As the holiday season concludes, proper disposal of Christmas trees is essential for environmental sustainability. According to Sharon Yiesla, a plant knowledge specialist at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, disposing of a tree correctly can transform it into mulch or compost that enriches soil and nurtures plant life. “If you’re not going to make use of your tree in your own yard, make sure that you follow local rules so it goes to the wood chipper, not the landfill,” Yiesla emphasized.
Effective Ways to Use or Dispose of Your Tree
There are several ways to make use of a real Christmas tree in your garden or to ensure its proper disposal. For instance, branches can serve as protective coverings for plants during late winter warm spells, which can deceive bulbs and other plants into sprouting prematurely. “You can keep the soil cool with branches cut from your Christmas tree, laid over beds where you have bulbs or perennials planted,” Yiesla noted.
Once early spring arrives and it is time for plants to begin growing, the evergreen boughs should be removed and disposed of appropriately. If space allows, consider leaving the entire tree in your yard temporarily, offering a refuge for wildlife. In spring, the tree can be cut into smaller pieces and disposed of via municipal landscape waste programs.
Important Considerations for Safe Disposal
It is crucial to avoid using a Christmas tree for firewood. Burning an evergreen tree in a fireplace or wood stove can lead to hazardous creosote buildup, potentially resulting in a chimney fire. To mitigate fire risks, take down the tree promptly once it begins to dry out.
Before disposal, ensure that all decorations are removed. Decorations left on the tree can prevent it from being recycled, causing it to end up in a landfill. Flocked trees, which are coated with synthetic powder to mimic snow, cannot be recycled and must be discarded with regular trash.
Disposal regulations vary by municipality, and individuals should check local government websites for specific guidelines. Some areas, including Chicago, will only recycle trees if they are taken to one of 27 designated collection sites in city parks from January 3 to January 17, 2024. Trees left out for pickup without following local regulations may be sent to landfills.
It is also important to note that only actual trees can be recycled. Wreaths and garlands, which often contain metal wire, should be discarded in the trash to prevent damage to shredding machinery. Residents are encouraged to recycle unwanted holiday lights through local collection programs.
For additional advice on tree and plant care, individuals can visit the online resources of The Morton Arboretum at mortonarb.org/plant-care or submit queries via email to [email protected]. By following these guidelines, holiday celebrants can ensure their Christmas trees are disposed of responsibly, contributing positively to the environment.
