6 Ways to Dispose of That Old Christmas Tree

Christmas is over, but that doesn’t mean your Christmas tree is no longer useful. Instead of letting it go to waste in a landfill, give the tree back to nature where it came from. To help you put a bit of the holidays behind you and to good use, we’ve compiled 6 ways to dispose of that old Christmas trees.

1. Provide Shelter for Animals

If you live in an area surrounded by woods or an unmowed field, an unwanted Christmas tree can be used as a home for animals. Just toss it on its side and critters looking for shelter this winter will see it as a brand new home.

2. A Fish Sanctuary

Why not throw your old Christmas tree in a lake. If you have a pond or a lake, your tree can become a natural habitat for fish. Algae will grow on it as it decomposes, which attracts fish, and the branches provide shelter and an interesting place to hang out.

3. Use Your Old Christmas Tree for Firewood

Cut off all the branches and cut the trunk of your old Christmas tree into logs that can fit into your fireplace. Dried needles make an excellent fire starter, but be careful about of sparks. The logs may take a few months to dry out.

4. Start a Compost Pile

Evergreen branches are great for starting a new compost pile because their branches allow air to flow through the bottom of the pile. Just layer the Christmas tree branches on the ground or the bottom of a bin and throw everything else on top of them.

5. Use the Needles as Mulch

Needles may have been an issue in your house, but outside they work as an excellent mulch. Shake off all the needles from the tree and put them in your flower beds. Christmas tree needles make a great weed barrier as they slowly decompose.

6. Grind Up Your Christmas Tree

If you just want to get rid of the entire tree quickly, rent a wood chipper and throw it in. While you’re at it get your friends and neighbors to bring over their trees. Boom! Instant mulch and a tree-t for the entire neighborhood.

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