Guest Columnist
Those with real Christmas trees always have the nagging question on 26 December of what to do with it? Your tree matters little, but the millions nationally matter a lot. A tree in a ditch or landfill releases carbon into the atmosphere (CO2) which, in our current warming trend, is not good. Here are a few of the many uses for your Christmas tree.
If the tree has a 2" or larger base diameter, give birds sanctuary for the winter. Drill a 3/8" hole into the tree base and impale it on a piece of rebar. Birds like it, and you can add bird feeders on upper limbs. The needles should last until spring if you've kept it well watered in your home. Alternatively, lay the tree down for small animal protection. In the spring, shake and pound the tree to remove the needles for a ground mulch covering.
If you have a large pond, or a slow moving river, drop the tree in for small fish protection. You can tie a rock to the tree to weight it down. If you or a friend has a chipper, chip the tree for soil top mulch in your garden. There, they'll preserve soil moisture and moderate summer soil temperatures. Some cities have one or more chippers specifically for chipping Christmas trees rather than allowing them to become part of a landfill.
Know anyone with goats? They might take your tree for their goats to eat like candy! According to the literature, several trees a day will provide vitamins and minerals for 20+ goats. Have any ground covering plants like strawberries? Shake the needles off over the plants for ground covering.
Saw thin slices and coat with polyurethane for drink coasters. DON'T, however, burn the tree in a fireplace (builds up creosote).
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