Bonham -- In addition to taking advantage of the proper way to dispose of Christmas trees, area residents had another very good reason to take Christmas trees to the designated drop-off area in Bonham -- the trees have been chipped into mulch that is free for the taking as long as supplies last.

The mulch will be in the same designated drop-off area on East Sam Rayburn Drive that contained the trees.

Free mulch for the community is not only another reason to utilize the drop-off area, but perhaps to also encourage friends and neighbors next year to turn Christmas trees into a valuable resource.

Fannin County Pct. 4 Commissioner Joe Strong and City of Bonham Superintendent of Streets Joe Howdeshell were at the drop-off site Friday, January 27, along with their respective crews and the county's newest chipper grinding the trees into mulch.

Also on hand were Bonham City Manager Corby Alexander, City of Bonham Director of City Works Ronnie Ford, City of Bonham Environmental Services Officer Finn Blevins.

Gardeners and landscapers use mulch in a variety of ways, depending on the type of mulch available.  Mulch can slow the evaporation of water from the soil and deter weed growth.

As local residents do winter pruning, the Precinct 4 crew is also offering to grind up those limbs from trees and shrubs during regular hours of operation, 7:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

"We're happy to chip them up," remarked Commissioner Strong.