Already worrying about what to do with your tree after Christmas? Don’t fret! Want to make sure that you can make the holiday season as green as possible? Well, you’re in the right place! Here’s a helpful guide all about what to do with your tree after you celebrate.  

What do to with a plastic tree

Buying a real tree is better for the environment than buying an artificial Christmas tree. But if your tree is made of plastic don’t fret! You can still minimize your impact on the environment this holiday season. 

If you own a plastic Christmas tree, make sure you keep it in good condition so you can reuse it for multiple years. It takes at least 10 years of reusing an artificial tree for it to have the same carbon impact as using a real tree each year. 

What do to with a real tree

With a real tree, you have a few more options for sustainably disposing of or repurposing the tree after the holiday season. 

Recycle your tree

Check to see if your community offers a Christmas tree drop-off/pick-up service to ensure your tree is safely disposed of! 

Donate your tree

Depending on where you live, you make be able to donate your tree to a restoration project or nature preserve for it to be replanted or used to prevent erosion! 

Repurpose your tree

Make it into mulch

Use a chipper to break the tree up into small pieces. You can then use the wood chips as mulch for your yard and garden! 

Use it as firewood

Cut up your tree and use it in an outdoor firepit! Avoid putting your tree in any indoor fireplace. Burning these trees inside can cause a build-up of creosote in your chimney, which is a fire hazard. 

Get creative with your tree

The possibilities are endless when it comes to reusing your Christmas tree. Some fun ideas are: 

  • Place your tree in your backyard and put peanut butter on it to use it as a bird feeder! 
  • Cut the trunk of the tree to make coasters! 
  • Use the branches in a craft! 
  • Save the needles to keep your home smelling fresh even after you dispose of the tree! 
  • Use it in your garden! You can use the boughs to protect your perennials from the elements. Or, you can use the smaller branches as supports for other plants in your garden. 

Information from CNN, NBC News, One Tree Planted, World Wildlife Fund, Lowes, Home Depot, and Garden Betty.