No matter if you celebrate the season with a natural or synthetic Christmas tree, eventually it will need to be taken down. Although there’s no designated date for tree removal, there are recommended approaches and techniques for disposing of it.

Approximately 10 million artificial Christmas trees find their way to landfills annually. Nowadays, numerous solutions exist for discarding both real and fake trees. Let’s dive into various methods for parting ways with your Christmas tree when the time comes to say “hasta la vista!”

Ways to Dispose of Your Christmas Tree

Recycle

Regardless of whether you reside in a quaint town or a bustling metropolis, opportunities for recycling your real Christmas tree are usually available. Common options include: curbside collection, tree drop-off points, or yard waste disposal (chop up the tree and deposit it in the dumpster for collection day). Check with your local recycling center to see what programs are offered in your area.

Initially, you’ll need to remove all holiday decorations and Christmas ornaments, ensuring there are no strands of tinsel left behind. For a less messy disposal process, consider utilizing a Christmas tree disposal bag.

Large cities like New York City encourage residents to bid “fir-well” to their live trees by bringing them to the Department of Sanitation between January 2nd and 12th. Here, the trees will be composted, and the chips used for the City’s parks, gardens, and public spaces.

NYC even hosts an annual “Mulchfest,” where visitors can see their trees turned into mulch up close, illustrating the positive environmental impact of tree recycling. For eco-friendliness, they request that trees are not placed in plastic bags.

Many Home Depot locations offer free drop-off for real trees and will hire services to chip the trees into mulch. Additionally, you can rent or buy a wood chipper from them to mulch the tree yourself.

Warning: Never burn a real tree. Real Christmas trees contain high creosote levels, which may cause chimney or flue fires, and the dry needles can ignite and spread rapidly, making it unsafe to burn the tree outdoors as well.

Donate

Unfortunately, options for disposing of artificial Christmas trees are limited. They typically cannot be recycled and often end up in landfills. For a more eco-friendly solution, check if a local church, business, or organization like the Salvation Army can make use of your artificial tree. If your pre-lit tree is beyond saving but the lights work, consider recycling them through a holiday lights recycling program.

Sometimes, Boy Scout troops will collect real trees from homes for a fee or donation and convert the wood to mulch. This not only supports a local troop but also saves you the trouble of transporting the tree yourself. It’s a win-win!

Support Wildlife

Consult with your local conservation department to explore options for using your Christmas tree to support wildlife. Some communities utilize live trees as barriers to prevent sand and soil erosion along lakes and rivers.

Depending on your location and the type of tree, you might be able to repurpose it in nature, such as sinking it into a lake for fish habitats, placing it in your yard for deer, or creating a sanctuary for birds.

Shredded trees can also be used on hiking trails, offering a sustainable path material that benefits both the environment and hikers. Check if your community needs a renewable resource for trail maintenance!

Planning Ahead

If tree disposal isn’t something you want to bother with, consider an eco-friendly alternative! Buy a rooted Christmas tree that you can reuse year after year.

Essentially, have the root containerized (or purchase a ball-and-burlapped one), display it indoors for the holidays, then replant it in your yard. Try to buy the tree close to Christmas and keep it inside for a short duration. In regions where the ground freezes, preparing the replanting hole while the soil is soft is recommended.

Though this might not be the simplest option, it is highly cost-effective and environmentally friendly. If this route interests your family, be sure to research the care process for a rooted tree before, during, and after the festive season!

If you’re ready to store the tree but want to keep the holiday spirit alive, consider showcasing your favorite Christmas ornaments all year!

Whatever disposal method you choose this year, we hope your tree brought lasting memories for you and your loved ones during the holidays, and that the coming year brings even more wonderful moments and traditions with family and friends.

Happy New Year from Gift All Season!