Each January, the UBC Botanical Garden buzzes with activity as our tree recycling initiative, in partnership with SPEC, brings the community together for a shared goal: giving new life to Christmas trees. Over the holiday break, we encourage visitors to drop off their trees at the Garden, and our team springs into action, transforming these seasonal symbols into something that will continue to nurture the garden all year long.
The process is hands-on and carefully managed, offering a clear look at how holiday trees are transformed into a valuable resource. First, we carefully strip the branches and fir needles from the trunks, preparing each tree for its next stage. The trunks are then cut into smaller, manageable pieces before being fed into our powerful woodchipper. The chipper breaks down the tree, spewing out rich wood chips and mulch with impressive force. Watching the process unfold highlights both the efficiency of the equipment and the scale of the operation required to handle the donated trees each season. The best byproduct, besides the nutrient-rich chips, is the fresh, comforting scent of evergreens that fills the air; it smells like Christmas all over again!
Now, about the mulch: it isn’t just small pieces of wood. It’s packed with essential nutrients, perfect for supporting new plant growth throughout UBC Botanical Garden. We also use the wood chips to maintain the pathways that wind through the garden, building new trails or keeping existing ones pristine. Instead of ending up in a landfill, every donated tree becomes part of a circular, sustainable system that supports the garden’s plants, landscapes, and long-term conservation efforts. Next time you visit us, look down, you might just spot pieces of your own Christmas tree.
Tree chipping also exemplifies the Garden’s mission: combining research, conservation, education, and community engagement. By participating in this initiative, visitors and volunteers play a direct role in helping the garden thrive. The mulch produced from a single tree can support dozens of plants, ensuring the landscapes remain lush and vibrant for everyone to enjoy.
This year, proceeds from the program also support garden-based education for students at Blundell Elementary School in Richmond. Through SPEC’s School Gardens Program, donations help sustain hands-on learning opportunities that connect youth with food growing, environmental stewardship, and the natural world.
Beyond the environmental benefits, this initiative fosters community connection. Volunteers, staff, and donors come together, sharing in the sights, sounds, and scents of the garden. We invite visitors to explore the Garden throughout the year and see firsthand how recycled trees continue to shape and support our living landscapes.
Learn about our mission as shared by our Garden Supervisor, Brendan Fisher, in Fairchild Television’s coverage below, or view it here.
Written by:
Fernanda Munoz
Marketing & Communications Assistant
UBC Botanical Garden