10 Ways to Reuse That Christmas Tree
Many Networx readers will be putting up some form of Christmas tree in the coming days or weeks, and while there are lots of alternatives to the traditional cut conifer, these holiday classics still dominate the landscape. The only problem is what happens at the end of the Christmas season, when
Posted — UpdatedCity streets after Christmas are commonly bedecked with dead Christmas trees waiting mournfully for collection, and some cities actually set up Christmas tree collection programs, specifying a collection day and sending around compost collection trucks to gather up the dead. But that doesn't have to be the fate of your Christmas tree, because there are many creative uses for its remains that offer a more dignified solution.
Be aware that if your tree is at all sappy, you run the risk of creosote buildup. It needs to be completely dry before being used in indoor fireplaces and woodstoves.
Some families make an epic post-holiday tradition of creating a bonfire with their trees, and they may even combine forces with friends and other households in the family to make the fire last longer. Christmas trees light up like, well, Christmas trees, and they can make a great bonfire source for a New Year's party on the beach or in the backyard. As with any bonfire, check to determine if you need a burn permit first, and observe safety precautions: light the fire in a clear, open area on a day with minimal wind, don't keep flammable objects nearby, and supervise the tree closely as it burns.
Cut that trunk into miniature rounds and use them in upright position to edge paths (or beds and other garden features). If you have a somewhat folksy, natural, relaxed-feeling garden, they'll fit right in. They'll also break down slowly to nourish the soil and slowly improve the condition of your garden beds, which is a nice added feature. Incidentally, those same rounds can also be sanded and sealed to make coasters.
A trunk with most of the branches trimmed away can create a natural trellis, while leftover branches can be used as a free source of garden stakes. They make be crooked, but that can add to the charn in a garden where more formal straight stakes would look out of place.
Overwintering fish need places to hide from predators and get out of the coldest parts of the water. That's where tree branches come in. In nature, branches may naturally fall into ponds, rivers, and streams to create habitat, but in more manicured water features, fish typically have fewer options to choose from. Adding branches from old Christmas trees can help keep fish safe through the winter months.
Admit it: your cats have probably already been climbing the Christmas tree, so why not make the arrangement formal? Trim away most of the branches, leaving large and sturdy ones in place as braces for scrap wood from construction sites or the hardware store. Screw the wood down tightly so it won't wobble before you upholster with scrap carpet or other material (consider wrapping some parts of the trunk in coarse rope for the cats to scratch) and set the tree up on a stable base.
Birds and other animals love suet, especially in the winter months, when food sources are limited. Trim the tree down and drill out the trunk so you can insert suet, bird seed, and other treats. Your old tree will provide you with some great birdwatching!