FRAMINGHAM, MA– The Christmas tree in your home is most likely very dried out — and should be seen as a fire hazard.

The Town of Framingham Department of Public Works will be  collecting Christmas Trees during the week of  January 14th through the 18th, 2013.

During that week, you should put your tree on the curb on your normal trash collection day.

If you plan to leave the tree up for the next week or so, make sure there is plenty of water in the base.  Check the water daily.

On the other hand, if you’ve already started cleaning up, and moved the Christmas tree outdoors, you should make sure it is far away from any [cigarette] smoking areas or other possible sources of ignition until it can be properly disposed of.

NOTE: The DPW will only pickup trees if all decorations, strands of lights, tinsel/garland, etc, have been removed — and the tree can not be in a plastic bag, (or it will not be picked up).

For additional information about Christmas Tree Curbside Collection contact the Framingham Department of  Public Works, Solid Waste Division at:  (508) 532-6001.