What To Do With Your Tree Now That Christmas Is Over

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

26 Dec 2006 12:11 PM

In just a few hours my neighbor will emerge from his house with his Christmas tree in hand and dump it near the edge of the sidewalk where it will sit until the recyclers come to pick it up in a few days. Each year, on December 26th, like clockwork, he gives his tree the boot. I have never asked why, instead I stare from my living room in utter amazement. Personally, I come from the 12 days of Christmas school of thought, which means our Christmas tree doesn't come down until after the Epiphany, but to each his own.

I should mention that whereas we keep our tree up past New Year's Day, we do make sure that the Christmas decorations are down by Easter. Yes, I too poke fun at the homeowners who for whatever reason (here in the Midwest it's usually the bad weather) keep their Christmas decorations up well past Valentine's Day. (Which is not all that bad if you go with an all-red theme at Christmas). But, I digress.

When the holidays are over you get rid of your tree. It really is that simple. Or is it?

There are various ways you can recycle your tree. In most communities there are chipping machines where you can take your tree and turn it into mulch. The beauty of this option is that you are able to turn your Christmas tree investment into one for the garden.

Another recycling option is to take the trim off the top of your Christmas tree and plant it in your yard. It will eventually die there, but in the meantime you can adorn it with popcorn or nuts and turn it into a great birdfeeder. Once the birds have had their way with your tree, you can cut off the branches and use it for mulch. Now, all you have is the trunk to deal with. You don't want to cut up your tree for firewood because it's too sappy.

Some other uses for old Christmas trees are: Sinking them into fishponds--trees make excellent refuge and feeding areas. If you really want to enjoy your tree for years to come buy a potted Christmas tree---potted trees can be planted in the yard and admired for decades.

Related Articles:

What To Do With Your Tree Now That Christmas Is Over

Home For The Holidays: Celebrating Kwanzaa

Decorating Your Home For Kwanzaa

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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