Sustainable ways to dispose of or recycle your Christmas tree

The Christmas season brings joy, family, food and the warmth of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. But once the festivities are over, what do you do with your tree? Disposing of your Christmas tree sustainably ensures that it doesn’t end up in landfill, contributing to environmental waste. Here are some eco-friendly ways to recycle or repurpose your tree.

Curbside tree recycling

Many local councils offer curbside tree collection services in January. These programs usually recycle trees into mulch, which can then used in parks and public spaces.

Composting your tree

If you have a composting system at home, you can chop up your tree and add it to your compost pile. Pine needles decompose slowly, but they add acidity to the compost, which can be beneficial for certain plants. Alternatively, some community composting programs accept Christmas trees for large-scale composting.

Create a habitat for wildlife

Your old tree can provide shelter and food for birds and small animals. Place the tree in your garden as a refuge for wildlife during the colder months. You can even decorate it with bird-friendly treats like suet ornaments, pinecones smeared with peanut butter and seeds, or dried fruit.

Turn it into mulch or wood chips

If you have access to a wood chipper, you can turn your Christmas tree into mulch to use in your garden. The mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and prevent weeds. This is an excellent way to recycle your tree and nourish your plants.

Use the branches as garden insulation

The branches of your Christmas tree can be cut and laid over garden beds to protect plants from frost. They act as a natural insulating layer, helping your garden survive harsh winter conditions.

Create DIY projects

Get creative with your tree by repurposing parts of it for crafts and projects. For example:

• Cut slices of the trunk to make a wooden feature wall, coasters, ornaments or trivets.
• Use branches for rustic decorations, wreaths, or outdoor garden stakes.

Potted trees

For a more sustainable approach next year, consider a potted tree, that you can keep outside all year round and then bring inside for the festive season.

Sustainably disposing of your Christmas tree is a helpful and considerate way to round off the festive season and move into the new year. By recycling or repurposing your tree, you can reduce waste, benefit your garden, support wildlife and the planet.