Why not scatter the live Christmas tree around the yard this year instead of pitching it on the tree lawn?

The city is offering a free live Christmas tree recycling program now until Feb. 3.

Those interested can take the tree down to the Parks and Recreation Department , located at 5070 Stow Rd., near the location for brush drop-off , and have it chipped instead of trashed.

Trees should be void of all bags, ornaments, garland and tinsel, said Linda Nahrstedt, a spokesperson at City Hall .

City crews will take the pine trees have them chipped into mulch by a contractor in 2013. 

The mulch will be available to Stow residents for free on a first-come, first-serve basis, said Nahrstedt. (A photo I.D. is required for proof of residency.)

Recycling is offered throughout the year as a free service Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and the second and fourth Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pine and fir trees produce a lot of creosote, so they are not safe to burn. It could leave deposits in the flue and might cause a larger fire or fire in a chimney.

For more information on tree recycling, call 330- 689-5100.