What to do with your holiday tree? There are great ways to recycle!

A favorite family tradition of ours is on January 5th (the 12th day of Christmas) we get the kids suited up to haul out the holiday tree. We hate the idea of just throwing it out on the curb or in the woods, so we leave the tree near a window where we can watch the squirrels and birds play for months to come!

Here is a list of our 5 FAVORITE ways to recycle your holiday tree.

1. Dry the Needles for Sachets and Natural Air Fresheners. If your tree is like ours, but he time Jan 5th rolls around sweeping up the needles is a daily chore! Hang on to those needles by placing them in a jar or old coffee can. Punch holes in the lid and have the kids decorate. The lovely pine needle scent can live on!

2. Bird feeders: Place the Christmas tree in the garden or backyard and use it as a bird feeder and sanctuary. Fresh orange slices or strung popcorn will attract the birds and they can sit in the branches for shelter. (Make sure all decorations, hooks, garland and tinsel strands are removed). 

3. Cut the Trunk for Firewood. Cut the branches away and split the trunk into fireplace-sized logs. Bundle the branches into small bunches and tie with string. Stack the wood and branch bundles and allow it all to season for firewood the following year.

4. Use your Christmas Tree for Mulch. Once the tree is outside, cut it into smaller pieces with a saw. Place the smaller pieces into a wood chipper to cut it into mulched-sized chips to save for spring gardening.

5. Take your tree to a drop-off recycling center: Most counties have free drop-off locations. Usually, you may take up to two trees to a drop-off location at no charge.

*"5 Ways to Recycle Christmas Trees" New England Living Jan 6, 2022

*"How to Recycle" National Christmas Tree Association.