The holidays are completely over, but if the first month of the year is almost over, and you still have your Christmas tree with you, it’s time to decide what you should do with it.
But before that, did you know that some people eat their Christmas trees? Apparently, you can eat Christmas trees, depending on their species. In 2020, a baker, Julia Georgallis wrote a book called, “How to Eat Your Christmas Tree”. It’s about various recipes that you can make from parts of the Christmas Tree. However, experts warn the public about eating their Christmas trees, especially since some trees are poisonous. In addition, even if the species your Christmas tree belongs to isn’t poisonous, the way it has been cultivated isn’t safe for consumption.
So, instead of eating your Christmas tree, it’s best to look for other alternatives to recycle it. But if you still can’t think of any options, here are a few things you should consider.
1. Mulch for Your Garden
One of the most common ways to recycle your Christmas tree is by turning it into mulch. If you have a wood chipper or have enough time to manually do it, this can be the right option for you. Aside from the wood from the branches and trunk, the pine needles can also be a great way to use as mulch to cover the ground, and let them decompose.
2. Erosion Control
Another option is to use old Christmas trees to prevent soil erosion. If you live near the river, you can start a project with your neighbourhood to stabilise the riverbank.
On the other hand, if your tree isn’t dead yet, you can replant it, and use it again next Christmas. That way, you don’t have to buy a new one. However, when the tree grows bigger, you should ask for tree removal services to keep your tree safe.
3. Backyard Wildlife Habitat
If your backyard is often visited by wildlife, you can create various things that can help them survive. These include bird feeders, suet cakes, and shelters. However, you should often observe whether the tree is already decaying, as it means that it’s time to throw it away. But before it happens, you can utilise the old Christmas tree as long as possible.
4. DIY Fish Habitats
Another project you can try if you’re living near bodies of water is to create DIY fish habitats. You can also donate them to pond owners if they often make habitats for riches. However, if you can’t donate it, and you’re planning to create your own, it can also be a great idea. Providing habitats for fish can keep them safe from predators, and other harmful things in their environment.
5. Firewood (Cautiously)
Although you can turn your old Christmas tree into firewood, you should be cautious when burning it indoors since it can burn fast and may cause damage. The best way to do so is to cut them into small pieces and avoid throwing them in the fire all at once.
6. Craft Projects
If you love arts and crafts, there’s no better way to recycle your old Christmas tree than by converting it into various projects, such as coasters, ornaments, picture frames, and artworks. Meanwhile, you can also invite your family and friends for the arts and crafts session, which can be a great idea for a bonding experience.
7. Composting
If you already have a compost bin, you can chop your old Christmas tree into smaller pieces, and add them to your pile. Over time, the needles and wood will break, and you can use them to fertilise the soil for your garden.
8. Community Projects
If you like participating in community projects, you can bring your old Christmas tree, and create something that will help the neighbourhood. It’s better if your local community regularly hosts a Christmas tree recycling programme.
However, other projects will also suffice, such as woodchips for playgrounds, barriers, and fertilisers for public gardens.
9. Homemade Potpourri
If you love the smell of the Christmas season, turn your Christmas tree into potpourri. Gather all the fresh needles, put them in a decorative bowl, and mix them with some orange peels, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
Meanwhile, if you’ve made a lot, you can store them in small plastic bags, and use them later. You can also give them to your neighbours so that they can adapt the idea using their Christmas trees.
10. Nature Walks
In some areas, especially the forest, the local government allow the residents to throw their old Christmas trees in the woods to decompose naturally. Before they do, the trees can also serve as natural habitat for wildlife.
Final Thoughts
So instead of eating your Christmas tree, you can find safer and more fun options. Don’t hesitate to consider doing the suggested list in this article, and let us know the results by commenting below!
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