As the Holidays come to a close and people start to take down their Christmas trees, some might be wondering the best way to dispose of their tree- both real and fake. While most cities have some type of program that allows you to leave your real tree curbside or in a green waste bin, there are also other ways to dispose of your tree that benefits wildlife and other nonprofit organizations, and there are options for those looking to get rid of an artificial tree.
The truth about fake trees is that they aren’t made up of biodegradable materials, and are used for an average of 7 years, where they are then sent to a landfill. While it’s understandable that people can’t always get real trees, we can be better about making sure to dispose of them in a better way than just throwing them in a dumpster.
Here are some tips for reducing the waste of real and artificial trees.
The city of San Jose suggests to do these things with your artificial tree (and if you want to reduce your use any further, they suggest growing a potted tree and keeping it for years):
Use for Years
Make the most of your artificial Christmas tree (and help the environment) by reusing the tree as many times as possible. As long as you take good care of it, it could be with you for years.
Donate or Sell Your Tree
If your artificial tree is still in good shape, consider donating it to a thrift store rather than throwing it out. You could also consider selling it online. November is the best time, but eBay has hundreds of listings year-round.
Reuse for Smaller Decorations
If your artificial tree is in rough shape after many years, remove and save the limbs that are still in good condition. They can be used to create smaller holiday decorations such as wreaths.
Indiana Christmas Tree Growers Association has some tips for your real tree:
One of the most common ways to recycle a Christmas tree is to have it chipped into biodegradable mulch for landscaping. Some communities have a pick up date or drop off point to recycle the trees. Check with your local tree farm or community about local recycling programs.
Used Christmas trees can also be used to improve fish habitat in ponds and lakes, as erosion control and to provide wildlife habitat for some birds and other small animals.
As a living plant, a Christmas tree benefits the environment by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. After the Christmas season the tree can continue to benefit the environment by being recycled. Do your part and give your real Christmas tree “second life” by recycling.
In California, there are a few private companies that do recycle trees, like California Christmas Tree Recycling, which charges a small fee to pickup your tree, and use it for mulch. Proceeds are donated to TreePeople to plant new trees. Do a quick Google search to find alternative places to donate your tree, if you don’t want to leave it for your city to pick up.
Finally, you can get creative with how to reuse your tree for multiple purposes. Apartment Guide has a few great suggestions to help you find creative ways to reduce the waste of your tree:
Dump your tree into your fish tank
On a much smaller scale, you can also snap off some of the smaller branches and twigs and arrange them in your home or office fish tank to give your fish a new and natural place to hide and chill out. Just be sure the wood is completely clean and dirt free before tanking it.
Reuse just the needles
If you don’t have an outdoor space (or fish), you can just upcycle the needles. Before you take your tree to a drop off site, shake a bunch of the needles off into a bag and spread them over the soil in your outdoor spaces or in a flowerbox or planter. The needles break down like mulch and work on balancing out the pH levels in alkaline soil.
Use your tree to smell fresh year ’round
The needles can also keep your house smelling sweet all year, as well. Only if your tree’s needles are still green and fresh-looking (give them a sniff), strip a bunch of them off and toss them into small paper bags. Stick the bag anywhere you want to smell piney fresh like a closet or catbox area and they’ll last a lot longer than you’d expect.
Make fire from your tree
If you’re one of the lucky ones to have a fireplace in your rental, congratulations … you have some post-Christmas firewood for the rest of winter. You may not have a woodchipper at your disposal, but someone you know somewhere has a saw or axe if you don’t have one. With great care, take your tree to an open space in your complex (ask to make sure you’re allowed) or somewhere nearby and start chopping.
Well, not right away. If the wood is still wet, take it away from a water source and let it dry. Wet wood in a fire can cause fires where you don’t want them. And if your tree is too dried out, it won’t burn properly. It’s a fine line. Either way, most Christmas trees are small and slender, so you’ll wind up with some good kindling or fire starters.
Replant your tree
If you have a backyard spot or community green space, and your tree hasn’t been cut or had its root ball damaged, you can actually replant it. If you live in warmer climates, and if your tree didn’t get dried out inside your house, especially next to vents or heaters, your tree may have a second life.
And new to the scene are actual companies that will rent you a tree, deliver it for the holiday and then come pick it up and replant it for you.
Return your tree
And believe it or not, you may actually be able to return your tree! No, not for your money back, but in many places, you can drop your tree off back where you bought it. Some large lots and tree farms will take your tree back and recycle or upcycle it themselves. Ask them when you make your purchase if you can return it, or give them a call.
DIY your tree
Remember, your tree is made of wood! That means, if you have the requisite skill, you can make the perfect Etsy-level DIY projects from your soon-to-be-former Christmas tree. Try some of these projects, using the trunk, the branches or just the twigs:
- Winter wreaths or window boxes
- Plant supports and wooden plant markers
- Tree trunk coasters
- Tree trunk tealight logs
- Tree branch candlesticks
- Wall art
- A wood slice clock
- And yes, even a didgeridoo
