Ann Arbor cancels curbside Christmas tree pickup to save money
After the holidays are over, don't drag that Christmas tree to the curb.
The city has canceled its curbside collection of Christmas trees this year.
Residents have a few options for their Christmas tree disposal, city officials say.
They can leave undecorated Christmas trees in the parking lot adjacent to the Drop-off Station, 2950 E. Ellsworth Road, from Dec. 15 through Jan. 31. There is no charge, and the parking lot is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Residents who choose to take their trees directly to the Drop-Off Station will be charged a $3 entry fee and an additional "small fee," according to a city of Ann Arbor news release.
Unwanted Christmas trees may also be taken to the Compost Center, 4150 Platt Road, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at no cost.
Lastly, Christmas trees can be cut and the pieces tied into bundles for compost collection season, which begins on the first Monday in April.
The unwanted Christmas trees will be chipped into mulch or composted and must be free of any tree stands, nails, ornaments, tinsel and plastic bags, which can ruin processing equipment and pose a danger to operators. Wreaths and evergreen roping made with wire or plastic backing should be disposed of with household garbage.
In 2009, 28.2 million farm-grown Christmas trees were purchased in the U.S., compared to 11.7 million artificial trees, according to the National Christmas Tree Association. Both figures were unchanged from the previous year.
Ann Arbor residents are on their own when it comes to Christmas tree disposal this year.
File photo
And according to the association's consumer survey, 31 percent of U.S. households polled planned to purchase a real tree for the 2010 holiday season, compared to 8 percent that planned to buy an artificial tree.
Charles Braun, owner of Braun's Tree Farm at 796 Warren Road in Ann Arbor Township, said Christmas tree sales have been up this year.
Though he couldn't say how many trees have been purchased since he began selling the day after Thanksgiving, Braun said business has been better than last year.
When asked whether he thought consumers were concerned about the end of the curbside pick-up, Braun said, "I haven't heard anybody say anything about that."
Ending Christmas tree disposal isn't the only cost-saving measure to impact curbside pick-up. This fall, residents also can no longer rake leaves into the streets for bulk leaf pick-up and must instead bag or mulch their leaves.
Heather Lockwood is a reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at heatherlockwood@annarbor.com or follow her on Twitter.
Comments
phssthpok
Fri, Dec 31, 2010 : 7:10 p.m.
In Portland (Oregon), Christmas tree recycling is a Boy Scout fundraiser. You leave your tree on the curb, with a $10 donation in an envelope, and Scouts drive by, pick up your tree, and take it to a recycling center. Zero cost in taxes, you get to make a (minimal cost) charitable donation, and Scouts get money to help defray the cost of camping and equipment. Every troop in the Portland/Beaverton/Vancouver area does it. Now I realize that you won't be able to do that this year, but you _could_ do it next year.
Heather Lockwood
Tue, Dec 7, 2010 : 9:37 a.m.
@David, if you leave your Christmas tree in the parking lot adjacent to the Drop-Off Station it is free. If you choose to take your tree into the Drop-Off Station the fees apply.
Terrin
Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 11:32 p.m.
Why don't people buy live trees in a pot instead, and plant them in Spring? Cutting down the trees isn't very environmentally friendly to begin with.
Snarf Oscar Boondoggle
Mon, Dec 6, 2010 : 3:56 a.m.
after... AFTER full police usport and full fire dept support... EVERTHING else is optonal. suck i tup folks.
Speechless
Sun, Dec 5, 2010 : 2:15 p.m.
"... @speechless:  if stupid things weren't being done with tax and other monies by the city of Ann Arbor, such as a useless fountain and an unnecessary underground parking lot, then the loss of this type of service would make sense.... People feel powerless about what they get for their money.... I really wish the fountain money could be rerouted to the senior center and some other community services, which are much more useful than the fountain and/or an underground parking...." I have no problem with opposing the new million dollar fountain at city hall or the pile of public debt created by the decision to build underground parking. It would also be great to see One Percent for Art funds diverted toward the senior center, Project Grow, or Mack Pool. That's all fine and good. However, I think it's a rather bad idea to use the elimination of curbside Xmas tree pickup as a convenient proxy for those other, far more relevant concerns. Even if times were good, with the city running budget surpluses every year, it would still be a good idea to end this service for holiday trees. If you can pick up a tree and drive it to your home, then you can take it away to the Drop-off Station for free disposal. Reading the whines and complaints of homeowners on this page causes me to cringe. The only exception I can see would involve a special pickup service for seniors, the disabled, or low income persons (without a personal vehicle) who initially had a tree dropped off at their residence by another person.
Soothslayer
Sat, Dec 4, 2010 : 10:59 p.m.
Lets clear something up. People keep assuming taxes should go down because services are being cut and that's a false conclusion. The city is operating under a deficit and needs to account for shrinking revenue due to a multitude of reasons of which your home taxes are just one part. Look at the city budget over the last few years and you can see what happened with the revenue and why it's going down. How much did the city loose just from Pfizer closing alone? That revenue is never to return. Fake trees are ok as long as you take care of them so they last as long as they can. We got 10 years out of our last one which was $300. As for fresh trees I strongly suggest Arend Tree Farm in Chelsea. It's fun, the trees smell great and you support local farming. Theres a little church down the road that sells hot cocoa, small crafts and homemade donuts ss a fundraiser which is fun to visit afterwards. After you're done with your tree you can get even more use out of it by placing it in the stand outside and hang peanut butter pinecones rolled in seed along with strings of popcorn & cranberries as a treat for the winter birds. You'll be amazed what varieties you will see.
annarbor28
Sat, Dec 4, 2010 : 10:47 p.m.
@speechless: if stupid things weren't being done with tax and other monies by the city of Ann Arbor, such as a useless fountain and an unnecessary underground parking lot, then the loss of this type of service would make sense. I am not going to have a fresh tree, but I think it was a good idea to have them picked up for several reasons stated above by others. People feel powerless about what they get for their money. Personally, I hate underground parking structures, as they are noisy and full of pollution and dangerous fumes, and will never park there. I have never had trouble parking in downtown. I vote against any existing members of Council, and against the mayor, and wish that more people had done that, because we are stuck now with their mistakes. I really wish the fountain money could be rerouted to the senior center and some other community services, which are much more useful than the fountain and/or an underground parking structure. I agree with whoever said that there must be a lot of lobbying going on by contractors, and nice lunches, etc, etc, etc, for that grotesque parking structure to be built. How about some investigative reporting by annarbor.com, to uncover how these marginal projects are OK'd by Council?
Speechless
Sat, Dec 4, 2010 : 11:08 a.m.
What kind of logic is behind all this complaining?  Here is a scenario: ---------- Friday, December 3:  Picked up Xmas tree on way home from work. Done! ... Now decorate and enjoy. ---------- Monday, January 3:  Drive same tree to Drop-off Station for free disposal. No! No!  Can't do that.  An impossible burden!  Must Fight City Hall Today! ---------- Note to local dissidents: When complaining about changes in city services, please make sure your cause is actually worthwhile. Otherwise, it quickly degenerates into self-parody.
YpsiLivin
Sat, Dec 4, 2010 : 10:44 a.m.
Laiane and annarbor28, Universal, free education benefits everyone; that's why everyone pays for it. Take a good hard look at societies where universal education isn't freely available (think Afghanistan, Somalia, Honduras) and you'll immediately agree that what we have here is better, if only because women and children aren't treated as slaves. But hey, if that turns you on, you're welcome to go to one of these places to experience it firsthand.
Stuart Brown
Sat, Dec 4, 2010 : 12:20 a.m.
I like the idea of leaving the trees off in the big hole by the library! People who are pointing out that people who buy trees have to get them so why can't they drop them off somewhere are missing the point. The point is we pay for services that we don't get; instead, contractors with connections to city officials get paid to build useless buildings and parking garages.
CobraII
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 11:18 p.m.
I guess we'll just have to put our tree in the chicken coop, next to all the compost bins.
treetowncartel
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 11:05 p.m.
Put the tree out in your yard for the rest of winter. It makes great cover for birds. Once spring comes trim off the branches, cut up the trunk and have yourself a nice little fire, roasting marhmallows and hot dogs to boot.
annarbor28
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 9:14 p.m.
It is true that Ann Arbor keeps reelecting the same mayor and reelecting most of City Council, so how can there be so many complaints when they have the same lack of judgment as in the past? And why should education be publicly funded when a service like this is no longer free? We should be able to pick which officials and services we each want to fund, and then people can decide if they can serve or provide a service for what funding is available. Public education payments should be voluntary, so that those of us who do not need to use it don't have to be burdened. Ditto for Christmas trees. Pay to play.
pbehjatnia
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 8:45 p.m.
Hahaha. My fake tree and I will laugh our way to the basement storeroom this season. I have nooooooo sympathy for anyone 'taken by surprise' by this latest piece of weirded out city government silliness. Why? Because most of you VOTED for HIEFTJE. Yep. And y'all thought you were so smart in doing so.
Left is Right
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 8:14 p.m.
I'd like to say something smarmy here but if you don't have to the money to do everything, you'll either need to raise revenue (taxes and fees for the City) or cut costs--typically by cutting services (or preferably, by being more efficient). Out of all services the City provides, is this one to cut? Not for me alone to say but to me it's not a big inconvenience.
Gorc
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 8:10 p.m.
Ditch the Christmas tree this year, buy a menorah and covert to Judaism. Problem solved.
Laiane
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 7:45 p.m.
For those whining about why they should pay taxes to have other peoples' trees picked up (at least, to those of them who have children in the Ann Arbor schools) - Why are my taxes going to educate your children? I have no children, and have no plans to have any children, so why am I paying for your kids? Costs a heck of a lot more than a Christmas tree pickup, let me tell you.
Mick52
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 7:06 p.m.
Bad bad Pinky. Here is what you do. After you are done with the tree you chop the stump into a point with your hatchet. In the middle of the night you take a pot of boiling water to your local park. Brush away the snow, poor the boiling water onto the ground to loosen it up and cram the tree down into the ground. Your park now has a new tree. Or don't cause the death of a growing tree in the first place. Trees absorb the evil carbon dioxide we put in the air and we should keep them absorbing. I am surprised the President hasn't banned the use of real trees by now. Basic service? that's a hoot.
Mark
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 6:32 p.m.
We can take all the discarded trees and line the exit to US-23 -- set them on fire, so Rich Rod can find his way out of Ann Arbor after January 3.
Buster W.
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 6:14 p.m.
Not essential. Next.
bs
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 5:41 p.m.
wow... you folks get upset about almost nothing, eh? slow news day? "Picking up Christmas trees is a basic service that every city should provide".... I almost spit coffee on my keyboard with that. Would you feel the same way about catering to some other religion destroying living things for a holiday?
Tim Darton
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 5:11 p.m.
OK Sunset: Match up a couple of land purchases the city made for parks: Which parcels match with which "rich friend" of which council member? Sounds like you know of several so don't hold back. Please share.
a2baggagehandler
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 5:05 p.m.
Less crying, More trying. Geez
YpsiLivin
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 5 p.m.
Deb said: We also have some well know phrases like, "mind your own business." If you knew anything about me, you'd know that is just not part of who I am.
bunnyabbot
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 4:35 p.m.
upon visiting my friend in canton a couple months ago I was surprised to see her husband putting a broken (giant) tv, a queen mattress and box spring, a full size couch, rolls of carpet and other misc but large stuff out at the curb (their wash machine broke and flooded the basement, ruining the stuff) it was garbage day and canton takes "almost anything you can put on the curb". I was in awe, no special carts. It was amazing! Maybe I will take my tree over to her house and put it on her curb!
bunnyabbot
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 4:26 p.m.
finding out where your nearest city council person lives and dropping off the tree in the middle of the night might become a fun replacement for the old time game of ding dong ditch.
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 3:38 p.m.
I have a solution... Ann Arbor is always on the hunt to pay inordinate amounts of money for "green space," right? Typically, it's a benefit for some rich friend of a councilman. Sell difficult-to-develop land to the city at an extraordinary cost, all in the name of environmentalism. Second, we have the eyesore developing at the old Georgetown Kroger site. A mass of deteriorating concrete. I suggest we all go there after Christmas and dump our trees in the old Kroger lot. Presto! New green space. What could be more green than a sea of used trees? (and yes, I know they turn brown quickly with no water, so we'd have to hope for high snowfall this winter to keep the parking lot green).
Tom Teague
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 3:33 p.m.
For under $2, I just bought a tree disposal bag nearly large enough to hold the Rockefeller Center tree. That will help keep the needles out of my car when I cart the tree to the recycle center, although I don't hold out much hope of re-using the bag next year after I remove the tree at the center. I've lived several places over the years and -- believe me -- we're lucky to have no- or low-cost alternatives for disposing of trees at all.
Hunterjim
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 3:26 p.m.
The world will not come to an end because the city will not pick up leaves or trees. It was however very disturbing to watch this fall as I was bagging my leaves..50 + bags and watch the city parks department mowing the local park in October and November. Come on..the park is rarely used except for the play area, the grass was not long by any means. That tells me we have city employees who have nothing to do, finding work where there is none to justify their position. The street cleaning that took place in November was a pick up truck following 4 yes 4 street cleaners in a row going by my house 3 times each. These are the same units that the leaf catcher were attached to when they did pick up.Hmmmmm I can understand if the city does not have the resources to do these functions, but don't blow smoke up my backside and waste our tax dollars!
Mike D.
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 2:46 p.m.
For everyone complaining about all the taxes we pay and the lack of commensurate services, please examine your tax bill more carefully and show a bit of creative flair. One of the bigger line items is the AATA, which is some sort of extravagant limousine service for the poor. Luckily, these $800,000 limousines are equipped with a giant metal basket on the front, which could only have one intended use: Christmas tree collection. Simply wait at the stop with your tree, deposit it into one of these baskets, and watch it drive off into the sunset.
sbbuilder
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 2:36 p.m.
Logic, logic, logic, folks. Did the City buy your groceries? No, but you want the City to dispose of the waste, right? Did the City buy all of your recyclables? No, but you want the City to dispose of those too. Did the City cause the skies to open up and dump snow on us? No, but we all want the City to plow our streets. The point, in case you missed it, is that the City will always cut back on services first, before trimming any of the fat from payroll/benefits. The tree thing may be minor, but it just adds to the long list of things the City deems necessary to cut back on. Cutting back on employee compensation would go a long way towards levelling the playing field. We have a pattern emerging here that I think sends the message loud and clear: Services will continue to decrease, but the City employees will have their bennies protected no matter what. Can anyone think of a single corporate scenario where this model would be proposed? Yeah, let's give our customers less service and charge 'em just as much. We'll still be competitive with the other guy. You've got to be kidding.
J Keller
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 2:23 p.m.
I have a certified arborist like www.GuardianTreeExperts.com come pick my tree up curbside for about $15. Way better than trying to deal with it myself. Definitely worth the $.
grye
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 2:14 p.m.
MyOpinion: Great line: "dropping needles like the city is dropping services". Love it!!
deb
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 2:08 p.m.
ann arbor city council telling arizona what to do
Bill Wilson
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 2:05 p.m.
Heather, You forgot to mention that both residents and non-residents may take advantage of Ann Arbor.com's free tree removal service by leaving their tree at either the from or back entrance of the Ann Arbor.com building, available for drop-off 24 hours per day. Those dropping off their trees are limited to 3 trees per car (please).
deb
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 2:03 p.m.
Ypsi livin Usually if something does not affect me, I dont force other people to hear my opinion on it. You, dont pay (ridiculously high) taxes in ann arbor, don't elect city officials or are affected by this. Yet you insist on telling the people who do pay taxes, vote and are affected by the change to suck it up. You may as well be the ann arbor city council telling ann arbor what to do. Guess what? Arizona didn't care what AACC said Yes we do have the first amendment, but maybe you should use it to voice your opinion about something that actually affects you.....in any way at all. We also have some well know phrases like, "mind your own business." It would also be undemocratic to take away your vote. Wait you do not have a vote in Ann Arbor because you don't live there. Yes I spelled renewable wrong, thanks for pointing that out.
YpsiLivin
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 1:34 p.m.
Deb said: ypsi livin, How does ann arbors christmas tree disposal service affect you? What does ypsi do? maybe you should worry about what they do in ypsi. I don't know what Ypsilanti does. I don't live there, either. However, the township in which I DO live picks up Christmas trees following the holiday. Personally, I have a fake Christmas tree, which doesn't require the expenditure of any tax dollars to dismantle and store each January. Your insistence upon demanding that I pay taxes in Ann Arbor in order to earn your approval to express an opinion on this or any other subject is disappointing and frankly undemocratic. Free expression is a basic tenet of our society, and I have as much right to express my opinion as you do. Most fake trees are PLASTIC which are created from non-reknewable resources... "Non-reknewable?" Wow! Who new?
julieswhimsies
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 1:22 p.m.
Oh, for crying out loud. Whine. Whine. Whine. You picked up the tree. Is it that much of an inconvenience to take it to the compost center?!
deb
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 1:11 p.m.
timeartwork, I agree and want to elaborate on point #1: Most fake trees are PLASTIC which are created from non-reknewable resources (yes, petroleum) and during the process produce hazardous waste.
deb
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 1:06 p.m.
Economics and the environment: economically, what is the difference in cost of 10,000 (i have no clue what the number may be) people driving and disposing of their christmas trees compared to the costs of the city picking them up. Environmentally, what is the carbon footprint of one garbage truck making a trip to each area neighborhood and then to the recycle center compared to that of each individual homeowner taking their tree to the recycle center and then driving back? Most likely the carbon footprint of the garbage truck is substantially less (its like car pooling/school bus except the larger carbon output of an industrial truck must be accounted for) Are politicians talk about making changes and being a GREEN city, yet many of our policies do not support these proclamations. ypsi livin, How does ann arbors christmas tree disposal service affect you? What does ypsi do? maybe you should worry about what they do in ypsi.
timeatwork
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 12:59 p.m.
1. a fake tree is not good for the environment. people don't keep these things forever. then they end up in a landfill. 2. christmas trees are a crop grown on a farm. you aren't destroying bambi's home by buying a christmas tree. 3. christmas tree farms create a lot of oxygen, and are good for the environment. as opposed to the use of plastic in fake trees. 4. did anyone see their bill go down? i didn't think so...you're paying the same for less service. 5. there is a difference of putting a bundled, fresh tree in your trunk and shoving an unbundled, dried out tree that drops 300 needles when you walk by it into your trunk.
YpsiLivin
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 12:44 p.m.
Tough times call for tough measures. I'm not indifferent to the struggles of Ann Arborites who have lost both their curbside leaf pickup AND their Christmas tree pickup in one year. I'm really not. At times like these, I like to turn to the inspirational words of a true American hero. I hope you who are lamenting this dire turn of events will accept these words in the spirit in which they're offered: "Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done. Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain't where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that!" - Rocky Balboa Now, get out there and get rid of your own Christmas tree.
Brad
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 12:41 p.m.
"People are acting like disposing of leaves and Christmas trees is a near impossible task that requires a team of mules and the bending of space and time." If they are acting that way, it isn't on these threads. People pay quite high taxes and have lost city services and don't like it. Me being one of them. Distorting things isn't helpful.
MyOpinion
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 12:40 p.m.
For those who say "You brought it home. Dispose of it the same way." By the time you dispose of a tree, it is pretty dry and dropping needles like the city is dropping services. I can't imagine putting a tree in the back of a van in January. Not a problem in December when the tree is fresh. Likewise, usually the tree vendor helps put the trees on top of vehicles, has put netting on it to squeeze it down, etc. None of this is available to the typical homeowner. Well, none of this will be a problem for me. Haven't had a tree in years.
mrcheepy8
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 12:36 p.m.
I wont get into the back and forth. Although I too am confused.... does dropping off a tree have a fee? The article states that undecorated Christmas trees can be left in the parking lot adjacent to the Drop-off Station, THEN states Residents who choose to take their trees directly to the Drop-Off Station will be charged a $3 entry fee and an additional "small fee", Is it just me or is "DROP -OFF Station" used twice with two different meanings and costs?
Neal
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 12:34 p.m.
A friend of mine--who was originally from Minnesota--used to have a party some weeks after Christmas and as the main event of the evening, and using garden pruners and a saw, he would gradually burn up the entire tree, piecemeal, in his fireplace. He explained that it was an old tradition in the area of Minnesota that he was from, and the intense fire that was produced was supposed to be good for reducing the creosote deposits in his chimney. I don't know how much truth there is to the latter, but all the greenhouse gases that are released so abruptly (as opposed to shredding and composting the trees) can't be any good "for the ecology," as the cable newscasters might say.
sigdiamond
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 12:30 p.m.
I attended the Christmas tree bonfire in Carrboro years ago but I don't think it was considered gay at the time, and there weren't any pinatas No pinatas? My God. What's the point of having a Christmas tree burning event if you're not going to provide pinatas? It defeats the entire purpose.
1bigbud
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 12:29 p.m.
Is this how DETROIT got started Xmas trees first Then you get a MONICA AND King KK Boy o Boy something to look Fwd. tooooo
Bumpy
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 12:17 p.m.
A clarification on my previous post - Please don't comment on the more controversial aspects of the Carrboro event. I'm just interested in a Winter Celebration Bonfire. Maybe serve bear claws, hot drinks and charge a small admission fee to actually raise money for the AAFD? Every time a tree was put on the fire, there was a big whoosh! It practically exploded. The fire was more than a month after the holidays so the trees were nice and dry. January-February is the dead of winter. Perfect timing.
yohyohy?
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 12:16 p.m.
Lets be honest... 1. They are not going to cut city employees pay just so you can have your tree picked up. Would you cut your own pay over something like x-mas tree disposal? 2. You got it to your house didn't you? You can get it to a free disposal site. 3. You say it's should be included because your taxes are so high. Where does it say that? You CHOSE to live in A2. So get over the whole tax issue. Move to some place else if you want lower taxes. 4. People will be wasting gas taking their trees to these free disposal sites... Right. So how did you get it to your home in the first place? 5. Why is this even a big deal? It will require *maybe* another 30-45 minutes of peoples time in getting rid of their tree. 6. Tree pickup is NOT a right.
Piledriver
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 12:15 p.m.
Be like Frank Costanza, skip the tree, get the metal pole out of the attic, engage in the "Feats of Strengths", air some grievances, and celebrate "Festivus" with the rest-of-us!
Ignatz
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 12:14 p.m.
I'm shocked that nobody has mentioned an idea about using all these soon to be defunct tees to rebuild the bridges. Certainly we have enough engineers in the 2nd smartest city!
Peter
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 12:02 p.m.
I will be throwing my christmas tree into the middle of the street in protest
Really?
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 11:49 a.m.
Wow. City cuts police and fire fighters and no one cares. City cuts city workers that pickup leaves and trash, no one cares. Now the city says you have to put a little effort in the city, and people cry a river. What did you all think the end result was going to be when Fraser and Hieftje wanted to cut all the city workers? You didn't want to listen then, so I don't want to listen to your whining now. You all stuck your head in the sand while all this was going on, so suck it up.
Stephen Landes
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 11:48 a.m.
A2.com keeps writing that all this interruption of services we have PAID for is going to save money, but never how much. What is the real savings after taking into account the extra runs and manpower to pick up leaf bags and empty containers? What is the real savings from dropping the Christmas tree service?
Bumpy
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 11:44 a.m.
How about a "Gay Christmas"? http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Gay%20Christmas I attended the Christmas tree bonfire in Carrboro years ago but I don't think it was considered gay at the time, and there weren't any pinatas etc. It was really, really fun, a good family event as well. Be fun to have something like it in Ann Arbor, but low-key and simple, more like this one in NJ http://mendhamfd.net/mfd/2009/11/14/annual-12th-night-celebration/ A good idea to send to AA Parks & Rec and the AAFD?
Jack
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 11:43 a.m.
Township doesn't have any pick ups and only has recycle every other week. If people are able to pick up a tree from a lot or store then it should be no problem to dispose of it. I don't find it unreasonable at all.
MjC
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 11:35 a.m.
This would be fine if I saw a decrease in my City taxes.
A2jo
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 11:34 a.m.
Whatever you do, be sure NOT to put the tree in the "bike lane" :O
loves_fall
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 11:29 a.m.
Mulch that, too.
grye
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 11:26 a.m.
I have no problem with disposing of my tree. I'll cut it up and put it in the compost waste. Too bad the city won't make a special compost pickup in mid-January so the trees don't sit in the container for several months. I do have a problem with wasting my tax dollars on a water feature for the new building. The entire city council and mayor need to go over that fiasco.
scoobysnacks
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 11:23 a.m.
the city didnt deliver the trees so why should they pick them up? i have property outside the city and burn my tree with all the leaves and trash from the year. its a good way to get rid of all the used motor oil too. too!
Forever27
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 11:04 a.m.
It's great to live in a city where the biggest problem people face is how to dispose of christmas trees. Lets keep this in perspective people.
jns131
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 10:58 a.m.
No leaf pickup. No tree pickup. What next? No plant recycle pickup? This was a long overdue thing to begin with. Especially when the wind picks up and takes into the road. I say fake is best best there is no mess.
foobar417
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 10:54 a.m.
@sbbuilder: Tax revenues are declining, so services are being cut. It's possible to argue that services are being cut slightly faster or slightly slower than tax revenues are declining and that the city council is making poor decisions at the margin, but at the end of the day, it really is that simple. I understand that some people consider leaf pickup and Christmas tree pickup important services, but, personally, I don't. In fact, I found the old system of pushing leaves into the street annoying for many reasons and I'm glad they got rid of it. And we always reuse our fake Christmas tree each year, so I saw no benefit from the tree pickup. At the end of the day we live in a representative democracy, and our duly elected representatives are making the best decisions they can. If they annoy enough people, they will eventually get voted out of office. If they don't, they won't.
sbbuilder
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 10:47 a.m.
T/F We pay inordinately high taxes, and have for years. T/F We expect a commensurate amount of services for our money. T/F Our services are being cut. T/F City employee pay/benefits are being cut. Anybody else see a problem with this?
sigdiamond
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 10:42 a.m.
Seriously, if you buy a real tree each year, you bring it to your house without the city's help, right? Exactly what do you do to the tree over a period of two or three weeks that renders impossible disposal by anyone but the city? Don't you understand? This flies in the face of all that is traditionally American. As a small government conservative and a big believer in personal and fiscal responsibility, I demand that the government use tax money to dispose of my Christmas tree because I'm too lazy to do it myself.
AACity12
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 10:42 a.m.
@alphaalpha - or they can just cut Xmas tree and leaf pickup.
Long Time No See
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 10:38 a.m.
@sigdiamond - I completely agree. People who can manage to get the tree to their house can also manage to get the tree to the various *free* drop-off locations. To those who are whining about this - I don't buy a disposable tree as a temporary decoration every year. Why do you expect me to pay for the disposal of yours? To those who seem surprised by this, you need to pay better attention to the news about the city, especially when budget decisions are being made. There was information about this back in March when this was being considered: http://www.annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-city-budget-cuts-could-affect-mowing-in-parks/ The decision was made in May has has been mentioned in a few places since then. http://www.annarbor.com/news/some-ann-arbor-streetlights-to-be-shut-off-to-save-city-money/
SpartyInExile
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 10:33 a.m.
One more reason to live in a township.
YpsiLivin
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 10:30 a.m.
Brad said: Pick up ratty student couches - yes. Pick up taxpayer's Xmas trees - no. Well, just decorate a ratty student couch for Christmas instead of a tree and then stick it out on the porch when you're done. Problem solved. Better yet, get a fake tree. You will: 1.) improve the environment 2.) break even, usually within 2-3 years* and then save a bundle 3.) improve the safety of your home 4.) be pleasantly surprised by how much today's fake trees look like real trees. (Let's face it, real trees can have some real aesthetic problems, too.) * get your fake tree on sale after Christmas, and you might break even the first year you use it. You will not have to: 1.) go out each year and find a new tree 2.) pick up pine needles in your house for the next six months 3.) string lights on it, if you buy the right kind of fake tree 4.) remember to water the darned thing 5.) clean up spills when it gets knocked over 6.) figure out how to get rid of the tree after the holiday Seriously, if you buy a real tree each year, you bring it to your house without the city's help, right? Exactly what do you do to the tree over a period of two or three weeks that renders impossible disposal by anyone but the city?
Steve
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 10:29 a.m.
Compared to what other cities cut, Ann Arbor seems to truly doing the best it can. I'd imagine it's pretty good there and you get what you pay for plus lots more. I look forward to calling it my home in 2011.
Killroy
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 10:07 a.m.
When were done with our Tree, we're going to walk it down to City Hall and throw it into that new fountain!
sigdiamond
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 9:57 a.m.
This is about political hacks who are opposed morally to cutting down trees for Christmas. It has ZERO to do with saving money. Don't forget about the Illuminati and the Rothschilds. You know they're in on this as well.
SMAIVE
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 9:56 a.m.
Please, something tells me there likely was a PC issue mulling in the background. Something along the line of - Why is the city using tax dollars to pick up "Christmas" trees.
Barb
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 9:47 a.m.
@Andy Jacobs has an interesting point. I wonder where the City picking up Xmas trees falls under the separation of Church and State... hmmm.
David
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 9:47 a.m.
I don't understand the fee structure for taking trees to the Drop-Off Center. The article states that trees can be dropped off free in the parking lot, where they will need to be picked up and moved by Drop-Off staff or they can be taken directly into the Station without requiring any effort from Staff, but then you get charged $3 plus a "small fee". Doesn't make sense to me. Sounds like folks are being penalized for reducing the Drop-Off staff's work.
Top Cat
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 9:38 a.m.
There should be a bonfire to dispose of all of them at once. Imagine that on a January night. The city could sell hot cider and donuts and make a few bucks on it.
tim
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 9:24 a.m.
An old landscapers trick--Lay about 15' of slightly heavy string or twine on the ground (don't use plastic twine) make a loop on one end. Lay the fat end of your tree on one end of the twine start rolling the tree up on the twine tighting your string as you go (kneel on your branches as you go, mushing the tree down to make things get tight). When you get to the end put the loose end of the string through he loop (like a slip knot ) and pull to tighten, and tie off. This way you tree is at least as small as when you bought it and easy to transport.
timjbd
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 9:09 a.m.
Ann Arbor could just kill Santa Claus when he flies by. Think of the money saved on presents this time of year. All people really need are tax cuts. Change the name from Ann Arbor to Ala Carte City! We could fire the police department and let people hire their own private security guards. Why should people who don't own anything have to pay for security of those who do? Lots of towns get by with volunteer fire departments, too. Remember the story of the fire brigade that let that guys house burn down because he didn't pay his $75 vig? That was awesome! It's too bad the fire didn't jump to a couple neighbors houses just to put an exclamation point on it for everybody. Also, do we really need to be paying to mow the grass and pick up trash in the public parks? Why should people who don't use them have to pay for those who do? Let THEM mow the grass and pick up trash. And street maintenance and buses- make every street a toll road! That way, only the people with cars would pay. Same with buses- charge people what it REALLY costs for that ride. Just keep a meter running and everybody on the bus when the bell rings divides up the cost. Schools? Why should.....
sigdiamond
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 9 a.m.
If there's one thing yesterday's leaf thread and today's Christmas tree thread has taught me, it's this: Ann Arbor may be the laziest city in America. It's a small tree, people. You got it to your house in the first place, didn't you? People are acting like disposing of leaves and Christmas trees is a near impossible task that requires a team of mules and the bending of space and time.
1bigbud
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 8:45 a.m.
You can raise chickens in the city of AA & Sell your eggs But you don't no what to do with your xmas tree's Shall i tell you Shove it in your mulch pile
winston smith
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 8:43 a.m.
How many Christmas trees could we fit into the library lot hole?
Brad
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 8:39 a.m.
Pick up ratty student couches - yes. Pick up taxpayer's Xmas trees - no. Nice job as always, council.
Brad
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 8:35 a.m.
Yes, this move will save three times what denergizing the street lights saved. 3 X $0 = $0.
Townie
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 8:27 a.m.
Help me understand these two actions: Giving UM $1.2 million and free land for UM's parking needs and then telling A2's tax payers (UM doesn't pay any taxes, remember?) that the city 'can't afford' to pick up some small pine trees as they have done in the past. Or the expensive new town hall sculpture? Or - and the list goes on...
dading dont delete me bro
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 8:22 a.m.
gee...just like the good ol' days remember when growing up, what did we do w/the trees 30 years ago? also, it's nice to see the word "Christmas" where it belongs.
SonnyDog09
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 8:21 a.m.
I use a "fake tree." I don't feel the need to kill a tree to celebrate Christmas. I'm glad that my tax dollars will no longer be subsidizing the disposal of "real" Christmas trees. I hardly consider Christmas tree disposal to be an "essential" service.
LA
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 8:21 a.m.
... and they are just telling us this NOW??? Wouldn't it be better to have announced that it was ending next year and that they will be taking suggestions for how to dispose of/pick up trees? I totally go with Bob W.'s suggestion. Why is it so hard for the people in power to think of these things? I really do not appreciate such short notice either. Get ready to see discarded trees all over town and in your local parks, alleys and dumpsters. Way to go for a sustainable city!! Or does the city have a contract with expensive, resource eating artificial trees these days??
Soothslayer
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 8:18 a.m.
This is a good idea with a long time coming. How was it ever fair for residents who wouldn't have a holiday tree and had to end up footing the tax bill to support these kinds of specalized services anyway?
48104
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 8:14 a.m.
@MG, I've lived in several other cities in two other states and this is the first one with curbside Christmas tree pick up. It's not like it's an essential service.
Seasoned Cit
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 8:08 a.m.
Didn't several private contractors come forward with their own leaf pick-up deals. They could do the same for tree pick-up. If Recycle A2 is going to charge at least $3 a $5 charge to come by and pick up and chip your tree may give a tree contractor a few bucks that they don't normally get this time of year.
f4phantomII
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 8:07 a.m.
Whose decision was this? I'm going to burn mine and sprinkle the ashes on their desk.
DagnyJ
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 7:48 a.m.
So can I put the tree in my garbage can and it will be trash? Or is that some sort of municipal waste violation?
rosewater
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 7:48 a.m.
is the city still picking up leaves? have the homeowners start bagging their own and have the pick up coincide with trash pick up.
Craig Lounsbury
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 7:39 a.m.
a bit of an inconvenience but a logical cost saving move.
Brian Kuehn
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 7:36 a.m.
@Bob W - your suggestion makes a lot of sense. There must be other municipalities that have programs for discarded trees other than drive it to the dump yourself or wait until April.
MG
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 7:31 a.m.
This is the usual story which still signals that some big changes are needed in the City's government. Picking up Christmas trees is a basic service that every city should provide. This is what our high Ann Arbor taxes are for. The city loves to cut services that have the public eye so we can all see how they are suffering. Yet, they still find money to have an outdoor building art budget, and refuse to bring city benefits in line with what most cities do today. Yes, people have the means to get rid of their trees. So does it makes sense to get all those people on the road wasting gas and time to do this? Next it will be snow removal services.
Bob W
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 7:24 a.m.
No problem with trying to find ways to save money. However, considering AA was recently listed as the second best educated city in the country (by one measure), this solution is not very imaginative. Now we have thousands getting into their cars burning fuel and emitting polutants, to dispose of the trees. Why doesn't the city est. the cost and sell tags for folks to put on the trees at the curb. Both problems solved.
scoobysnacks
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 7:19 a.m.
i dont see anything bad with this. people have the means to get the trees they should have the means to dispose of them. the days of "someone else will do it for me" are coming to an end unless its the federal gov't. everything they do "for us" ends up being a complete disaster and costs taxpayers trillions! medicare, social security, wellfare, immigration, TSA, postal service, etc are some examples yet they can handle healthcare? NO THANKS!
AlphaAlpha
Fri, Dec 3, 2010 : 6:24 a.m.
To save money, the city could cut employee pay 10% like Wayne county did.