-
Step 1
Pull the pine needles from the branches and place in several dishes filled with floral potpourri. The pine scent will mingle to add an earthy, woodsy undertone to the mix. Place the potpourri dishes throughout your home.
-
Step 2
Remove bare branches with a chainsaw or handsaw. Run through a wood chipper. Save the chips for springtime and use to surround the bases of your trees, deter the growth of weeds next to your driveway or for other decorative landscaping.
-
Step 3
Cut the tree trunk into 12-inch chunks for firewood. Use in a fireplace or wood stove. You may have to wait a year for the wood to "season."
-
Step 1
Reuse the tree yearly until you're ready to purchase a new one. Every consumer who reuses an artificial tree one additional year reduces landfill waste.
-
Step 2
Give away the tree when you're done with it. Donate it to Good Will or the Salvation Army. Contact the drama department of the local high school or college. Ask if they'd be interested in a free Christmas tree for their prop collection. Give it to a young person just starting in a first apartment.
-
Step 3
Call the local Chamber of Commerce and tell them you have a free Christmas tree to donate. Chamber staff members can tell you who to contact to donate your tree to the city, township or local retailers.
-
Step 4
Place some flyers on area bulletin boards, such as those found at churches, grocery stores and libraries, to advertise your tree. Write "Free Used Artificial Christmas Tree" in bold letters with the approximate height and width. Cut rip-off tabs on one end of each flyer, and write your name and telephone number on each tab.
-
Step 5
Look online for a Freecycle group in your area. Post your tree as available for pickup on a first come, first served basis.
