Christmas is over. Time to Repurpose the Christmas tree.
Here at Reclaimed By You we are crafting with a conscience. We make “creating artful decor” easy for people of all skill levels while supporting the non-profits, the environment, the community, and small businesses.
Focusing on reclaimed materials is one of the ways we do this. And utilizing a “real” Christmas Tree is one way you can be eco-friendly during the holidays. Choosing a tree farm or a tree lot that is close to you is a great first step to being eco-aware. This helps lessen emissions and the amount of CO2 pumped into the atmosphere.
Once you have your fresh Christmas Tree and have enjoyed the holiday with the fresh scents of pine in the air, there are even more steps that you can take to expand your earth-friendly ways?
10 Eco-Friendly Ways to Repurpose your “Real” Christmas Tree after the holidays!
1. The most obvious! Chop the wood, allow it to season and use for firewood.
2. Use a chipper to make wood chips, getting ready for spring landscaping projects. You can even throw a “Chipper Party” inviting your friends and family over to utilize it. There are also many local governments that offer tree recycling so be sure to check with your local community.
3. Using your tree for mulch is another great way to “give back” to the earth. Break off the needles, cut the branches into small, 1″ to 2″ pieces, and use as mulch.
Or you can use entire limbs to cover your garden beds, which reduces frost by insulating sensitive plants, like roses.
4. An old pine or spruce tree provides a natural habitat for fish. So if you have a lake or pond on your property that contains fish, think about adding your tree to it. The tree provides a decomposing habitat and will attract algae for consumption. If you don’t own a lake or pond, but have them in your area, many game and fishery departments will accept them. Don’t forget to remove all ornaments, hooks, and decorations before dropping it off or putting it into the water.
5. Find a tree service that sells “rooted” trees so you can replant when the season is over. While there are care tips that are more intensive for this type of Christmas tree, it is truly the most eco-friendly. Make sure to do your research if this is something you’re interested in.
6. Turn your tree into a wildlife sanctuary after the holidays. Simply move your tree (stand and all) outside and “decorate” it with outdoor goodies for the birds, squirrels, and chipmunks. They’ll appreciate sprays of birdseed, strings of popcorn or cranberries, and chunks of suet. Make sure to check with your local rules and regulations if you are within city limits.
7. Repurpose your fresh winter garland by using it as part of a fragrant potpourri. You can add the pine needles, pine cones, and sprigs of greenery and freshen them up with essential oils when they start to lose their scent. It’s great all winter long or to hold various natural scents all year long!
8. Use the long tree branches, as well as the trunk, to make support stakes for young plants that need protection from the harsh winter weather.
9. Prepare and cut the wood for DIY crafts. Wood slices are multi-functional and hold the key to awesome projects suitable for indoors and outdoors.
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10. Even if you don’t want to do any of this recycling yourself, there are numerous programs and organizations that will do it for you. Do a quick search in your area for “Christmas Tree Recycling” and let someone take over the responsibility while remaining eco-responsible.
Looking to gain some inspiration and tutorials for all of those DIY projects? Head on over to our Pinterest board and get lost for a while.