The cities of Cedar Park and Leander are offering free tree-recycling programs for anyone who drops off a live tree after removing its decorations.

Both parks departments grind the donated trees into mulch to be used in city parks and other landscaping, city officials said.

Cedar Park's tree-recycling program is Jan. 4. From 9 a.m.—noon, anyone can bring a used tree to the Parks and Recreation Center parking lot at 1435 Main Street. Tree donors can sign up with Boy Scout Troop 233 and scouts will collect the tree for $10, city officials said. Further details and registration are available at Troop 233's website.

The city of Cedar Park also offers free seedlings to tree donors while supplies last.

Leander Parks and Recreation Director Stephen Bosak said the city of Leander's tree-recycling program is ongoing through Jan. 13. Trees can be dropped off from 6 a.m.–10 p.m. at Robin Bledsoe Park on 601 S. Bagdad Road.

Anyone can donate a used tree, not only Leander residents, Bosak said.