Mulchfest got off to a strong start Tuesday at Juniper Valley Park in Queens, with Christmas trees piled up during the early morning hours to be turned into mulch intended for use in various city parks.

The tradition, spanning over 20 years, involves the collection of Christmas trees at 72 locations across the five boroughs through Jan. 7, with about half of the sites designated as chipping locations.

During the first weekend of January, participators will also have the opportunity to witness their trees turn into mulch, and even take home a bag of their own.

“We actually have our staff, there are foresters with the big chipping machines, and you bring your tree there,” NYC Parks Deputy Commissioner Mark Focht said. “We’ll run it right through the chipper and you can take fresh mulch with you. We have tote bags that you can get mulching or if you bring your own containers, we'll fill them up.”

In 2022, the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation set a Mulchfest record, recycling more than 58,000 trees. This year, the department is hoping to surpass that record again, with a goal of recycling 60,000 trees.

Parks officials said it’s an easy way to reduce waste and recycle during a time of year when the average American produces about 25% more waste.

Focht highlighted the environmental advantages, saying, “As the mulch itself deteriorates that's nutrients to the soil, and the colder weather it helps keeps the roots warm, and it helps keep water in the soil also. So, so many environmental benefits to mulching a tree and then using that mulch.”

Residents of Brooklyn and Queens can leave their trees at the curb for collection on regularly scheduled compost and recycling days.

For Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island residents, tree placement for curbside collection is scheduled from Jan. 1 through Jan. 13.

For more information, visit the parks department's website.