what are five useful things you might do with a used dry christmas tree

Here are 16 uses for a dead Christmas tree:

• Firewood. As we 've mentioned before on uses for dead trees in general, old trees can make great firewood.
• Fish habitat.
• Mulch.
• Make wood chips.
• City recycling.
• Pathways.
• Bird feeder.
• Dune restoration.

Full Answer

What can I do with my Christmas tree?

What are five useful things you might do with a used dry Christmas tree? Here are 16 uses for a dead Christmas tree: Firewood. As we 've mentioned before on uses for dead trees in general, old trees can make great firewood. Fish habitat. Mulch. Make wood chips. City recycling. Pathways. Bird feeder. Dune restoration. Click to see full answer.

How do I Keep my Christmas tree from drying out?

 · Use the leftover greenery (branches) for winter wreaths, window boxes, and urns. A whole tree provides shelter for birds and animals in the garden or over a small pond (fish need hiding spots from predators). Use the wood for DIY garden trellises, arbors, obelisks, privacy screens, and plant supports.

Can I Recycle my Christmas tree?

 · Your Christmas tree can also provide shelter for wildlife. Instead of standing it upright, remove the stand and lay it on its side. It will provide shelter as well as protection from predators for smaller animals like rabbits that are active in the winter. 8. Create Shelter for Fish

How do you decorate a Christmas tree with boughs?

 · 5. Ash your Garden . After you’ve burned the wood from your tree, gather the ashes and spread them on your garden. Wood ash contains potassium and lime (among other nutrients), which help plants thrive, or mix the ashes into a compost. The ashes are also useful in …

What do you do with a dry Christmas tree?

Reviving a Christmas tree is as simple as giving it more water. The more water you give to the tree, the longer it will last, just like cut flowers. It is important to ensure that the tree has enough water and is protected from extreme heat to prevent the needles from drying out.

What do you do with old Christmas tree trunks?

10 Things to Do With an Old Christmas TreeMulch With Pine Needles. ... Create a Bird Sanctuary with the Boughs. ... Insulate Perennials the Boughs. ... Edge Your Borders with the Trunk. ... Shelter Fish with Branches. ... Set a Stage for Containers with the Trunk. ... Make Coasters and Trivets with Trunk. ... Chip It and Use it to Add Nutrients to Soil.More items...

How do you make a wreath out of an old Christmas tree?

0:041:51how to UPCYCLE an old christmas tree - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt is spectacular and to spice it up I put some artificial flowers in here's an idea garland prettyMoreIt is spectacular and to spice it up I put some artificial flowers in here's an idea garland pretty straightforward you can add some real pinecones. And it looks a lot better here.

Can old Christmas trees grow?

Yes, a cut off tree can be replanted and it can grow again. For a successful transplant, it is ideal that you've kept the tree inside for no more than 10 days, away from heat sources such as fireplaces or radiators and you've provided enough moisture to the earth ball.

What to do with Xmas trees after the holidays?

After the holiday season, there are a lot of xmas trees being tossed out! And that’s a lot of useful wood, either for basic gardening ( mulch, edging, plant supports) or countless craft and decor projects.

What do you need to make use of an old tree?

To make use of an old tree, you’ll need a saw (hand or powered) and space to make a mess while you lop off the branches and s lice up the trunk.

What is the best way to remove twigs?

Pruners work nicely for removing all the fine twigs.

What to do with leftover greenery?

Use the leftover greenery (branches) for winter wreaths, window boxes, and urns.

When to use a tree for bird feeding?

I like to first use the tree as a bird feeding station in winter, and cut it into craft pieces when it has time to dry out in the summer.

Can you cut a Christmas tree with sap?

Keep in mind that your tree was recently alive with sap inside. When you cut up a Christmas tree for crafting, it can get sticky. The sap releases and it can gum up your saw (or clothes).

Can you stash wood for later use?

There are numerous things to make. And you don’t have to do it right away: it’s fine to simply stash the tree or wood for later use.

What to do with old trees in winter?

Your old tree is a fantastic way to provide much needed food for birds during the winter months. Secure it in a heavy pot that won’t blow over and decorate the branches with suitable food ‘decorations’ (the kids will love helping with this) – for example:

How many Christmas trees are there in the UK?

In the UK, around 8 million real Christmas trees are purchased every year – but after the Christmas season, many are simply discarded on the streets and eventually find their way to landfill. The Local Government Association estimates that disposal costs the taxpayer £100 per 40 trees with each 2-metre tree generating around 16kg ...

How to get rid of a tree stump?

You might want to use some cinnamon sticks, cloves and raw cranberries, too. Put your tree stump in a shallow heat-proof bowl and add water up to the halfway point. Scatter the other bits and pieces – cloves, cranberries, cinnamon sticks and the pine needles/branches – in the water. Position in a warm place (such as on top of a radiator cover) ...

How to hang up old fruit?

You can halve and hang up old fruit by attaching string – even if it is bruised or partly rotten. Apples, pears and other fruit will be appreciated by the birds.

How to make a hanging basket out of oranges?

Halve an orange and scoop out the flesh. Attach three or four strings through little holes in the side of the orange to create a hanging basket shape. Fill it with bird seed.

How to protect plants from frost?

One way to do this is to create a frame from the branches and cover it with frost protection fabric. Branches can be bent into an arch which you then cover in the fabric to protect delicate plants, or twisted together to form a wigwam shape over larger plants. Make sure you secure the fabric so that it doesn’t blow away during a windy spell.

Can you use pine needles to mulch?

You can use the unwanted pine needles in compost or sprinkle them on a muddy path to provide grip.

What is the purpose of a Christmas tree that has been discarded?

Discarded Christmas trees are used with fencing to restore sand dunes at the shore.

What to do after burning a Christmas tree?

After you’ve burned your Christmas tree, don’t throw away those ashes. Spread them in your garden. Wood ash contains lime and potassium, nutrients plants need to grow and thrive. Or you can add the ashes to your composter to give your compost a nutrient boost.

Why do you put a Christmas tree on its side?

Your Christmas tree can also provide shelter for wildlife. Instead of standing it upright, remove the stand and lay it on its side. It will provide shelter as well as protection from predators for smaller animals like rabbits that are active in the winter.

Can you burn pine trees in a fire pit?

Pine trees contain a lot of creosote that can build up in your chimney resulting in chimney fires. Burn the trunks in your outdoor fire pit instead.

Can you mulch a pine tree?

Rather than "donating" your tree to your town, keep it and make your own mulch by cutting the branches up into small pieces. Pine tree mulch is especially valuable for its acidity. It can be used around your acid-loving plants like rhododendrons, azaleas, and blueberries.

Can you pick up a Christmas tree at the curb?

Eco-conscious consumers typically choose natural, non-artificial Christmas trees. Most towns provide curbside pickup of those discarded trees after the holidays. They grind them up to use as mulch in their public spaces. This year, before you drag your tree to the curb, consider these options instead.

Can you donate a Christmas tree to a zoo?

Contact your local zoo or wildlife organization and see if you can donate your Christmas tree for use as food or enrichment for the animals living there. Their cats may be larger than ours, but they still love to scratch.

What to do after burning a tree?

After you’ve burned the wood from your tree, gather the ashes and spread them on your garden. Wood ash contains potassium and lime (among other nutrients), which help plants thrive, or mix the ashes into a compost. The ashes are also useful in keeping insects away. Don’t confuse wood ash with coal ash, coal ash does not offer the same benefits.

How to keep a tree from being green?

If the needles on your tree are still green, strip the tree and store the needles in paper bags or sachets to use as fresheners. The needles will retain their scent and freshen your home year-round.

Do you have to be a craftsman to cut a tree trunk?

You don’t have to be a craftsman to cut the trunk into one-inch wood coasters. They’re attractive, practical and protect your wood tables from water damage. Be sure to let the tree completely dry before cutting (or the wood will split) and varnish the coasters before use.

How to protect plants from freezing in winter?

Cut off the branches of your tree and lay them on your garden bed, the boughs will protect your plants from winter freezes and spring thaws. By laying them on your garden you’re giving your plants a steady temperature to brave through the cold months. The limbs also work well as a garden edge.

Can evergreens be used for firewood?

Because most evergreens are heavy sap trees, they work best for firewood when used outdoors. The sap is flammable and creosote build-up can pose as a threat when used indoors. Evergreens tend to burn hot and fast, making them ideal for bonfires.

What happens when a tree is submerged in water?

When trees are submerged in water they become a thriving reserve for fish to congregate in. The weight of the tree acts as an anchor, and as time passes algae starts to form on the tree, feeding fish while protecting them from predators. Check with local officials and see if you can drop your tree in a nearby lake or pond.

Do trees need to be living for wildlife?

The tree doesn’t have to be living for wildlife to take over. Hang bird feeders to attract birds and watch your tree evolve into a bird sanctuary. Other critters will soon follow as they nest in the branches of the tree.

How to make your holiday desserts healthier?

Make Your Holiday Desserts Healthier By Replacing Sugar With Raw Cacao

What are some good mulches for plants?

Trees, dead or alive, are good for gardens. Pine needles make fantastic mulch for plant beds, so those can be collected and spread around. Limbs and trunks can be sliced up and thrown into rougher garden areas to rot down over the coming year, which means they are naturally feeding the soil as opposed to becoming contaminated in landfills. If the neighbors are interested in splitting the cost, a rented wood chipper could make a lot of mulch out of the whole neighborhood’s trees, or there are often tree-cycling set-ups near recycling centers.

Can pine trees be used in a fire pit?

Pine isn’t a particularly good firewood as it creates creosote build-up, but it can be used safely in an outdoor fire pit, where that isn’t an issue. For those who have an outdoor fire pit, old Christmas trees go up quickly, so they could be used over time for kindling or for a quick burning fire. Either way, they are fairly easy to chop up and stack for firewood.

Can you mulch an old tree?

Mulch isn’t the only garden option for old trees. Another option is to slice the trunks into discs and make garden borders. If the Christmas tree is still fairly healthy, the branches can be cut and used to shelter perennial plants from snow and frost. Finally, branches can be used as plant stakes — for tomatoes, green beans, etc. — in the coming year.

Do Christmas trees produce more trash?

While real Christmas trees produce more trash annually, they are also easier, more productive, and possibly more ecologically-friendly to deal with. Chemical-free organic matter should never really be a huge problem, so it is worth having that in mind when buying a tree: Forget the frost and let it go au naturel.

Is it possible to have a Christmas without a Christmas tree?

To put it frankly, it is hard to imagine Christmas without a Christmas tree. That’s where much of the trimming goes. Under it is where the presents go. And, for a month or more each year, the tree becomes a focal point in the house, either occupying a prominent window or taking over as the centerpiece of the living room. It goes without saying that a Christmas without the tree would feel pretty odd, but we also have to face facts: Something has to be done with all of these trees after the holiday is over.

Can pine be used for woodworking?

Again, pine isn’t a particularly wonderful wood for woodworking projects, but if the resource is there to use (or it will become garbage), we should make the most of it. Sliced trunks can be sanded and sealed to create coasters or trivets for putting hot pots or dishes on. Just remember that they will exude sap, so they need to be sealed before putting dishes or cups on them. These would work especially well for picnic table settings. The same discs could be used as stepping “stones” through the yard or garden.

Why is it important to keep the air moist?

If you’re heating your home and not using a humidifier, valuable moisture is already lost. The tree will dry up from the outside in. Dry air is an enemy of cut pines and other foliage. Invest in a good humidifier that will run as needed. Just as moisture in the air keeps skin and hair soft and supple and fabric static-free, it will also extend the life of your Christmas tree.

Can you put a pine tree in front of a window?

You might be tempted to place your holiday pine in front of a window. That’s fine if it’s shaded or facing north, but nothing will dry it out faster than direct sunshine and heated glass. Although you might want passersby to see your lovely tree, it’s not a good idea. If the window is a source of bright sunlight, move it across the room. It will still be visible to passersby, but it won’t bake in the sun.