University of Wisconsin - Extension

Long after holiday celebrations are over, the more than 3.25 million Christmas trees harvested in Wisconsin can be useful as wildlife habitats, mulch or potpourri.

"People can put their Christmas tree in their back yard where birds and small animals can use it for shelter," explains Steve Brachman, University of Wisconsin-Extension waste reduction and management specialist.

"They can add strings of popcorn, cranberries, suet and other treats that birds and small animals like," he adds.

Homeowners with private fish ponds may want to consider sinking their tree to make a refuge and feeding area for fish. Another option for people is to check whether their local municipality collects Christmas trees and chips them for use in composting piles or as mulch materials, Brachman suggests.

People can save the Christmas tree and chip it themselves in the spring to use for mulch around trees and shrubs. If they don't want to chip the tree, they can remove the branches and place them on planting beds. Mulches help keep the ground moist and reduce weed growth.

"If people are saving their tree for mulch or turning it over to a municipality's mulching program, they should remove all tinsel, wire hangers and decorations," Brachman adds.

A creative use for Christmas trees is to save the needles to create potpourri. Dry the branches, then remove and crumble the needles. Mix the needles with cinnamon sticks, whole cloves and Christmas scent. Place in jars to store.

To create a pleasant Christmas scent, add one cup of water to one-fourth cup potpourri and heat it on a stovetop or in a potpourri heater. The potpourri makes a great gift for next Christmas.

If people consider burning their tree, they should check first with their local municipality to see if it is legal. Town residents should check with a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources fire warden to determine if a permit is needed or if there are burning restrictions.

Painted, flocked or otherwise treated trees should not be burned because they can affect air quality. "These items should be disposed of at licensed landfills or incinerators," adds Brachman. Christmas trees, bows, wreaths, roping, swags and other decorations of greens are not included in the 1993 yard waste ban according to Brachman.

More information about recycling can be found at the UW-Extension's Solid and Hazardous Waste Education's website, http://www.uwex.edu/ces/shwec/ .