WAKE COUNTY, N.C. – Now that Christmas day has passed, many are already taking down trees and decorations.

In Wake County trees can take on second life and help trails and parks.

Officials say, last year alone, they were able to recycle more than 5,200 trees and created more than 105 tons of mulch that fortified parks and trails.

If you want to contribute your tree, all you have to do is make sure all the ornaments and lights are off and take it to one of the sites listed below before January 27.

 The following convenience centers are open for tree drop-offs from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., seven days a week:

• Site 1 – 10505 Old Stage Road, Garner
• Site 2 – 6120 Old Smithfield Road, Apex
• Site 4 – 3600 Yates Mill Pond Road, Raleigh
• Site 11 – 5051 Wendell Blvd./U.S. 64 Business, Wendell

The following Wake County parks will accept trees from 8 a.m. until sunset, seven days a week:

• Blue Jay Point County Park – 3200 Pleasant Union Church Road, Raleigh
• Harris Lake County Park – 2112 County Park Drive, New Hill
• Lake Crabtree County Park – 1400 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville
• Green Hills County Park – 9300 Deponie Drive, Raleigh