Recycle Your Christmas Tree

Once you’d had your fill of gazing at your Christmas tree adorned with sparkling lights and cherished ornaments and begin packing the decorations away, what do you do with your tree?

Why not add a little “green” touch to your post-holiday spirit and recycle those beautiful boughs? (Unless, of course, yours it the potted variety—in which case, just remove the ornaments and enjoy—or the planting variety—in which case, as soon as you can, get that thing in the ground and watch it grow!)

There are a number of ways you can get the most out of your Christmas tree aside from hauling it to the curb for garbage pickup.

Purdue Extension details a great idea—recycle your tree by adorning it with “bird feeder” decorations in the backyard so your feathered friends can enjoy it as much as you did.

If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, chop your tree into pieces for building the perfect fire. Don’t have a use for the wood yourself? Pass it along to a friend or neighbor to keep the Christmas spirit going even after the gifts are unwrapped.

Our friends at Iowa State University offer some other pointers for using your tree Christmas tree after the holiday festivities die down. Why not chip the boughs and use the chips as mulch around trees, shrubs, or flower beds? Phil for Humanity provides specifics on turning your Christmas tree into mulch using your woodchipper.

Don’t want to mess with the tree yourself? The National Christmas Tree Association has partnered with earth911.org to bring tree recycling to a community near you. Visit the earth911 website to find out where to recycle in your area—in some places, someone may even come pick up your tree for you.

Any other ideas for recycling your Christmas trees out there? Share them with me (and your fellow The Home-Know-It-All readers) today!

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All