Oh, Christmas tree. How we’ll miss ye.
The Holiday season is drawing to a close. Many families are left with cherished memories of the times spent together they hope will last forever and a tree they’re already itching to get rid of.
No matter which side you took on the live tree vs. reusable tree sustainability debate, there’s no judgement here. But if you choose a live tree, we have some ideas of ways you can dispose of it sustainably.
*If you have a fake tree, the environmentally-conscious suggestion is to use it for at least five years, or as long as you can. Trees made of plastic, and live trees that have been flocked (covered in a white, snow-like spray) will, sadly, end up in the landfill.
Sustainable Christmas Tree Disposal
Make a Natural Cleaning Solution:
Love the smell of your pine Christmas tree? Keep it around by creating a natural cleaning solution from your pine needles and branches.
All you’ll need is a knife, a mason jar, white vinegar, a spray bottle and some patience. You can read all the steps here or watch a short explainer on Instagram.
Defeat the Slug Invasion:
You love the vegetables growing in your garden, but so do slugs. There are plenty of methods for keeping them away, but your Christmas tree provides an all-natural option.
Pine needle mulch makes a natural slug repellent, but it requires hot composting before placing the needles in the garden bed. The hot composting process removes the tannins in the pine needles that can prevent seed germination. Simply place the pine needle mulch around the plants to create a protective barrier that will keep the slugs away from your delicious vegetables.
Chop Next Year’s Yule Log:
Once fully dried, pine wood makes for great firewood. If you have an axe, wood splitter, chainsaw or well-equipped friend you can cut your tree into pieces to fit your fireplace or outdoor fire pit. The needles, branches and twigs even make good kindling and tinder (once dry).
Need to borrow or rent a tool? Check out Matthew 25’s Tool Library.
Create a Natural Garden Trellis:
Climbing plants, such as peas, will cling to anything near them. So why not use something natural?
Cut branches from your tree and trim off the needles and twigs. Then, simply place a branch next to each climbing plant by the time they sprout. The plant will climb up them and help take advantage of the vertical space in your garden.
Compost the Entire Tree:
Trusting all the tinsel, ornaments, lights and other decorations have been removed, your whole (unflocked) Christmas tree can be composted. If you have the means to chop it up and compost it yourself, that’s fantastic!
Cedar Rapids residents can take advantage of free curbside tree removal until January 12, 2025. Simply place the whole tree at curb height three feet from your YARDY and they’ll take it away for you. Just like all the other organic materials in your YARDY, the city will turn it into compost and wood chips free for city residents to take and use in their yards and gardens.