By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Beginning Monday and running through Jan. 16, the St. John Parish Public Works Department will collect Christmas trees throughout the parish.

Residents should place their trees curbside for pick-up instead of discarding them in the landfill. All trees should be completely stripped of decorations.

Residents are encouraged to call the Public Works Department at 985-652-4815 to request pick up.

In St. James Parish, residents can call the Planning and Permitting Department at 225-562-2264, and the parish will pick trees up from the curb.

Residents of St. Charles Parish wishing to donate their real Christmas trees to local wetlands protection and enhancement efforts should place their trees curbside for pickup by Jan. 12.

Alternatively, trees may be brought to designated areas at the East and West Bank Bridge Parks in Destrehan and Luling.

All trees should be completely stripped of decorations, and flocked or artificial trees cannot be donated.

Parish officials said the program helps protect wetlands and keeps trees out of landfills.