Christmas is over and its time to take down the light displays, pack away the holiday decorations, recycle the cardboard and put away the fruitcake for a year to re-gift next year.  But what to do with the Yule tree?

 

Here are some tips from the National Christmas Tree Association.

First, the best way to remove the tree without making a mess is buying a tree disposal bag at the hardware. Put it under the tree stand when you set it up, hiding it with a skirt, and when the season is over, just pull the bag up and around the tree, stand and all, and take it outside. Don’t vacuum any stray needles, they can clog the device; a broom is best.

 

Most cities and villages have a drop off center for the biodegradable Christmas trees. Also, the department of public service may even chip the trees and make the mulch available to the public. There may be requirements for removing bulbs, tinsel or flocking.

 

You can cut up the tree to fit loosely in your waste container.  If you have a fish pond, a tree sunk in the pond makes an excellent refuge and feeding area for fish.

Put in the garden or back yard a tree can be a feeding station and sanctuary for birds. Make sure all tinsel strands, decorations and hooks are removed and add strings of popcorn or orange slices along with commercial feed. //

 

Next year, consider a living tree. In the fall, dig a hole where you want to plant the tree after Christmas and fill it with straw. Buy a rooted (ball and burlap), healthy tree. When you bring it home, leave it outside until a few days before Christmas. Water it and make sure it is kept moist. Before you bring it inside, put it in the garage for three or four days to gradually warm it up.

 

When it’s time remove the tree (within a week is best) return it to the garage to harden it off. Be sure to keep the ball moist.  After a week or ten days, plant it in the prepared hole which should be twice as wide as the root ball, and no deeper. Remove any burlap or plastic before filling the hole with the original soil, water and mulch. Continue to water the tree.