How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree

One of the main objections to a real Christmas tree is that it is thrown away after the first use. Some people who want a real tree choose to buy ball and burlap tree and plant it later. However, this will not work for everyone.

Here are five ways you can recycle your Christmas tree once you are ready to take it down.

1. Find Your Local Recycling Center

Many cities now have recycling services that will pick up your Christmas tree or provide drop-off locations. The trees are then chipped to be used as mulch in parks.  Some cities even provide residents with free mulch made from recycled Christmas trees!

2. Make Your Own Mulch

If you have access to a wood chipper, you can make your own garden mulch. Use a saw to cut the Christmas tree into smaller pieces to fit into the chipper. The wood chips can be used around your plants, in your compost bin, and for garden paths.

3. Provide a Bird Habitat

If you have the room in your backyard, Christmas trees make excellent bird habitats. Remove all of the decorations. Make sure there is no tinsel or flocking.

You will need to secure the tree by using the stand or stakes and twine. Provide the birds with food by making pine cone bird feeders, using suet holders, and hanging strings of popcorn or fresh fruit.

4. Create a Fish Habitat

If you have a pond, you can place cut-up pieces of your Christmas tree on the bottom to create places for fish to hide. You can also call your state's Department of Natural Resources to see if they need trees for this purpose.

Again, remove all decorations. It is especially important that the tree is free of tinsel, and has not been flocked or treated in any other way.

5. Decorate Your House with Wreaths and Garland

Cut off the branches and use them to make winter wreaths or garlands to decorate your house throughout the season. You can add scented pine cones to complement the wonderful smell of fresh trees.