• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide

Recycle Christmas Tree in the Garden

Don’t drag that Christmas tree to the curb to be hauled away by the trash collectors.  Give it a second, even third life, in your landscape.

Sweep and collect the fallen needles. Use these as mulch in the garden.

Use your cut Christmas tree as a windbreak or for added shade for your landscape plants. Place it on the windward side of rhododendron, boxwood and other broadleaf evergreens to reduce problems with winter burn. Set the tree on the south side of these plants to shade them from the drying winter sun.

Or remove the branches and use them as winter mulch over bulbs and perennials. Layer the boughs over the plants and soil to keep the soil consistently cold, reducing the risk of early sprouting and frost heaving.

Or set the tree in the landscape for a bit of added greenery. The birds will also enjoy the added shelter and you will enjoy watching these visitors to your landscape.

A bit more information:  Don’t worry about the tree needles making the soil too acidic.  They have very minimal and short term impact on the soil pH.  They will break down, adding nutrients and organic matter to the soil.

Related

Upcoming Webinars & Appearances


March 25, 2023
OCMGA Annual Garden Conference
Appleton, Wisconsin

March 26, 2023
REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin

March 29, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
Gardening Basics to Boost Your Success
Register now

April 1, 2023

REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, Wisconsin

April 5, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
What's New - Discover
New & Unique Plants!
Register now

April 11, 2023

Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association's 2023 Speaker Series
Darmstadt, Indiana
 

April 18, 2023
FREE WEBINAR: 
Growing a Bountiful Harvest even when Time, Space & Budget are Limited

Register now

April 20, 2023
SC Johnson Golden Rondelle Theater Speaker Series
Racine, WI
Register now

April 22, 2023
Pasquesi Home & Gardens
Lake Bluff, IL

April 25, 2023
Frederik Meijer Gardens
Grand Rapids, MI

Watch Melinda's past webinars ON DEMAND

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win Melinda's Container Gardening Tips & Techniques DVD set

ENTER NOW