Here’s a simple project that will give your Christmas tree a second life after the holidays.
As the holidays wind down and we pack away all the tinsel, ornaments, and Aunt Mabel’s petrified fruitcake, many of us are left with one central element of the season that we can’t save for next year—the Christmas tree! But before you toss it to the curb, think about reusing it!
There are several ways you can recycle your natural tree. For starters, it can be an instant source of cover for many feeder birds. They love to have a safe, sheltered place near backyard feeders and your holiday tree can provide welcome respite from weather and predators. Make it even more attractive by hanging suet and peanut butter treats on its branches.
But don’t stop there! When winter is over and the tree is dead and brown, use it to start a brush pile. Brush piles provide nesting, feeding, and resting places for many species of wildlife. The recipe for a top-notch pile is simple. Create a foundation by placing a few logs on the ground, ideally near a woodland edge or hedgerow. Then place several more logs on top in a criss-cross pattern. Add a loose layer of cut shrubs, pruned branches, and of course, your old Christmas tree. Top it all off with some smaller branches and twigs. The finished heap should be about ten feet in diameter and four feet high.
Then, keep an eye on your masterpiece. Over the years you may see a wide variety of birds and other animals use it. And after a snowfall, it’s fun to check for fresh tracks around the pile. Re-using your Christmas tree is a great way to help the holiday spirit last all year.
