It's not yet quite time to take down the holiday tree. But here are some tips to help you decide when that time has come:

Top seven signs your tree has been up too long

· You've taken to using it as a coat rack.

· The bird that got into your house stayed – and nested.

· Visitors ask how you'll be decorating it for the spring holiday.

· It's sprouted roots and started growing again.

· Squirrels gather at your window and look longingly at it.

· You can no longer see the carpet through the layers of dried needles.

· You've decided just to go ahead and leave it up for next year.

Is there anything sadder than a holiday tree that's still standing around in someone's living room well into the new year?

When the holidays are long gone but your tree isn't, it's time to chip in and donate your used evergreen to the annual Chip-a-Tree initiative.

Last year Broward County Parks recycled 9,225 trees, representing 115 tons of material that would otherwise have gone to landfills, and this year your tree can join those recyclable thousands.

The free program encourages Broward County residents to remove all decorations from their holiday trees (no decorated trees will be accepted), then bring the trees to a participating park, where they are chipped and used for landscaping throughout the county park system. There is a limit of two trees per vehicle, artificial trees are not accepted, and no commercial vehicles or garbage trucks are allowed.

This season's program runs from Monday, December 26, 2011, through Sunday, January 22, 2012, giving you plenty of time to take advantage of those after-the-holidays sales before hauling your tree to a park. And remember, the regular weekend and holiday gate entrance fee will not be in effect for recyclers, so there's no excuse not to do the right thing. Hours vary; call the park of your choice for details.

Brian Piccolo Park, 9501 Sheridan St., Cooper City, 954-357-5150

• C. B. Smith Park, 900 N. Flamingo Rd., Pembroke Pines, 954-357-5170

• Easterlin Park, 1000 N.W. 38th St., Oakland Park, 954-357-5190

• Fern Forest Nature Center, 201 Lyons Rd. South, Coconut Creek, 954-357-5198

• Markham Park, 16001 W. State Rd. 84, Sunrise, 954-357-8868

• Plantation Heritage Park, 1100 S. Fig Tree Lane, Plantation, 954-357-5135

• Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Rd., Deerfield Beach, 954-357-5100

• Reverend Samuel Delevoe Park, 2520 N.W. Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale, 954-791-1036

• Snake Warrior's Island Natural Area, 3600 S.W. 62nd Ave., Miramar, 954-357-8811

• Tradewinds Park, 3600 W. Sample Rd., Coconut Creek, 954-357-8870

• Tree Tops Park, 3900 S.W. 100th Ave., Davie, 954-357-5130

• T.Y. Park, 3300 N. Park Rd., Hollywood, 954-357-8811

• Vista View Park, 4001 S.W. 142nd Ave., Davie 33330; 954-357-8898

• West Lake Park, 751 Sheridan St., Hollywood; 954-357-5161