5 Eco Responsible Ways to Dispose of a Christmas Tree 

Real Christmas trees bring festive fun and joy to homes across the UK in December. By choosing to buy a real Christmas tree from a local nursery you are adding to the plant-grow-cut cycle of trees. You are supporting a local business and literally buying green. But many of us are unsure of how to get rid of them once the festivities end and the new year comes around.  We all want to ensure we use eco responsible ways to dispose of our Christmas tree.

Lets explore the top five environmentally-friendly ways to dispose of real Christmas trees. Recycling, donating and replanting are just some ways for people to feel and do good while taking down their decorations. 

A spokesperson from Garden Buildings Direct said: “Everyone likes to take down their Christmas tree at different times, but real trees can sometimes come with a shorter best before date, meaning they have to come down slightly earlier than expected. 

“Whenever it comes to taking down the tree, it is important for households to be aware of the ways they can dispose of their festive decoration without hurting the environment. This is why we are sharing our top tips for those who aren’t in the know.”

Here are the top five sustainable ways to dispose of your tree

1. Recycle

Christmas trees can be recycled in a couple of ways. You can either take it to your local recycling centre or call the council to come and collect it for you. Make sure to check with your local council online as not all of them offer this.

2. Turn it into mulch and chips

If you have access to a wood chipper, turning your old tree into mulch and wood chips to keep the soil in your flower beds warm is a great alternative to getting rid of the tree altogether. 

3. Replant 

Last minute decorators who have had their tree up for ten days or less can replant their tree after Christmas. You will need a large spot of land which gets direct sunlight but isn’t overly exposed to wind. When planting, make sure the hole is approximately double the size of the tree’s root ball. To look after your newly planted tree, water around once a week. 

4. Donate 

In some areas, there are local environmental charities which take Christmas trees. These organisations restore and maintain river ecosystems, where the old trees can be used to shore up river banks and prevent erosion. They can also help provide an ecological habitat for fish and other animals.

5. Give it to a zoo

Get in touch with any local zoos or animal sanctuaries to inquire about donating your Christmas tree for the animal habitats. Big cats like lions and tigers will get endless enjoyment and fun from the trees. Make sure first to remove any ornaments and mistletoe before donating. 

Thanks to Garden Buildings Direct for there top 5 ways to dispose of your Christmas tree.

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