Christmas trees bring a little bit of nature into your home during the celebration. Real or fake, the color green always create warm holiday cheer, especially at the time of year when the trees outside have grown cold and brown.
Once the season is over and everything is down and stowed away, the lovely piece of nature sitting in your living room area instantly becomes trash. In fact, it might be one of the biggest pieces of trash you will have to deal with.
How Can I Safely Dispose of a Christmas Tree?
Whether your Christmas tree is fake or real, disposing of it the wrong way can harm the environment. There are several ways for you to safely dispose of your tree after Christmas instead of watching it turn brown in your living room as the calendar changes.
While some apartment dwellers may simply throw the tree out, the majority of tenants must find another way to dispose of their old Christmas trees. Even in the absence of curbside pickup, some properties prohibit the placement of trees or other live things in regularly designated garbage areas.
Fortunately, there are other options, including recycling, upcycling, and even returning your tree. This blog post will explore the safe ways to dispose of your Christmas trees. Keep reading to learn more.
Dump Nicely Into A Lake
Rather than hauling your tree to a drop-off or recycler, you may simply throw it in a lake. Unbelievable as it may sound, you may actually throw your (chemical-free) tree, trunk, and branches into a lake or pond, where the wood will serve as a home for fish that are overwintering. Get rid of your tree and help the environment at the same time.
However, you may not be able to do that on just any lake and in any way you want. To ensure you are abiding by all local regulations, first, locate a lake or pond in the area. Then, get in touch with the local authorities.
Put Your Tree Out In The Trash
The simplest way to dispose of your Christmas tree is to place it in the garbage to be taken as recycling. Depending on your rental arrangement, this might require dragging it to the curb, transporting it to your bulk garbage pickup location, or having a tree plan in place.
If you live in a residential neighborhood and frequently take your junk to the curb, consult your local city or township for restrictions, dates, and times when you may place your tree out with your usual recycling collection.
If you live in a building or complex that offers private or bulk pickup (such as a dumpster), inquire with your landlord or management office about the policy and when and where you can bring your tree to be sent to its final destination.
Take Your Tree to a Drop-off Site
Several municipalities have over four thousand Christmas tree recycling programs accessible throughout the country, supervised by your local waste disposal departments. You can easily drive to the location and drop off your tree.
The prospect of driving your slowly rotting tree to a drop-off location in your own vehicle may not sound appealing, but doing it correctly can limit the damage and clutter. If you can locate a bag or box large enough to hold the remainder (even if you have to cut it into a few pieces), you’ll be able to keep pine needles and sap from falling all over and into your car. Then, reverse the process of getting it home the first time. Attach it to the rooftop or throw it in the trunk. If none of these is possible, locate a buddy who owns a pickup truck.
Cut Your Tree Into Smaller Pieces
Rather than throwing your tree away like an unwanted item, turn it into magnificent mulch. If you have a garden, flowerbed, or groomed grass in your flat, you may drop O’Tannenbaum into a woodchipper and let your tree live on.
Mulch and chips are ideal around shrubs and small trees because they help preserve moisture in the soil and block direct sunlight. As the wood chips disintegrate, they release nutrients into the soil.
Don’t have a massive woodchipper laying around your place? No worries. Many cities and non-profit groups provide chipping events where you may have your tree made into mulch and either take it home with you or donate it to the municipal parks and recreation department for use in public parks.
Make Fire Out of Your Tree
If you’re fortunate enough to have a fireplace in your home, you’ve got some post-Christmas wood for the remainder of the winter. If you don’t have a woodchipper, chances are someone you know has a saw or an ax. With extreme caution, transport your tree to an open place in your complex (ask permission beforehand) or anywhere nearby and begin chopping.
Not right away, at least. Take the wet wood away from a source of water and let it dry if it is still wet. Wet wood in a fire can start fires in places you don’t want them to. Additionally, a too-dry tree won’t burn properly. It’s a thin line to walk. In any case, considering how small and slender most Christmas trees are, you’ll end up with some useful kindling or fire starters.
Dump It Into Your Fish Tank
You can snap off the twigs and branches and put them in your home or office fish tank, giving your pet a new and natural place to hide and chill out. Ensure that the wood is completely clean and free of dirt before dumping it in your fish tank.
Replant Your Tree
If you have a free spot and your tree has not been cut into pieces and the root ball has not been damaged, you can replant your tree in your free spot or at your local community green space. especially if you live in a warmer climate.
If your tree didn’t get dried inside your home, it might get a second chance to live.
Return Your Tree to the Christmas Farm Where You Bought It.
You may be eligible to return your tree. It may not be for money, but many tree farms allow you to drop off your tree and they will either recycle or upcycle it themselves. You can ask them during purchase if you can return it, or if you have their phone number, you can place a call across to them.
DIY Your Christmas Tree
If you have the requisite skill, you can make the perfect DIY project from it. Remember, your tree is made of wood. Try any DIY projects using the trunk and the branches, or just the twigs.
Tips for Disposing of Your Christmas Tree
Remove the Decorations on the Tree.
Prepare your storage box and disassemble the Christmas tree. Start by removing your tree skirt, ornaments, lights, and any wire or twine used in securing the tree.
Clean Up After Removal.
As Christmas trees dry out, they shed more of their needles, so it is only natural to grab a vacuum cleaner, but resist the impulse and get a broom instead. It is better to sweep up scattered needles with a broom than use a vacuum cleaner, as many needles can end up clogging up your vacuum.
