Wait! Don’t toss that used Christmas tree in the trash. Fresh cut, evergreen trees can be repurposed to enhance wildlife and our natural environment. Only recycle natural, untreated trees, free of flocking, fake snow, scents, and chemicals. Before donating your used tree, it is important to remove any hooks, lights, garlands, and decorations.
Reduce waste and help the environment. Choose a doable option from the following list. Then, check your local news and community sources for recycling options in your area.
7 Recycling Ideas for your Christmas Tree
1. Save the Sand Dunes – In coastal areas, Christmas trees can help to reduce sand dune erosion on beaches. Boy Scouts and other groups organize drives, collecting trees and relocating them to nearby sand dunes.
2. Fish Habitat – Submerging trees in lakes, large ponds, and river channels provides shelter and breeding habitats for fish. The US Army Corps of Engineers or the Department of Natural Resources may organize an annual tree recycling project for this purpose.
3. Bird Nesting Habitat – Along waterways and natural reserves, discarded Christmas trees are used to create additional nesting structures, and nest materials for herons and egrets.
4. Wildlife Habitat – Cut Christmas trees placed in woodland areas provide ground shelter, protection, and natural wind barriers for small wild animals such as chipmunks, birds, and raccoons.
5. Bird Feeder/Shelter – Secure a cut tree in the yard and decorate it with edible treats for the wild birds this winter. Popcorn garlands, bird-seed ornaments, hanging suet baskets, and fruit will attract the birds to come and dine. Attach edible ornaments to the tree with twine or yarn instead of hooks to avoid injuring wildlife.
6. Mulch it – Chipped trees make excellent ground cover, mulch, and path material. Once the trees are run through a chipper, the product is ideal for hiking trails, playgrounds, botanical gardens, landscaping, and plant nurseries. Check community sources for tree mulch services and recycling programs.
7. Feed An Elephant and Other Animals – Elephants, giraffes, rhinos, camels, tree kangaroos, llamas, sheep, and goats eat evergreen trees. Donate your “clean” tree or trimmings to a local zoo, safari, sanctuary, or farm. Evergreen trees are a natural source of vitamin C and fiber, enriching the winter diet of some animals. While all animals won’t nibble on the needles or bark, the trees offer a fun toy for them to play with. If you haven’t seen a kangaroo punching a swinging Christmas tree, treat yourself to an online video. Some zoos and sanctuaries may only accept donations of unsold Christmas trees from vendors, instead of used ones from households. Contact your local zoo, farm, or animal sanctuary for more information.
Check to see if your town has an annual tree drive or drop off locations for any of these important recycling projects. Many take place in early January.
By Deborah S. Tukua, author of Traveling the Natchez Trace Parkway from A to Z
Join us online at www.deborahstukua.com
Other articles of interest: