With another Christmas gone by, it’s time to decide what to do with the evergreens in the living room. Central Oregon residents have several options for recycling the tree this year, not just throwing it away to be buried in the landfill.

First, what not to do: According to Ross Penhallegon, a horticulture agent with the Oregon State University Extension Service, people should not burn their trees.

”Disposal of the tree by burning can be dangerous, particularly if you decide to burn it indoors in a fireplace or wood stove,” warned Penhallegon in a recent press release. ”For maximum safety, don’t burn the tree at all. There are other ways to get maximum use out of a retired Christmas tree.”

The press release also suggested putting trees up in the yard for the winter and hanging treats for birds, such as seed or pine cone ornaments coated with peanut butter and seed.

According to another tree safety press release from the Des-chutes County Rural Fire District, once trees start losing needles, they need to be removed and placed away from the house.

”A dry evergreen tree burns with such astonishing intensity that flames can completely incinerate the tree within seconds and quickly ignite anything flammable,” the press release said.

Between 1999 and 2002, according to the National Fire Protection Association, there were an average of 310 house fires per year, 14 deaths, 40 injuries and direct property damage totaling roughly $16 million each year.

There are other options.

Deschutes County Solid Waste Division Transfer stations are offering a free drop-off until Jan. 31 for trees that will then be put through chipper machines. The tree chips can be reused by landscapers or individuals for ground cover, said Deschutes County Solid Waste Operations Manager Chad Centola.

Centola reminded people using this service that trees must be free of all ornaments, tinsel, flocking or tree stands.

For those who live in Crook County, trees can be dropped off at the landfill in Prineville, free of charge. Those trees will also be put through the chipper machine.

Local Boy Scouts of America troops will also be conducting their yearly Christmas tree pickup. Trees will be picked up curbside for a minimum, tax-deductible donation of $5 to be attached to the top of the tree in a plastic bag.

Donations given to the Boy Scouts will go directly to the local troop picking up the trees for future activities. Troops have specific pickup areas, and some have different pickup days and times. Call your area troop office to learn about tree pickup specifics.

For homes that had live trees this year, there are tips to keeping the tree alive.

”Do not leave your tree inside for more than 10 days to two weeks,” said Cindy Jeffers, nursery manager for Landsystems Nursery in Bend.

Live trees must be acclimated before going outside. This can be done in a garage, but Jeffers emphasized that the tree should not be left in the garage for more than a couple of days.

Once the tree is outside, move it away from the house and out from under any eaves, said Jeffers. Trees kept under eaves do not get enough natural moisture.

While Jeffers said it’s best to plant the tree immediately, it’s not crucial. Once the tree is planted, be sure not to bury it too deep, do put root stimulater and compost in the soil, and do keep the tree well watered.

Bales of hay, compost or manure can be used as insulator for roots, Jefferson added.

Landsystems Nursery has a handout available in the shop that gives more detail to help replant a live tree and keep it alive and healthy. It is located at 21336 E. Highway 20.

Drop-off locations for tree disposal are:

* Knott Landfill Transfer Station at 61000 SE 27th St. in Bend;

* Alfalfa Transfer Station on Walker Road between Dodds and Alfalfa Market Road in Alfalfa;

* Negus Transfer Station on Negus Way in Redmond;

* Northwest Transfer Station on Fryrear Road between Bend and Sisters;

* Southwest Transfer Station directly off of Highway 97 between Sunriver and La Pine, one mile north of La Pine Recreation Road; and

* Crook County Landfill at 300 NE Third St. in Prineville.

For more information on the Boy Scout tree pickup, call the number in your area:

* West of Highway 97, call 541-385-3977;

* East of Highway 97 and north of Highway 20, call 541-385-2672;

* East of Highway 97 and south of Highway 20, call 541-385-3942;

* Sunriver area, call 541-385-3935; and

* Redmond, Terrebonne and Eagle Crest, call 541-385-3989.