How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree

. Do you relish the idea of having a real Christmas tree but feel guilty about abandoning it to the curbside at the end of the holidays? There's no reason to feel guilty when you have so many options for recycling your tree after the Christmas season is over. Here are some ideas for recycling your Christmas tree this year.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Recycle your Christmas tree for use in an outdoor bonfire.
   
   You can use your Christmas tree as firewood outdoors to create a bonfire. It's not recommended that Christmas tree logs be burned in an indoor fireplace as burning the wood produces creosole which can accumulate in your chimney.

2. Recycle your Christmas tree to use as mulch.
   
   If you're a gardener, you can recycle your Christmas tree to use as mulch for your garden in the spring. Place your evergreen mulch around plants and shrubs to help control the growth of weed and prevent water loss. There are also various programs that will recycle your Christmas tree to use for mulch in public areas such as parks. They may offer a free pick up service after the holidays. To find out about these programs, simply do an internet search for “Christmas tree recycling” and the name of your city.

3. Call the National Christmas Tree Association
   
   This group can direct you to tree farms in your area that recycle Christmas trees.

4. Recycle your Christmas tree by creating a wildlife habitat.
   
   Remove the branches from your Christmas tree and arrange them to create a refuge for wildlife in your area. You can enjoy watching the wildlife enter and leave your yard and you may even have the opportunity to photograph them.

5. Recycle your Christmas tree by creating a unique art sculpture.
   
   Use the branches of your Christmas tree to create an eye catching sculpture to display in your home. Every time you look at your art sculpture, you'll be reminded of Christmas.

6. Recycle your Christmas tree by making potpourri.
   
   After removing the pine needles from the tree, mix them with some bayberry leaves and other potpourri components, add a fixative and you have sweet smelling evergreen potpourri for your home.

7. Recycle your Christmas tree by using the branches in floral arrangements.
   
   Once you've removed the branches, use them to create unique accents for wreaths and floral arrangements. A few small branches can add a lot of depth and character to a winter door wreath or floral centerpiece.

8. Consider a living Christmas tree.
   
   You can now purchase a living Christmas tree which can be replanted once the holidays are over. You may be able to find one of these trees at your local nursery.

9. Call the National Christmas Tree Association
   
   This group can direct you to tree farms in your area that recycle Christmas trees.