To Tree Or Not To Tree - That is the Question
Christmas trees are such an integral part of any Christmas celebration so one can’t just say “no” to a Christmas tree. But there are ways to celebrate responsibly.
First, which is better: real or plastic? This is a question without an easy answer. Let’s just say that if you choose an artificial tree, use it for at least ten years. Don’t buy a new one every year.
Now, for the real tree. First choice is buying a living tree that can be planted after the holidays. Trees create a healthier environment, help clean the air and filter our water, and they can control storm surge and flooding. Their benefits seem immeasurable. So, a living tree is a great choice. Just be sure to keep it healthy while it is in your home and plant it in a suitable spot after the holidays.
Ah, but the fun of tromping through the Christmas tree farm to find just the perfect tree. Okay, cut down a tree and keep it healthy while it is in your home to prevent a possible house fire. After the holidays, here are some things to do with that tree.
If you don’t have time for any of the above suggestions, recycle your tree. Many organizations sponsor drives to recycle your old tree.
Have a Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
First, which is better: real or plastic? This is a question without an easy answer. Let’s just say that if you choose an artificial tree, use it for at least ten years. Don’t buy a new one every year.
Now, for the real tree. First choice is buying a living tree that can be planted after the holidays. Trees create a healthier environment, help clean the air and filter our water, and they can control storm surge and flooding. Their benefits seem immeasurable. So, a living tree is a great choice. Just be sure to keep it healthy while it is in your home and plant it in a suitable spot after the holidays.
Ah, but the fun of tromping through the Christmas tree farm to find just the perfect tree. Okay, cut down a tree and keep it healthy while it is in your home to prevent a possible house fire. After the holidays, here are some things to do with that tree.
- Use it to protect animals from the cold of winter. Your tree, set in a sheltered part of your yard and secured so it doesn’t blow away, can be habitat for small animals during a cold winter.
- Create a bird feeder. Secure the tree in a heavy pot and decorate for the birds. Cut an orange in half, scoop out the seeds, attach a few strings and hang from the tree branches. Dip a pine cone in peanut butter and hang. Use cookie cutters to shape suet and hang from the branches. This is a wonderful project to do with your kids.
- Turn it into mulch and place the mulch around plants in your yard. The mulch prevents diseases, controls soil erosion, and when it gets really cold it will keep the ground from freezing.
- Shred it and add to your compost pile.
If you don’t have time for any of the above suggestions, recycle your tree. Many organizations sponsor drives to recycle your old tree.
Have a Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
Tri County Wildlife Care, a local nonprofit started in 1994, is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of our native wildlife and helping our community live in balance with wildlife. We envision a world where wildlife and people thrive together. For more information, call (209) 283-3245, or visit pawspartners.org.
Photo courtesy of Chris Broadhead.
Photo courtesy of Chris Broadhead.