As the holiday season comes to a close, proper disposal of your Christmas tree can significantly benefit the environment. According to Sharon Yiesla, a plant knowledge specialist at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois, disposing of your tree responsibly allows it to be transformed into mulch or compost, which enhances plant health and soil quality.
Many individuals overlook the importance of following local guidelines for tree disposal. “If you’re not going to use your tree in your own yard, make sure you follow local rules so it goes to the wood chipper, not the landfill,” Yiesla emphasized.
Effective Uses for Your Christmas Tree
There are various ways to repurpose a real Christmas tree in your garden, which can contribute positively to the local ecosystem. One practical method is to use the tree’s branches to protect delicate plants. In regions like the Midwest, late-winter warm spells can trick bulbs and perennials into sprouting prematurely. Yiesla advises laying branches from your Christmas tree over these beds to keep the soil cool. Once early spring arrives, around March, you can remove the branches and properly dispose of them through landscape waste programs.
Additionally, if space allows, consider leaving the whole tree in your yard temporarily. This can act as a winter refuge for birds and other wildlife. Come spring, cut the tree into manageable pieces and dispose of it through your municipality’s waste disposal system.
Key Disposal Guidelines to Follow
When disposing of your Christmas tree, there are essential guidelines to keep in mind. Firstly, avoid using the tree for firewood. Burning an evergreen tree in a fireplace or wood stove can result in creosote buildup, posing a risk for chimney fires. To mitigate this risk, it is advisable to remove the tree and dispose of it as soon as it begins to dry out.
Each municipality has specific rules regarding tree disposal, which may change annually. Yiesla recommends checking your local government’s website for the latest guidelines before removing your tree. For instance, in Chicago, trees can only be recycled if taken to one of 27 collection sites in city parks between January 3 and 17, 2024. Trees left out for curbside pickup will end up in a landfill.
Before placing your tree for pickup or taking it to a recycling site, ensure all decorations are removed. Trees that are not completely bare will not be recycled and will instead be sent to a landfill. Notably, flocked trees, which are covered in synthetic materials, cannot be recycled and should be disposed of as regular waste.
Importantly, only actual trees that were once living organisms can be recycled. Wreaths and garlands, which often contain metal wire, should be discarded in the trash as they may damage shredding machinery.
For further guidance on tree and plant care, you can explore the online resources available at The Morton Arboretum’s website or reach out directly via their plant clinic email.
By taking the time to dispose of your Christmas tree responsibly and following these guidelines, you can contribute to environmental sustainability while ensuring that your holiday celebration ends on a positive note.
