How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree

Christmas is over, the presents have been opened, cookies eaten and it's almost time to take down the Christmas tree.  

If you used an artificial tree, there are no issues with disposing of your tree (at least not now). Same if you used a live tree. However, if you used a fresh cut tree, as great as they are, sometimes disposal can be an issue. You don't want to just dump it and often garbage companies won't take it, at least not without it being all cut up so you can put it in the trashcan.  And, if you are going to go through all that work you might was well recycle it, too.

When I lived in California my local Boy Scout troop recycled trees as one of their annual fundraisers. It was by far the easiest way to recycle my tree. They had several pickup days. All I had to do was sign up for a specific day and take the tree to the curb. They would come by and pick it up. 

Now that Christmas is over if you're trying to find ways to recycle your Christmas tree, here are a few ideas:

1. Check out Earth 911. Just enter your city or zip code for a list of places that will recycle your tree. I was happy to find out when I pulled up Colorado Springs that I can still donate to the Boy Scouts to recycle my tree. Even if you think it will be a few days before you are ready to take that tree down, be sure to look up today so you know if there are any date restrictions.

2. Throw it in a pond to create a habitat for fish. Just be sure to remove pine needles first as they may be mildly toxic to some fish. If possible, properly anchor it to the bank to provide erosion control.

3. See if you have a local woodworker or artist who can carve a Santa or other statute for you as a momento of your holiday.

4. Make a Yule Log - Cut a length of the trunk and drill 3 holes big enough for either tea lights or pillar candles and use it indefinitely.

5. Mulch the tree and use it in your garden

6. Leave it in your yard - Mother Earth News suggests:

Trees can provide lodging for all kinds of critters besides fish. If you have a suitable place on your property to let a tree decompose, it can become a nursery to insects, fungi and possibly even amphibians and reptiles. Or consider keeping it in its stand and placing it out of doors as a bird sanctuary; it will provide our feathered friends much-needed protection from wind and cold. You can even enjoy a second round of decorating by adorning the tree with enticing bird food:
• Suet smeared in the branches
• Pine cones coated with peanut butter and bird seed, then hung from branches
• Strings of popcorn, cranberries or raisins wrapped around the tree
• Hanging fruit slices

7. Use it as soil erosion barriers. Pick Your Own Tree says "Some communities use Christmas trees to make effective sand and soil erosion barriers, especially at for lake and river shoreline stabilization and river delta sedimentation management (Louisiana does both)."

8. Paths for Hiking Trails (also from Pick Your Own Christmas Tree)- "some counties use the shredded trees as a free, renewable and natural path material that fits both the environment and the needs of hikers!"

A few things NOT to do:
1. Don't throw your tree into a river or stream without speaking to a local conservation group
2. Don't dump it on public or private lands without first getting permission
3. Don't cut it up and use in your fireplace. The sap can lead to a buildup of creosote

Whatever you decide to do, please be respectful of the environment and your community and pick the most beneficial method for your family and your community.