Real trees are more sustainable because they are biodegradable, unlike plastic trees which fill landfills and cause more harm than good to the environment. Christmas tree nurseries provide many of the same benefits as community trees and forests, for instance: Cleaning the air and water, stabilizing soil and removing carbon.
One of the other benefits of a real Christmas tree are the many different ways you can recycle it at the end of the season. Get creative and give your real Christmas tree a second life.
1.Mulch
The most common use for your Christmas tree is to make mulch out of it. Both from the wood chips and needles, mulch is a great way to keep the ground in your garden healthy and moist during the cold winter season. Pine needles are full of nutrients that will improve the PH of your soil if it's more alkaline and allow your soil to breathe without becoming too dense. Be sure to drench your pine needles with water and blend it well in your compost mixture.
2.Firewood
Because most evergreen trees are heavy sap trees, they work best for firewood when used outdoors. The sap is flammable and the build-up of this sap can pose a threat when used indoors. Evergreens tend to burn hot and fast, making them ideal for pine smelling bonfires and fire baskets in the garden.
3.Insulation for your garden
By simply cutting off the branches of your tree and laying them on your garden bed, the twigs will protect your plants and roots from freezing in the winter cold. By laying them on your garden bedding, you’re giving your plants a steady temperature for the cold months. The branches also look nice as a border edge.
4. Authentic air fresheners
If the needles on your tree are still green, strip the tree and store the needles in paper bags or sachets to use as fresheners. The needles will retain their scent and freshen your home, year round. They're also perfect as a thoughtful and personal gift.
5. Arts & Crafts
Make your own Christmas decoration out of the wood of your old Christmas tree. You don’t have to be a craftsman to cut the trunk or let someone do it for you! Make little unique wooden decorations for next year's Christmas. Or what to think of cutting the trunk into one-inch wood coasters for example. They’re attractive, with their natural look and practical, as they protect your wood tables. Be sure to let the tree completely dry before cutting (or the wood will split) and varnish the coasters before use.
If you have no need for recycling your living tree for home use, then search for a local recycling program that will recycle your tree. Many cities and villages have recycle/reuse programs and offer curbside pickup. Real trees are biodegradable, so no matter how it is used after the holidays, it is sure to benefit the environment!
