It’s that time again! If you use a real Christmas tree and it’s time to take it down, what will you do with it? Recycle or reuse!

“How can I recycle my Christmas Tree?”

• If you buy a potted tree, you can transplant it after the holiday season to add to your home’s curb appeal. For step-by-step instructions, read How to Plant a Tree.
• You can also place a cut tree in your backyard to provide winter shelter for birds and other wildlife; just make sure it’s carefully secured using a tree stand. To offer a food source, smear peanut butter and seeds in pinecones and tie them to individual branches. This would be a great post-holiday family activity!
• Chop up your Christmas tree to use as firewood next season. To prevent rot, pile it on a raised rack and cover it with a tarp if outdoors.
• Use a chipper to get a supply of mulch you can use around your landscape or add the chips to your compost pile. This would be a great smelling way to cover the ground around your plants!
• Add branches to floral arrangements, including flower pots, wreaths and garlands, or consider using needles for pine-scented potpourri.
• Cut branches and boughs to put on the ground to help control soil erosion, especially with all the rain we have had lately!
• If you don’t have a recycling use for your tree, consider donating it so it can be turned into mulch, compost or fireplace logs, which are often offered free in the community.
• The state of Georgia’s annual Christmas tree recycling program is sponsored by The Home Depot. They’ve recycled over 4.8 million trees and made a difference in local communities by donating mulch to playgrounds, beautification projects and local gardens. To find details about recycling trees in your region, visit earth911.com.