by Taylor RippyWhat do I do with my old Christmas tree?
Some people take down their Christmas trees on the 26th, some people take down their Christmas trees in February, and some people never take them down! If the last option is you, then there’s no need to keep reading :). However, if you do plan on taking down your Christmas tree, what are you going to do with it? Well, we have some ideas for you.
- Tree Recycling Programs:
Do you want to feel better than everyone else? No, I’m kidding. But if you think recycling is a good idea, then there are several places you can go. These places turn the trees into mulch. The mulch is used for erosion control. Sometimes the mulch is turned into wood chips, where they’re then used for things like parks. Sometimes they even use them to create fish habitats. Here is a link to some drop-off locations in Montgomery. If you live in Alexander City, Clanton, Millbrook, Pratville, or Wetumpka. You can just go to Winn Dixie. - Composting and Fuel:
Another thing you can do is add it to your compost pile. But if you have a compost pile, you probably already know that, so I’ll just leave it there. They’re also great for fuel and kindling, but Christmas trees burn well, dangerously well. Proceed with caution, and be smart. - Fish Habitats:
If you would like to create your own fish habitat, then Christmas trees are a great option. Paul Crawford gives some great advice on what makes a good brush pile. You can check out his article here. I’ll highlight a few key points, in case you don’t feel like leaving this site. Location is everything. A brush pile will not magically make fish appear. The key to a successful brush pile is taking advantage of an area that already has fish, and using it as a supplement. Think of it as the water cooler at work. A brush pile’s purpose is to maximize the density of fish in a small area. The other key factor is the space between the limbs. Too much space between limbs won’t give you good results. Too little space between limbs defeats the purpose. The sweet spot, according to Mr. Crawford, is between 6”-18”. If you want to hear these ideas articulated by a professional, click the link and hear it from the horse’s mouth.
As you can see, there’s no need to just throw your Christmas tree on the street if you don’t want to. Mulch, wood chips, fish habitats, composting, and fuel are the most common uses for old Christmas trees. There are several other uses, and you can find them with a quick Google search. Our goal was to give you some general ideas in a succinct manner. We hope your post-Christmas hangover (emotional or alcohol-induced) isn’t too bad. Happy new year!