how do i get rid of a real christmas tree

Dispose of Your Christmas Tree

• Tree Removal. Don’t wait for your tree to dry out before removing it. ...
• Tree Clean Up. Dry trees begin to drop their needles, creating a larger mess for you to clean up. ...
• Recycle Your Christmas Tree. Many communities offer curbside pickup of Christmas trees after the season is over. ...
• Get Creative With Your Christmas Tree. ...

Full Answer

How do you get rid of a dead Christmas tree?

First, remove the tree stand, tree skirt, all ornaments and lights before throwing out your live Christmas tree. Have a bucket or other large container nearby to dump water that may have collected in the tree stand. Next, use a large, plastic tree bag to cover the tree before removing it from the inside of your home.

How do you wrap a Christmas tree without damaging it?

Next, use a large, plastic tree bag to cover the tree before removing it from the inside of your home. You can also use an old blanket or sheet to wrap around the tree.

How do I dispose of an artificial Christmas tree?

Many cities have recycling programs for artificial Christmas trees. Unlike real Christmas trees that are often picked up by the yard waste trucks, artificial trees usually require a scheduled pickup or for you to drop them off at the recycling faciltiy. Call your local recycling center to see if they have a Christmas tree recycling program!

What to do if your Christmas tree falls on your floor?

Sweep up scattered pine needles with a broom instead of vacuuming. Needles can clog and damage vacuum cleaners. Check for water damage to your flooring after removing the tree. Overwatering during the holidays may have caused water to spill over or collect at the base of the tree stand.

What do you do with your real Christmas tree after Christmas?

Here are a few things you can do to recycle, repurpose or dispose of your lovely tree.Mulch or compost. Luckily, your tree is biodegradable, so it can easily be returned to nature. ... Dream up some lovely landscaping ideas. ... Use it as outdoor fire fuel. ... Enjoy it as a tree. ... Freshen your home. ... Help your community.

How do you get rid of a large Christmas tree?

Dispose Responsibly Before putting your tree out with the trash, research local recycling options first. In most residential areas, your curbside recycling program will pick up your tree, but only for a week or two after Christmas. (If you need help disposing after this, you may need to call for pick-up services).

Can you keep a real Christmas tree up all year?

If you change the ornaments on your Christmas tree each month, you can keep it up and enjoy it all year long – just ask me, I did it!

Is it safe to burn Christmas tree outside?

While promptly burning your tree (midwinter) in an outside bonfire could be OK if local laws and practical safety allow, indoor burning isn't a good idea because of this safety concern. DON'T: Set the tree out in your backyard – whether intended for birds, as a windbreak, or to compost later.

Where can I get rid of my Christmas tree near me?

Tree drop-off events are often organized in cities where trees can't be picked up curbside. Check city and county listing for events. The Home Depot stores in some locations also hold tree collection events. Call your local store to ask if one is scheduled.

How do you use a Christmas tree disposal bag?

Simply place the tree trunk through a hole in the center of the bag, lift the bag up around your tree and attach the stand. Than let the bag fall and drape as a tree skirt. When ready to dispose, simply pull the bag back up and twist tie for easy carry-out!

Is it bad luck to take Christmas tree down before New Years?

Dec. 31: Take your tree down on New Year's Eve before the bells toll at midnight. Otherwise, it's said you'll be dragging all your baggage and bad luck from last year into the new year… if you're superstitious about these things, that is.

When should Christmas tree come down?

6th JanuaryEpiphany is the official end of the festive season on 6th January each year. It's an ancient Christian feast day celebrating the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, and the arrival of the Three Wise Men.

How long will a real Christmas tree last?

four to five weeksA healthy, fresh-cut Christmas tree will last for four to five weeks if properly cared for. If you're itching to put up your holiday decorations earlier, start with non-living decorations whenever you like, and finish off with fresh greenery and your Christmas tree around the first of December.

Can I burn Christmas tree in stove?

Oak, ash and birch are all great for stoves and open fires – again, once they have been seasoned.

What does burning a Christmas tree mean?

Tradition has it that family kept their yule log burning until this night, the 12th day after Christmas, marking the end of the Christmas season. The burning of the Christmas trees symbolizes the end of the holiday season.

Can I leave my Christmas tree in the woods?

If you don't have access to an urban recycling program, fear not. Trees are, by definition, biodegradable, and animals love conifers whether they're alive or dead. Drop your tree off in a forest and return it whence it came. Stick it in your backyard for birds to enjoy.

How do you remove a Christmas tree without making a mess?

First, lay a drop cloth or old bed sheet on the floor next to the tree. Remove the tree from the stand. Wrap the trunk in a towel to soak up excess water. Place the tree on its side on the sheet and wrap the whole tree in the cloth, making sure the branches are enclosed.

How do you dispose of a Christmas tree in Chicago?

8th - 22nd, 2022. Chicago's Tree Recycling Program runs from January 8th through the 22nd at 26 parks across the City. Trees can be dropped off anytime during normal business hours. Only live/natural trees without flocking are accepted (no garland or wreaths).

How do you disassemble a national Christmas tree?

0:261:49Breaking down your pre-lit Christmas tree - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe branch tips to avoid crushing. Tips when folding branches separate tree sections and fold hingeMoreThe branch tips to avoid crushing. Tips when folding branches separate tree sections and fold hinge branches up and avoid crushing the lights tie.

How do you move a decorated Christmas tree?

The best option for transporting your tree is to attach it to a roof rack. If you do not have a roof rack, make sure you firmly attach the tree to your vehicle. Open the entire car door (not just the window) to fasten the tree around the roof. Wrap the base, middle, and top of the tree to make sure it is secure.

Where to haul Christmas tree?

Don’t have the luxury of waiting for curbside pickup? Your next best bet is to haul your tree to the nearest recycling center equipped to deal with so-called “green waste” like Christmas trees.

How long after Christmas can you get a Christmas tree?

These authorities frequently accept entire Christmas trees for a few weeks after Christmas has concluded.

What nonprofit organizations carry out Christmas tree collections?

Certain nonprofit organizations, such as scout troops and ecology clubs, carry out Christmas tree collections in exchange for modest donations as a form of fundraising.

How many fires do Christmas trees cause?

According to the National Fire Protection Association, Christmas trees are responsible for an average of 160 house fires every year in the U.S.

What is the best tree for a home?

The traditional evergreen fir, with its rich greenery, delightful fragrance, and dazzling decorations, can lend much-needed warmth and light to any home, even during the coldest, darkest months.

How to ditch old Tannenbaum?

If you live in a city that provides brush collection services, the easiest way to ditch your tired old Tannenbaum is to simply set it out in front of your house.

Can you pay a nonprofit to remove a tree?

If you have a few extra dollars to spare but not a lot of time, paying a nonprofit to remove your tree is a conscientious alternative to doing it yourself.

What can I do with a Christmas tree?

Finally, you can put parts of your Christmas tree to good use. You can cut discs from the tree to make a centerpiece for your dining room table or coasters for the living room. You can make potpourri with the needles (if they're not too dry). Or have the tree chunked and use it as mulch around your yard.

What to do if your municipality doesn't have a tree pickup service?

If your municipality doesn't offer a tree pickup service, consider calling a local Boy Scout troop. Some troops collect Christmas trees, often for a small donation.

Can you put a Christmas tree in a lake?

No , seriously. If you have a pond on your property, toss the tree in the pond. This will create a haven for fish that acts as a shelter and a breeding and feeding area. Many fishermen will "bait" an area in a lake with Christmas trees.

How to keep a tree from rotting outside?

Keep the tree covered in a cool and dry place for 1-3 days to help it adjust to outdoor conditions. Remove any burlap coverings from the root system. Dig a small hole in the earth at least twice as wide as the root system of the tree. Place the tree into the hole, then fill with soil and tamp down softly and water.

How long does a Christmas tree last?

If your tree was freshly cut when you bought it, it can last four to five weeks before rotting, giving you ample time to find a next step for your Christmas tree.

What is the best compost pile for Christmas trees?

The evergreen boughs from your Christmas tree are an ideal base layer for compost piles. Branches allow airflow at the bottom of the pile as they decompose slowly over time, providing the oxygen and heat necessary for the upper layers of the pile to decompose. Give branches a trim as needed to fit in your pile or bin before stacking them a few inches high. Once this layer is in place, add kitchen scraps and compostable items as usual.

What is tree recycling?

Treecycling is a process that grinds old, unwanted live trees into other useful materials, mainly mulch. This can be done by specialty yard waste recyclers, but some municipal service departments offer this option as well. The City of Raleigh, for example, not only picks up Christmas trees at the curb, but also mulches them for use in local parks.

Why are Christmas trees donated?

Real Christmas trees can be donated to wildlife preserves or wetland restoration efforts after the holidays are over. Placing old trees in a lake helps form new fish habitats and curbs erosion of lakeshores and riverbanks.

Can artificial Christmas trees be thrown in the trash?

If your artificial tree is past its prime, it may be time to let it go as well. As you begin post-holiday cleanup, remember that live trees usually can’t be thrown into general trash bins and Christmas tree trash pickup services vary widely depending on where you live. Use our list of disposal options and recycling tips, ...

Can you compost a real Christmas tree?

Although real and artificial Christmas trees may serve similar decorative purposes, the processes to get rid of them are very different. Since live trees are biodegradable, they can be safely composted, mulched, or disposed of with other yard waste. On the other hand, artificial trees are commonly made with plastic that does not break down in ...

What to do with a cut tree in the yard?

If you bought a cut tree, consider securing the tree in a spot in the yard to serve as a temporary shelter for animals as it breaks down over the winter.

What to do with Christmas tree needles?

Christmas trees can be upcycled into simple crafts and gifts. If needles are still green, strip them and store them in paper bags to use as natural air fresheners.

How to catch pine needles in a tree?

Place the base of the tree in a trash bag to catch stray pine needles.

How to make a natural garden stake?

To make natural garden stakes and barriers, simply strip the needles, branches, and bark from the tree trunk.

How long do artificial trees last?

Most artificial trees can’t be recycled, so they end up in the landfill. If you have an artificial tree, use it for at least five years to help reduce its carbon footprint.

Can you sink a tree?

Additionally, Keep America Fishing recommends checking with your local wildlife authority for fishing spots where you’re permitted to sink the tree. Sunken trees can create natural underwater habitats and serve as new food sources for fish and other animals.

Is an artificial Christmas tree more eco-friendly than a live tree?

Not necessarily. Americans purchase 10 million artificial trees each year, 90 percent of which are shipped from China, adding to global carbon emissions.

How to disassemble a tree?

Use scissors or clippers that are strong enough to cut through the metal branches to disassemble the tree. If the limbs have wire in them, you can use that to make positionable crafts.

What is the most important thing when donating a fake Christmas tree?

The most important thing when donating a fake Christmas tree is that it be in good shape and work perfectly. Donation centers don’t want to be bogged down with damaged goods and charity groups don’t want to display something that looks second rate.

What to know before recycling a tree?

Before taking your tree to be recycled, be sure that all of the ornaments, tinsel, and loose items have been removed.

Is fake Christmas tree easy?

I am partial to fake Christmas trees. They are so easy (pre-lit is my love language) and have the perfect shape and look.

Can you recycle a Christmas tree?

Call your local recycling center to see if they have a Christmas tree recycling program! Since they are made from PVC, they can’t just be thrown in with the other recycling and require a special program.

Can artificial trees be put in a dumpster?

Artificial trees can be placed in dumpsters. If you live in an apartment building that has a dumpster, you can stick it in there. If you know a business with a dumpster, ask permission before adding your tree.

Can you put a tree in the trash?

You can also disassemble your tree and put it in your trash can. You might have to do one piece a week if it won’t all fit with your regular trash.

How to get a Christmas tree picked up?

1. City Tree Pickup/Drop off. Most cities offer some sort of Christmas tree curbside pick up or drop off. These services will take the trees, grind them into mulch, and use the mulch in city parks and flower beds. Contact your local parks and rec department for what is available in your area. 2.

What does it mean to donate a tree to a thrift store?

Donating the tree to a thrift store gives someone else the opportunity to adopt that tree as their own. I typically donate to the DAV since the majority of the profits go to disabled veterans and their families.

Why do we need trees for fish?

Since many lakes and ponds are man made, these bodies of water lack essential habitat for smaller fish and invertebrates. This provides great food sources for bigger animals and gives that Christmas tree a wonderful second life.

Do holidays have to be wasteful?

The holidays don’t have to be wasteful if we refuse to allow what society has taught us about getting rid of things we no longer need or want. I find it incredibly amazing that by opting to recycle our trees provides an act of kindness to so many others in need during the holiday season. It definitely gives me the warm and fuzzies!

Can schools use fake trees?

Many schools will graciously accept artificial trees for classroom decorating as well as theater productions. When I was in school, we’d use fake trees in many of our school plays. The donations helped our budget tremendously allowing us to utilize our funds more efficiently.

Do nursing homes have artificial trees?

Most nursing homes and assisted living facilities love getting artificial trees. They use them as decorations in lobbies and also give them to the residents so that they can make their rooms festive.

Do zoos take trees?

If you live near a zoo, call to see if they will take trees for the animals. I contacted the Kansas City zoo and they do. The trees provide hours of fun for the animals.