The Ultimate Guide to Ditching Real and Fake Christmas Trees

By now, you’re aware that at Gift All Season, the holiday cheer thrives year-round. While your neighbors might side-eye you if your Christmas tree is still up at this time of year, we would never look down on you for that. In fact, we’d praise you and award you a gold star for your dedication to perpetual Christmas spirit. You and Buddy the Elf share quite a lot in common. Regardless of whether you have a tree up or not, there comes a time to dispose of it (even if that happens in summer, we remain nonjudgmental) and there are proper methods for both natural and imitation trees. 

Recycling a Natural Christmas Tree

If your Christmas tree is still up in April, it’s probably not a real tree from a tree lot. By this time of year, a natural tree would be incredibly dry and brittle, posing a potential fire hazard. Prepare your vacuum, for once you finally drag that tree out, the remaining needles will stubbornly cling. For those who procure their tree from a farm or lot at the start of December, here are some suggestions for properly disposing of your tree in January. 

As a company specializing in the most exquisite glass-blown ornaments, our top advice for disposing of your Christmas tree is ensuring no ornaments are left on the branches. Small or camouflaged ornaments can be hard to spot, and once the tree is on the curb, your precious heirloom ornament is gone for good. The same goes for lights. Although easier to see, make sure they’re removed before the tree leaves your home. 

Many home-improvement stores offer Christmas tree bags for effortless removal and cleanup. Simply slide one over your tree, and voila, it is contained with minimal mess, ready to be dealt with outside. If you have the tools and access to yard waste services, cut the branches off the tree and divide the trunk into two or three segments, depending on its height. Place the smaller parts into the yard waste bin for collection and transformation into mulch. If your tree is too large and bushy, split it up, and place the second batch of branches in the bin the following week. 

Frequently, a local Boy Scout troop or another non-profit organization, for a nominal fee, will provide a Christmas tree collection service or a drop-off point. It’s a win-win: your tree is gone, and you helped a worthwhile cause.

Recycling a Synthetic Tree

A synthetic tree eliminates the uncertainties of the Christmas tree experience. We’ve all experienced the dread of discovering a prominent bald spot or a crooked trunk when setting up a live Christmas tree. For a hassle-free Christmas tree, a synthetic tree is ideal. They can last for years while retaining their shape and color, without shedding pesky needles. However, disposing of an artificial tree requires more consideration for environmental impact. Made of PVC, these trees can’t be placed in the recycling bin. If the tree is in decent condition, most second-hand stores will accept them, refurbish them, and sell them again during the winter. Alternatively, you might “plant” it outdoors. Though it won’t truly come to life, it can blend in well behind other plants and shrubs. Note that trees with flocking, whether real or artificial, are not recyclable or compostable. We advise against using flocked trees.

Whether you celebrate Christmas all year or follow tradition, your tree is a centerpiece during the season and must be disposed of responsibly. Remember these tips when it’s time to discard your real or synthetic Christmas tree.