, lights, tinsel, ornaments, and any bags or netting all need to come off. Chippers can’t handle them.
Skip flocked or painted trees
Flocking and paint keep a tree from being chipped, so most units won’t take these. Check with your unit if you’re not sure.
Cut tall trees in half
Anything over about ten feet should be cut in half so it’s manageable to load.
Set it out the night before
Routes often start early. Put your tree out the evening before pickup so you don’t miss the first pass.
Where to put it
Place your tree at the front of your driveway or curb, visible from the street and clear of bushes, parked cars, or anything else that would block a crew from spotting it. If your unit runs a drop-off site instead of curbside pickup, you can bring the tree there any time — no appointment needed, and no restriction on which zip you live in.
Supporting the unit
Recycling donations are voluntary at most units, and whatever you give goes straight to that unit — it funds camp fees, gear, and activities for their Scouts, not the Trees for Scouts site itself.