Chop down a Christmas tree, deck it for all it’s worth, then turn it into mulch so that other evergreens may grow. That’s the cyclical narrative that plays out each winter at the Mulchfest — a post-holiday celebration that turns the year’s yuletide decorations into plant food.
Hundreds of Brooklynites grabbed their arbors and headed to parks across the borough last weekend to feed their Christmas trees to wood chippers.
The city will use the wood chips in parks, gardens, and street planters throughout Gotham.
But those who donate their trees get the chance to take home a late Christmas present: their very own bag of mulch!
It’s no wonder the celebration has become so popular.
SAY GOODBYE: Richard Foster parts with his soon-to-be departed holiday timber the only way he knows how -— by giving it a big hug. Soon, he’ll hand it off to mulch experts who’ll give it the old Steve Buscemi treatment.
Photo by Stefano Giovannini
CHOP SHOP: Matt Grailich of the Parks Department plays St. Peter, greeting trees with a smile before sending them to a better place —through the wood chipper and into a giant pile of mulch.
Photo by Stefano Giovannini
A NEW LIFE: Grailich shows off some of that sweet-smelling mulch that will provide the nutrients that will make saplings grow strong.
Photo by Stefano Giovannini
