Time to take down the Christmas tree

      Christmas is over and you need to take down your Christmas tree. If your Christmas tree comes out of a box, you can put it back in the box until next year. But if you have a live tree, please do not just toss it in the trash. It deserves better than that and certainly has many uses after you take it out of the house!

But before you begin the recycle process be sure to remove all lights and ornament.

     Here are some ways you can recycle your Christmas tree and keep it from going to overflowing landfills:

If you have a chipper, run the tree through it.  The chips make great mulch and smell good while being chipped

 

OR you can cut off the boughs and place them on the ground around your plants.   Save the trunk for a use in your garden as a trellis for peas, beans, or cucumbers or even used to make a “bottle tree.” 

Move the tree in its stand outdoors for the winter where it can provide food and shelter for birds.

The trees could be used as artificial fish attractors in ponds or lakes

If you are in a hurry, just pile the trees in fields and forests for use as wildlife cover.   The trees will eventually decay and be recycled naturally.

Reuse your tree any way you can.  Remember it took 5 – 10 years to grow this tree.  Do not waste all of Mother Nature’s time for a few weeks of your pleasure.

Just remember, whatever you do, do not put the tree trash.