Here's how you can recycle your Christmas tree
Are you wondering how to recycle your Christmas tree? Whether you have an artificial Christmas tree or one you purchased from a Christmas tree farm, there are plenty of ways you can discard it properly in a way that is kind to the planet.
According to British Christmas Tree Growers Association, between six and eight million real Christmas trees are sold in the UK every year, so it's important to make sure yours is recycled or reused safely.
Here are some handy Christmas tree recycling tips and ideas, for all types of Christmas tree...
For trees with roots intact
If you purchased a Christmas tree with roots still attached, it is possible to replant it. Whether in your garden or in a pot, the tree can prosper. Simply pop it outside and watch it grow in time for next Christmas.
If your tree came in a pot from the supplier, replant it in a larger pot with fresh compost and leave in your garden to enjoy all year round. Not only is this great for the environment, but next Christmas, your tree will be ready to bring inside and decorate all over again.
"Millions of families around the UK celebrated Christmas with a beautiful Fir or Spruce tree in their home, but when the decorations are taken down, it’s important that we dispose of trees sustainably," says former Environment Minister, Rebecca Pow.
"If you have a tree with its roots still attached, then replanting your Christmas tree is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and help our efforts to plant more trees."
For trees with roots removed
If you bought a felled tree this year, you'll need to make sure it goes into your local council's Christmas tree recycling scheme (you can check this on their website). It normally involves local drop-off points or collections. These trees are usually chipped and used as compost.
If your council does not offer Christmas tree recycling in January, the best option is to take it to the garden waste section of the tip. Unfortunately, as Christmas trees are usually a non-native species, the Woodland Trust does not accept them as donations.
So there's no need to add festive waste to the landfill, which is bad for the environment and actually against council policy. Let's make our January greener.
You can find your local recycling centre by adding your postcode here.
Artificial trees
Real Christmas trees are always the best and greenest option, as opposed to artificial trees. According to Recycle Now, fake trees are made from a combination of materials and therefore cannot be recycled. If you do opt for artificial trees, however, make sure you buy one which can be reused every year. This will help to minimise waste and make your home more eco-friendly.
If you decide that you no longer want your artificial tree, consider donating them to a charity shop. Unwanted trees in good condition may be accepted by local charity stores, so check before dropping them off.
More ways to reuse a real Christmas tree
If you had a real Christmas tree this year, here are more ideas and creative ways to use parts of it around your house and garden...
Mulch the needles
If you want to put your real Christmas tree's needles to good use, why not turn them into mulch for the garden? Simply remove your branches and shake off the dead needles outside. They will decompose slowly and won't collect mould.
Reuse the branches to help insects
Place the branches of your Christmas tree over spring bulbs and early flowers as ground insulation to help them grow. Simply cut them off and layer over flowers. These spring flowers will provide nectar at a critical time for insects.
Create a wildlife sanctuary
Try using your Christmas tree's branches to make part of a bug hotel, placing them in stacks. Or for a simpler alternative, just find a quiet corner of your garden and make a small pile of branches. This will make a great habitat for bugs and insects, and could even become a hedgehog house.
Turn it into compost
Christmas trees make fantastic woodchip compost. Many councils offer a shredding service. But if you don't have access to a shredder, you can also chop the tree up with secateurs – sawing the trunk into short sections will help. Not only does this greatly speed up their decomposition, but it makes a brilliant addition to your compost heap.
Line a muddy path
If you have a muddy footpath or walkway near your house, scatter Christmas tree branches over it to make it easier to walk over in wet winter months.
Create a dead hedge
The RHS suggest using your old Christmas tree to make a dead hedge. They say: "If you fancy a 'dead hedge', composed of packed prunings held in place with stout posts, Christmas trees will make a good filler. Neighbours are likely to be keen to contribute their spent trees. This is another wildlife-friendly option."
Make Christmas tree trunk coasters
Feeling creative? A great way to prolong the life of your tree's trunk is to turn it into coasters for hot drinks. Use a saw to cut your Christmas tree trunks into small circles before sanding them down and covering with a stain. Top tip: make sure you seal the coasters before using them to prevent the sap from leaking.
Turn your Christmas tree into a multi-perch bird feeder
Why not turn the tree trunk of your Christmas tree into a multi-perch bird feeder for your feathered friends?
To do this, cut the branches back from the trunk and hang treats such as fat balls or bird feeders from the stems. You can hang peanut garlands, juicy berries of bird food-covered pine cones to make a stunning garden centrepiece.
"You can also add some food around the tree base as when the ground is frozen, songbirds can't dig up worms," Sean McMenemy, garden wildlife expert and director of Ark Wildlife, says. "Energy-rich bird food is designed for winter survival, so sprinkling some around the tree will give birds a huge boost."
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