Reviving your post-holiday tree: Ingenious ways to repurpose your Christmas evergreen

For most of us, the end of December is a time for tidying up our homes. Many folks pack away their Christmas decorations and dismantle their trees. The live tree, no longer in prime condition, starts shedding its needles. How can we breathe new life into it, and where can we dispose of it?

Post-holiday, the Christmas tree can become problematic. It begins to make a mess, and it takes up valuable space. The act of tree disposal should adhere to the current rules of waste sorting and disposal in your locality. But rather than tossing it aside, try to repurpose the tree into something beneficial.

The first option is to create supports for other plants. Both the trunk and branches of the Christmas tree are flexibly sturdy, making them ideal for crafting small plant ladders. Furthermore, shredded branches can serve as perfect mulch for acid-loving plants. All you have to do is grind them well and sprinkle around your balcony and garden plants. An additional ingenious idea is to use the branches for insulating overwintering plants by covering them.

By the way, it's worth mentioning that the most eco-friendly Christmas tree is a rooted tree in a pot. After the holiday season, you can plant it in your garden or place it in a pot near your house. When the next festive season rolls around, bring it back indoors and let the decorating begin anew.

If none of the above options appeals to you and you have decided to dispose of your old Christmas tree, remember a few important rules. In urban areas, specific days are typically set for municipal employees to collect bio-waste, including old Christmas trees. Your task is simply to leave your tree at the designated spot to be collected for disposal. Ensure the tree is cut into smaller pieces and is free from pots or plastic ornaments.

Interestingly, many animal shelters will gladly accept old trees. These trees are employed as a natural fence that filters street noise. Besides, they can also serve to block the wind and provide shade and relief from the sun during the summer months. Another option is offering the tree to a countryside dweller who can turn it into compost or plant mulch.