If you're getting ready to throw that Christmas tree outside for the birds? Well, not so fast.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says it's quite possible your tree has been harboring nearly undetectable insects that are not native to the state.
"What we don't want people to do is to toss it down into the backyard, or into the woods, or your resident compost pile, which could allow anything that's in there to escape," Agriculture Department etymologist Angie Ambourn says.
Ambourn says the best way to dispose of that "real" Christmas tree is to let your city pick it up during their post-holiday curbside collection day.
"They're like, 'oh well, maybe I should leave it out here for the birds,' and those are all nice thoughts," she says. "But then at the same time, if there is something on your tree, an invasive species could possibly escape from that and then become established in our environment."
Pests of concern include elongate hemlock scale, a small insect established in the eastern U.S. where many decorative Fraser firs are grown. Feeding damage from this invasive insect can cause the needles of hemlocks, firs, and spruces to yellow and prematurely drop. Also, boxwood blight, a fungal disease, and Oriental bittersweet, an invasive noxious weed, sometimes found on wreaths and centerpieces, can endanger native trees and other landscaping.
Ambourn says it is ok to throw things like wreaths, pots and garlands in the trash however.
The City of Minneapolis says to dispose of your tree, remove all lights and decorations and place tree alongside your garbage cart. If your tree is 6 feet or taller, you must cut it in half.
In St. Paul, one live holiday tree is included in the Citywide Collection program between January 2 - January 15 each year. They also say all decorations must be removed and the tree set next to the garbage cart. Anything over 6 feet and 20 pounds is not included but can be collected for an additional fee.
The state recommends checking with your local trash service, city or county for their policy on live Christmas trees. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has a map of yard waste compost locations; contact locations directly to see if they accept trees and greenery.
As for those artificial trees? You can toss them into the trash but both Hennepin and Ramsey County ask residents to consider donating it if it's still in good shape before you throw it away.