Jacksonville will collect live Christmas trees, curbside Jan. 5 to Jan. 9

On Dec. 26 the Jacksonville Street Department notified residents that curbside pickup of real Christmas trees will be conducted from Jan. 5 to Jan. 9. Crews will travel neighborhood routes during those dates, and officials asked that trees be placed at the curb by 8 a.m. on the day of scheduled collection to ensure timely removal.

For residents who prefer to transport their trees, the city opened the brush drop off site at 202 W. Oak St., located behind the Morgan County Animal Shelter. The drop off site accepts brush, tree limbs, yard waste, grass and leaves, and is available from dawn to dusk for convenient community access. Residents dropping off trees should ensure they do not leave any bags at the site.

The dual approach of scheduled curbside pickup and an accessible drop off location aims to reduce illegal dumping and speed postholiday cleanup. Removing trees promptly decreases fire risk and avoids obstruction of sidewalks and drainage systems during winter weather. It also allows street department crews to manage seasonal workload more efficiently as they move from neighborhoods to municipal composting or disposal operations.

Households should note the simple timing requirement. Trees set out after 8 a.m. on collection days may be missed if crews have already completed their route. Those who miss curbside pickup can use the drop off site during its daylight hours. The site accepts a broad range of yard materials so residents can consolidate their clean up in a single trip.

This schedule provides a short, clear window for tree removal and flexible options for residents across Morgan County. Planning ahead will help neighbors maintain safe streets and clear sidewalks through the winter season.