Living Christmas trees have long symbolized life, renewal, and resilience, not to mention yuletide cheer! Often accompanied by mince pies, presents and celebrations, the Christmas tree signifies that Christmas is here! Their evergreen foliage represents 'eternal life' dating back to ancient European traditions, where people adorned their homes with greenery during winter solstice festivals. All firs, pines and spruce trees used for Christmas trees are part of the conifer family of plants.
During Yuletide, Pagans brought fir trees into their homes to symbolise everlasting life and fertility. Their evergreen nature represented resilience, renewal, and hope during the darkest time of the year. As with many Pagan traditions, early Christians copied this practice, using evergreen trees to represent hope and everlasting life for the christmas celebration.
Today, bringing a living or real Christmas tree indoors continues this timeless connection to nature, creating a festive atmosphere while honouring traditions rooted in history. They add a wonderful smell of pine to the home and, in my opinion, represent the connection between our gardens, Mother Nature, and us. Moreover, they bring the true Christmas spring into our living rooms!
But you may wonder how to keep your living tree or cut tree in its best shape during December so it doesn't drop its needles or simply dry up! Then, as the festive Christmas season ends, many gardeners wonder how to dispose of their cut living Christmas trees sustainably. Instead of sending trees to landfills, consider these eco-friendly methods to recycle and repurpose your trees. Youโll reduce waste while benefiting your garden and the environment.
This guide will show you how to care for real Christmas trees and living trees and dispose of them after the Christmas season.
Let's quickly examine what differentiates a living tree from a real tree and then a fake tree. Then, you can determine which tips you need to help keep your Christmas tree looking fabulous and what to do with it afterward.
Real Christmas trees are freshly cut evergreens, typically firs or pines, known for their natural scent and authentic holiday appearance. They require regular watering to stay fresh but are biodegradable and compostable after use.
Living Christmas trees come in containers with intact root systems, allowing them to be replanted after the holiday season. They are eco-friendly but require proper care, including watering, limited indoor time, and suitable outdoor planting conditions.
Fake Christmas trees are artificial and made from materials like PVC. They are reusable for many years, reducing annual waste but are less environmentally friendly due to their plastic content and production process. Each type has unique pros and cons, making the best choice dependent on personal preferences, sustainability goals, and available space.
Pot-grown trees are ideal for the environmentally conscious gardener because they can be replanted after Christmas. Even better, these trees can then become part of your garden design or planting plan. Win-win, Ninjas! These trees have their roots intact, meaning they can continue growing if properly maintained. The biggest issue is that they often suffer from heat stress or shock by being brought in and out of the centrally heated home.
Not to panic, though. Ninjas, here are some top tips for living pot-grown Christmas trees and how to prevent them from going into shock or dropping their needles.
Before dragging your Christmas tree out of the garden to decorate it, the best thing to do is to place it in a garage next to a window or greenhouse for a week before you bring it inside. This helps acclimatise the tree to warmer conditions and prevents shock or stress from suddenly entering a 20-degree central heated home!
Once inside after acclimatisation, position the tree in a cool room away from radiators, fireplaces, and direct sunlight to prevent drying out. Plapping your tree next to a radiator is a sure way to cause it to lose its needles and potentially dry out, causing it to die. So avoid this at all costs.
Place the tree on a large saucer and ensure it never fully dries out. The saucer can then catch excess water and prevent spills. Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Check the soil daily. Use a spray bottle to mist the needles every few days in very warm, dry homes, simulating outdoor conditions and keeping the foliage fresh. It can also help spread the scent of the fir or pine tree throughout the home!
Just like the acclimatisation process, use gradual reintroduction to the garden of your Christmas tree. Use a covered porch, greenhouse, or somewhere sheltered against a wall south-facing before moving it back to its original position.
Cut trees canโt be replanted outside as they have been cut at the base, so they are only ever a temporary decorative feature. This can be pretty sad to consider, given how many years a real Christmas tree takes to reach a suitable height for Christmas as tree decorating. Real Christmas trees take 6-10 years to reach 6-7ft, ready for decorating at Christmas. Although they will never regrow once cut with proper care, these cut Christmas trees can last several weeks indoors. Without roots, hydration becomes the most critical factor!
The biggest tip is to use a saw to remove the bottom callused part of the tree trunk to allow better water absorption and slow down the needle drop process as the tree dies. Saw off 1-2 inches from the base of the trunk before placing it in a stand with a hand saw.
This removes any sap blockages, allowing the tree to absorb water. Use a water-holding stand with a large reservoir to submerge the trunk to stay hydrated and keep your cut Christmas tree looking fresh for December and advent.
Like the living pot-grown tree, keeping the cut Christmas tree away from fireplaces, heaters, and sunny windows is vital. This is the quickest way to ensure it looks sad, wilts and drops its needles. So, consider turning off the radiator in the room where the tree is or at least placing the tree away from any heat sources. Lastly, ensure any Christmas tree is securely anchored to prevent tipping over, especially in homes with children or pets. Cats, in particular, like to try to 'topple the tree', so in some cases, some string or ribbon tethering the tree to a fixture on the wall may be required. Use your common sense, ninjas!
Refill the Christmas tree stand daily. A fresh-cut tree can absorb up to a gallon of water in the first 24 hours, so never let it dry out. If the water level drops below the trunk base, the cut can seal with sap, stopping further water absorption. So, keeping the tree hydrated after cutting the trunk is the best way to make it last longer and stop Christmas tree drama.
Proper care and attention are crucial to keep a real Christmas tree from dropping its needles. The species of tree you choose also determines how well it retains its needles during the holiday season. The last thing you want to do is spend anywhere between ยฃ40 and ยฃ100 on a real cut Christmas tree to find that each morning you awake to a thousand sharp needles in your carpet, getting stuck in your socks and causing you to swear to try to vacuum or brush them up!
The type of tree you select can significantly impact how well it holds onto its needles. Some trees are naturally better at retaining their needles due to their thicker, resin-filled needles. Popular species for minimal needle drop include:
These species are more resilient and better at holding their needles longer compared to others, like the Norway Spruce, which tends to shed its needles faster
Water Thoroughly: The most important factor in keeping your tree fresh is ensuring it gets plenty of water. When you first bring the tree inside, make a fresh cut at the base of the trunk about 1 inch above the original cut or saw the bottom off completely with a hand saw. This allows the tree to absorb water better. A tree can absorb up to a gallon of water daily, so check the water level in the stand daily, and keep it topped up.
Tree Stand: Use a tree stand that holds plenty of water and is sturdy enough to support the tree's weight. The more water it can hold, the better the tree will fare throughout the season. Make sure the tree's base is submerged in water at all times. This helps prevent the sap from sealing the cut, which would block water intake.
Avoid Heat Sources: Keep your tree away from direct heat sources such as radiators, fireplaces, and heating vents, which can dry the tree out and cause the needles to drop. The best placement for your tree is in a cooler room, ideally between 60ยฐF and 65ยฐF (15ยฐC and 18ยฐC).
Humidity: Low humidity in the home can dry out your tree, causing it to shed needles quickly. Using a humidifier near your tree or placing it in a cooler, less heated area can help maintain the moisture level in the air. You can also lightly mist the tree with water every few days to help maintain its moisture.
Nordmann Firs generally grow 6-9 inches per year, making them slower growers compared to other species like Norway Spruce and Douglas Fir, which typically grow 12-15 inches annually. This growth rate means that a typical 6-foot Christmas tree made from a Nordmann Fir would take about eight years to reach that height, assuming it's planted as a sapling.
Additionally, it would take another three years for the tree to grow from seed to sapling, bringing the total time from seed to 6-foot tree to approximately 11 years. This slower growth rate is why Nordmann Firs are often considered more desirable for their fuller, denser foliage, which lasts longer after being cut.
The average cost of a cut Christmas tree in the UK can vary depending on the type of tree, its size, and where it's purchased. In 2024, prices for a standard 6-7 ft Nordmann Fir, a popular choice, typically range from ยฃ40 to ยฃ80โ
Some retailers offer a broader price range based on the tree's size, starting around ยฃ25 for smaller trees, but premium or larger trees can go upwards of ยฃ100โ. Remember that delivery charges or additional costs might apply when purchasing from garden centres or online.
When the holiday season winds down, many of us are left with the dilemma of what to do with our cut Christmas trees. After all, these festive icons are usually discarded once their needles start shedding, leaving us to find an eco-friendly solution. Recycling your cut Christmas tree isnโt just about clearing space in your home; itโs an important way to give back to nature.
Unlike synthetic trees, which can contribute to long-term plastic waste, given how tricky it is for any plastic to be recycled (think fake grass as a good example), real trees can be repurposed in many ways that benefit the environment. From turning them into mulch to creating wildlife habitats, recycling your Christmas tree ensures it doesn't end up in a landfill, which takes decades to break down.
In this guide, weโll explore why recycling your cut Christmas tree is essential and how you can do your part to keep things green long after the holiday cheer has faded.
Feed your garden by turning your Christmas tree into mulch. A wood chipper can break the branches into small chips, ideal for mulching flower beds, paths, and borders. Mulch suppresses weeds, retains soil moisture, and provides winter root protection. Avoid treated trees, as chemicals can harm your plants. This mulch is longer-lasting than compost, and as the wood chips are moisture-retentive, it can help with very dry or south-facing gardens to keep moisture locked into your borders.
Transform your tree into a backyard wildlife haven. Prop it up in a quiet garden corner or cut it into a log pile to create shelter for birds, hedgehogs, and insects. Birds can perch on the branches, while small creatures use the cover for warmth. Hanging bird feeders add extra wildlife appeal and can boost mother nature during the winter gardening season. As my guide below shows, you can also use it to create a bug hotel.
Save the pine needles for mulching acid-loving plants like azaleas, camellias, and blueberries. Pine needles break down slowly, offering long-lasting soil enrichment while deterring weeds and insulating plant roots. Scatter them around your erecaeous loving plants up to 1inch deep, avoid smothering the very base of the plant or crown/trunk which can cause them to rot.
Pine or fir needles help acidify or boost ericaceous soil, which is great for plants that need a lower pH to access nutrients and plant feed in the garden. To understand more about plant foods and why this matters, check out my video guide below.
Repurpose branches into decorative garden edging by using them to edge informal paths. Lay thicker branches along paths or flower beds for a natural border, or even use vertical Christmas tree trunks as focal points in the garden by digging them into flower beds as vertical posts for interest. You can also drill small holes into the top to create bee hotels for solitary bees, which is a win-win. This can help create that rustic look in your garden and repurpose Christmas trees for another life!
Cut the main trunk into sturdy stakes or trellises for climbing plants like beans, peas or clematis. Trim and sand the wood for a more polished look, or to save on effort, keep it rustic. Stakes decompose slowly and naturally, feeding your garden as they break down. They will often last up to 10 years and can make great natural supports for climbing plants.
Craft festive potpourri using dried branches and pine cones, and add additional essential oils. Add cinnamon sticks and dried fruit slices for a winter-themed home fragrance. Giving your living tree a second life come the glibness of January!
Making Christmas potpourri is a simple and rewarding process. Here's a brief guide to create your own aromatic blend:
Many councils run Christmas tree recycling programs, collecting trees for free or low-cost disposal. Trees are typically shredded into mulch or compost for public parks and landscaping projects. Check your local councilโs website for collection dates and recycling centres, or visit this recycling site here to find your local Christmas tree recycling centre.
One overlooked tip is to cut up and cure your living Christmas tree for kindling or firewood. Helping to warm your home without gas or expensive electric heaters. Cut the trunk into smaller pieces and then cure (dry out) the pieces over 6 months. Then, you can use it as firewood in indoor log burners or outdoor fire pits. Be cautious: pine resin burns quickly and can produce creosote, making it unsuitable for indoor open fireplaces. Pine cones also work well as natural fire starters for log burners and outdoor fireplaces. Ensure you clean log burner windows after using pine or fit to remove any potential sap build-up.
Hugelkultur is a great way to recycle your Christmas tree and turn it into a sustainable gardening resource. The technique involves creating raised garden beds by layering organic materials, which break down over time and provide nutrients to plants.
Hugelkultur is a sustainable gardening method that uses decaying wood and organic material to build raised garden beds. The term "Hugelkultur" comes from the German words "Hรผgel," meaning "hill," and "Kultur," meaning "culture" or "gardening." The technique involves piling up large pieces of wood (logs, branches, twigs) as the base of the bed and covering them with layers of smaller organic material such as leaves, grass clippings, compost, and soil.
i) Maintain Your Hugelkultur Bed: Monitor your bed and add more organic material as it breaks down. This method is a sustainable way to recycle your Christmas tree while improving the soil quality in your garden.
ii) Choose a Location: Select a sunny spot in your garden where you plan to create a raised bed. Ensure the ground is level and free from weeds.
iii) Prepare the Ground: Clear the area of any grass or plants. You can lightly dig into the soil to help with drainage.
iv) Start the Base Layer: Lay the trunk of your Christmas tree on the ground. Cut the tree into smaller pieces to fit better if the tree is large. This will form the base layer of your Hugelkultur bed.
v) Add Other Organic Materials: On top of the tree trunk, add branches, twigs, and other plant debris, such as old leaves, dead plants, and vegetable scraps. These materials will decompose over time and provide nutrients to your garden.
vi) Add Soil and Compost: Layer enough soil and peat-free compost on top of the branches and twigs. Compost helps encourage microbial activity and adds essential nutrients to the soil.
vii) Water and Let it Settle: Water the mound well to help settle the materials and kickstart the decomposition process. Over time, the materials will break down, creating a nutrient-rich environment for your plants. Once the water has permeated and the mound settled, you can plant.
viii) Plant Your Garden: Once the mound has settled, usually in a few days or week max, you can begin planting your garden. Vegetables, flowers, or herbs will thrive in the enriched soil, benefiting from the slow release of nutrients as the tree and organic matter decompose.
Some community gardens, parks, and charities accept Christmas trees for landscaping projects. Contact local organizations to see if they need tree donations for environmental restoration work. Facebook and social media can be a good place to look at who is collecting real Christmas trees for such a project. Sometimes, local arborists (tree surgeons) will offer to collect them so they can chip them to sell as wood chips.
When choosing between a real or artificial Christmas tree, both have environmental impacts to consider. As Garden Ninjas, we always aim to bring more diversity to our garden with the lowest carbon footprint. We hope to create more carbon sinks and encourage growth to combat climate change and pollution. Christmas trees are no exception! Many expert gardeners and horticulturalists have debated the topic of real vs fake Christmas trees and their environmental impact. Generally, real Christmas trees are the more sustainable option regarding CO2 emissions.
Real trees are grown sustainably, and for every tree cut down, another is usually planted in its place. They help absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, contributing to the environment. While it takes resources to grow and transport them, their carbon footprint is usually lower than artificial trees, especially if you buy from a local source. Once the season ends, real trees can be recycled into mulch or compost, reducing their environmental impact.โ
On the other hand, though reusable for many years, artificial trees are made from non-biodegradable materials like PVC, which are resource-intensive to manufacture and release carbon emissions during production. However, if an artificial tree is used for at least 10 years, its environmental impact could become comparable to a real tree since its emissions are spread out over many years.โ
Ultimately, real trees are the better choice for the environment in the short term, particularly if you can recycle or compost them. If you go for an artificial tree, use it for many years to minimize its overall environmental impact.
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By recycling your Christmas tree, you can reduce waste while enriching your garden, supporting wildlife, and promoting sustainability. Turn festive greenery into year-round benefits for your outdoor space, making your garden an eco-conscious winter wonderland!
By following my Ninja Christmas tree recycling tips, you can ensure your Christmas celebrations have the lowest carbon footprint and that any real-life cut trees get repurposed after the holiday season. After all, we have to help Mother Nature out gardeners!
If you liked this article, why not check out my social media, where you can Tweet, Facebook, or Instagram me? Why not visit my YouTube channel for garden design hints and tips? I'd love to hear from you!
Happy Christmas Gardening!
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