Recycle Your Christmas Tree

Don’t drag that Christmas tree to the curb.  Give it a second life in your landscape. 

Cut trees make great windbreaks in the landscape.  Strategically place discarded Christmas trees on the windward side of rhododendron, boxwood and other broadleaf evergreens to reduce problems with winter burn.

Or remove the branches and use them as winter mulch over bulbs and perennials.  This winter mulch will keep the soil consistently cold, reducing the risk of early sprouting and winter damage that can occur during winter thaws.

Set the tree in the landscape for a bit of added greenery.  The birds will also enjoy the added shelter.  And, if you need a fun family activity, decorate the tree with fruits, berries, and seeds the birds can enjoy.

As spring arrives consider chipping and shredding your tree into mulch for trees and shrubs. 

And, if this is not possible, check for recycling resources in your community.

A bit more information:  Many municipalities have special pickups for Christmas trees.  These are chipped, shredded and made available for citizens to use in their landscapes.  Lake communities often sink the discarded trees to the bottom of lakes and ponds to provide habitat for the fish.  And don’t forget about your local Christmas tree farm. Many will chip your tree for use as mulch on their farm and in return give you a discount coupon for next year’s tree.

Tags

sustainable-gardening winter-mulch christmas-tree

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