How to Dispose of a Christmas Tree

Twelfth Night (January 6) is the traditional day for taking down the tree and putting the season to rest. Ornaments and stockings get put away for next year - but what about the tree? Here's how to dispose of your tree responsibly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Gardening Gloves
• Calendars
• Saws
• Saws

If You Have a Back Yard and a Fireplace

1. Take all the ornaments off the tree.
2. Check the tree carefully to make sure you've gotten them all.
3. Remove lights from the tree.
4. Lay the tree on its side and take off the tree stand. If there is water in the tree stand, make sure to have a bucket or container handy to pour the water into it.
5. Make one last check for ornaments, and for anything else - tinsel, for example.
6. Take the tree outside and set it an an out-of-the-way place.
7. Cut it up - use the needles as mulch, the branches as kindling and the trunk as firewood (after it's dried out).

If You Don't Have a Back Yard and a Fireplace

8. Find out when your city or county will be collecting trees, and where the tree should be placed so collectors will see it.
9. Write this information on your calendar in big letters - and stick a reminder on the fridge just to be sure.
10. Take all the ornaments and lights off the tree; then lay the tree on its side and take off the tree stand.
11. Make one last check for ornaments, and for anything else - tinsel, for example.
12. Take the tree out to where it will be collected.

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