- Author: Amy Breschini
Christmas Tree Disposal
By Andrea Peck
Q What is best way to dispose of my Christmas tree?
Vibiana Bruno - Atascadero
A It's hard to believe that your tree will lose its holiday luster, but eventually it will.
A simple solution for disposal is to utilize your green waste bin. Cut your tree into four feet or smaller lengths, with no tree part greater than six inches in diameter. The tree must be free of tinsel and decoration. Flocked trees are not accepted.
If you do not have a green bin, you can take the tree to your local landfill, for a small charge. Either way, your tree will start off in the proper fashion by being turned into compost, which promotes soil health.
Be creative when considering disposal - all or parts of the tree can be repurposed. Stand the tree outside in a bucket and hang bird suet from the branches. Make a trellis for climbing vines. Chop the trunk into small logs suitable for use as borders. Create habitat for small wildlife by placing the tree in an unused corner of your yard. The possibilities are as endless as the number of branches.
One solution that is not advisable is burning the tree, as it can be highly flammable.
If you have not purchased a tree yet, or for next year, you may consider a living tree that can be replanted. Even a bush, such as a rosemary "tree" is a plantable solution. Your Christmas tree can be as unconventional as you are. No matter what you choose, consider your yard and the requirements of the tree. Water needs, as well as the potential height and size of the tree will be important.
In the end, planting your own tree is not only enjoyable for the whole family, but it is a truly sustainable method of disposal.
Websites mentioned are sites outside of the University of California domain. No endorsement is intended of products, services or information, nor is criticism implied of similar sites that are not mentioned.
Got a Question?
Contact the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners: at 781-5939 from 1 to 5 p.m. on Monday and Thursday; at 473-7190 from 10 a.m. to noon in Arroyo Grande; and at 434-4105 from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday in Templeton. Visit the UCCE Master Gardeners Web site at groups.ucanr.org/slomg/ or e-mail mgsanluisobispo@ucdavis.edu.
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