Christmas crafts

Recycle a Christmas Tree

By editor ⋅ December 27, 2006 ⋅ Email this post ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

 “Treecyling”

or How to Recycle a Christmas Tree

When it is time to take down the Christmas tree, don’t just discard it - think green and recycle!  There are many simple recycling ideas which can prolong the useful life of your Christmas tree long after the Christmas season.

Prepare your Christmas tree for recycling this year by first removing any tinsel, garlands or other decorations, then try one or more of the following ”treecycling” suggestions.  If you have other ideas on how to recycle a Christmas tree, please share by leaving a comment and let us all know!

• Make potpourri by drying out some branches and gathering the needles.  Combine with small pine cones, cinnamon sticks, dried orange and lemon slices or whole cloves and set out around the house in bowls in baskets.
• Place the tree in the garden as winter shelter for birds or other wildlife.  If necessary, secure the tree to a firm support, then hang suet balls, seed bells, or pine cones smeared in peanut butter from the branches and watch the woodpeckers, chickadees and other winter birds enjoy the treats.
• Protect your perennials from the winter chill by covering them with layered Christmas tree branches.  Use the whole tree as a temporary wind break for shrubs or larger plants. 
• If you have access to a chipper, reduce the tree to wood chips and use as organic mulch on flower beds or vegetable gardens.
• Donate the tree to local winter sports or conservation groups who may use them to line trails or improve habitats for fish and wildlife.  Watch your local paper for mention of specific needs or requests.

If you can’t recycle the tree yourself, check Earth911.org for municipal or government recycling locations throughout Canada and the United States.  Curbside tree collection is organized in many areas, with the trees offered back to the community in the form of organic mulch or compost later in the year.  Most local newspapers, radios and television stations will publicize details of the tree collection in your area.