STAFF at Webbs Garden Centre in Wychbold are urging residents to go green this festive season.

They are appealing for customers to drop off their Christmas trees at the garden centre in a recycling initiative running from Saturday, January 4 to Wednesday, January 8.

Last year more than 500 trees were recycled using the free service and Webbs hopes it will prove even more popular this year. The trees are made into chippings which are then composted for a year and used around the grounds and gardens at the stores as mulch.

It is estimated that eight million real Christmas trees are bought in the UK every year and most are thrown out after the festivities. The British Christmas Tree Growers Association says that every acre of Christmas trees grown produces the daily oxygen for 16 people and a hectare absorbs six tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.

Webbs executive chairman Ed Webb said: “People are much more environmentally aware and keen to recycle wherever possible. Having the tree recycling initiative right here on the doorstep makes it simple and hassle-free for local people to do their bit.“ You can take your tree for recycling during normal opening hours. For more information visit webbsdirect.co.uk