How to Recycle a Christmas Tree into Useful Items

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By Gardengates
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Recycle a Christmas Tree into Useful Items

There is no replacement for the look and smell of a real Christmas tree. But after the holidays are over, what can be done with that Christmas tree other than just throwing it out?

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Get a live tree

First of all, consider using a living tree for the holiday. You can buy different types of fir trees in pots that look wonderful when decorated. The advantages are that it will be less flammable than a drying tree, can be used for several years if you grow the tree outside in its pot for most of the year (until it grows too pot-bound), and in the end you can plant it in your landscape, give it to someone else to plant or even sell it for planting!
Step 2

Another use for your Christmas tree is to grind it up and use the wood chips as mulch outside in paths or gardens. Or you can simply shake off the dried needles and use those as a soil cover for potted plants or to top dress the garden.
Step 3

A third use would be to clean off the loose needles and hang suet, dried seeds, little water cups and other treats to convert your tree into a bird feeder.
Step 4

Consider cutting off all the small branches and setting up your tree as a Cat exercise play area. It will be a delight for your cat and ideal for scratching claws -- far better than scratching on your carpets and furniture.
Step 5

A fifth use for your tree might be to use it whole or in pieces to create natural looking barriers in the garden. Use it to block access or lay it against an area where soil is loose and an informal retaining wall is needed. You can strengthen it by adding some rocks and boulders.
Step 6

I have heard some people suggesting submerging your used tree in a pond as a way to trap food to feed fish. If you clean it well first this might work, but don't leave it in the water too long as it will rot and will likely pollute the water. I'd be a little chary of this suggestion since I'm not sure what else you may be introducing into the water with the tree and balance is a difficult thing to maintain in general with pond water. Still some folks swear by it and it is one more possibility for recycling a Christmas tree, especially if you have a large pond. You certainly can use the tree and branches safely to decorate alongside a pond or river bed, though.
Step 7

After a year or so the wood of your tree will be brittle and break easily. Once fully dry you can use it for firewood. Pieces should be perfect to burn for a fire pit or cookout as the weather warms. Or just break up the dried wood and use it for garden edgings.
Step 8

As an eighth possibility, remember that curbside pick-ups or recycling centers abound, so if you don't want to recycle your tree yourself, it is easy to get someone else to recycle it for you.

Comments

bossypants said

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on 11/28/2008 We've used living trees and they were a wonderful reminder of past celebrations in our yard, for years! (We've moved, since.) Thanks for the other great ideas!