Mulch-O-Rama in Milwaukee, Christmas trees get new purpose

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Mulch-O-Rama in Milwaukee

Christmas trees were turned into mulch at Mulch-O-Rama in Milwaukee on Saturday morning. A DPW crew led the process near 6th and Norwich.

Christmas trees were turned into mulch at Mulch-O-Rama in Milwaukee on Saturday morning. A Department of Public Works crew led the process near 6th and Norwich.

What we know

The event aims to help keep Christmas trees out of the landfill by converting them into mulch for gardens and yards.

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Ald. Scott Spiker said the mulch made Saturday will stay nearby, likely going into flowerbeds near 6th Street. It also keeps the trees out of landfills.

"We will be taking the mulch that we’re making today and using it on-site in the gardens and for the various plantings out here," he said.

Mulch-O-Rama in Milwaukee

What they're saying

First, the roar of an engine – then, the sound of Christmas trees being ripped apart. For Amy Theisen, the sight is both sad and celebrated. 

"I turned the lights on one last time this morning. I told it it was a good tree, and then I started taking all the ornaments off," said Amy Theisen. "This way, I know it's not going to a landfill."

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The impact will last much longer. When flowers blossom here in the spring, Theisen will know her tree helped. 

"This way, it's getting mulched, and they’ll use it on the community gardens here. It gets a full cycle for the tree," said Theisen. 

The whole process took a matter of seconds. Volunteers also collected non-working holiday lights during the event. 

The Source: Information in this report is from the Milwaukee Department of Public Works and FOX6 News interviews.

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