A fresh, tall Christmas tree covered with lights, tinsel and ornaments is symbolic of the winter holidays. However, as soon as December 25th passes, people want to get rid of their trees in a hurry before they start shedding pine needles all over the ground. However, the city of Plano is asking its residents to recycle their Christmas trees instead of just throwing them away.

The week immediately following Christmas, the city will not be collecting trimmings in order to focus on collecting excess holiday trash. However, residental crews will begin picking up Christmas trees the week of January 3. The trees and live greenery must be completely bare: no ornaments, lights, stands or decorations.

For residents living in apartments or that miss their pick up, Plano is offering three convenient drop off locations from December 26 until January 8.

• Preston Meadow Park, 4243 Lorimar Drive
• High Point Park, 6500 Alma Drive
• Heritage Yards Ball Fields, 4525 Hedgecoxe Road