What happens to the Christmas trees after Christmas?

Category: home and garden landscaping
4.5/5 (299 Views . 11 Votes)
If a Christmas tree doesn't end up hanging in a warehouse, decomposing on a lakebed, or providing festive scenery for a landfill, it's most likely turned into mulch. In a single year, the recycling program can make mulch out of nearly 1000 trees, making the city's Christmas trees the gifts that keep on giving.



Similarly, it is asked, what do you do with your Christmas tree after Christmas?

Consider these ways to give your Christmas tree a life that extends well beyond the holiday season:

  1. Recycle it. Don't just toss your old tree into the trash.
  2. Use it for firewood.
  3. Mulch it.
  4. Compost it.
  5. Transform it into pathway edging.
  6. Use it to protect your perennials.
  7. Toss it into your fish tank.
  8. Return it to the seller.

Also, do Christmas trees decompose? Real trees are actually more sustainable because they are biodegradable, unlike plastic trees which fill landfills and can take more than 400 years to decompose, causing more harm than good to the environment. But the end of Christmas doesn't have to be the end of life for your living Christmas tree.

Considering this, what happens to leftover Christmas trees?

The company sells trees to local retailers, Home Depot and Walmart. Malanga said that after the holidays are over, some unsold trees take a trip to the beach. In coastal areas that get ravaged by hurricanes and erosion, left-over Christmas trees can be fastened together, staked down and used to trap sand.

How long does it take for a real Christmas tree to decompose?

“It can take 200 to 300 years for a downed pine tree to disappear, but most of a spruce will be gone within 50 to 100 years,” says Olav Hjeljord.

16 Related Question Answers Found

Do potted Christmas trees survive?

You should bring your potted tree indoors as late as possible, advises the RHS. The weekend before Christmas is ideal, and it's advised not to keep living trees in the house any longer than 12 days.

Do garbage trucks take Christmas trees?

Most trash haulers will collect Christmas trees curbside for two weeks after Christmas if you put the stripped tree, cut into 4 ft lengths, next to the green waste container on your regular pick-up day.

Can I burn Christmas tree in fireplace?

Burning a Christmas tree in a fireplace or stove with a dirty flue can cause any creosote deposits to ignite, resulting in a flue fire. The fire from a burning Christmas tree can burn so hot that it can damage your firebox, chimney and/or flue, resulting in expensive repairs.

What to do with old fake Christmas trees?

Drop Off
Most cities have a recycling center where you can drop off your plastic, glass, scrap metal, paper, or old artificial Christmas trees. Your community may have a trash collection service, so make sure to check their instructions. Follow these tips before disposing of your artificial Christmas tree.

Is Home Depot Recycling Christmas trees?


Many Home Depot stores recycle trees by partnering with a tree company to chip the trees into mulch. Just drop off your tree beginning the day after Christmas and look for more information in mid-January for chipping events.

Where do you throw away Christmas trees?

Recycle your Christmas Tree
Many communities offer curbside pickup of Christmas trees after the season is over. Check with your local county waste management department for specific guidelines. General best practices include: Clean the tree of all ornaments, tinsel and lights.

When should you throw out your Christmas tree?

You can dispose of your Christmas tree at local parks throughout the city between December 26 and January 11.

How to Take Down Your Christmas Tree
  1. Place an old sheet around the bottom of the tree to catch as many dry needles as possible.
  2. Take off the ornaments first, then de-string the lights.

Can you return a Christmas tree after Christmas?

Most companies who sell decorations will say no returns of decorations after christmas (exchanges for damages only).

Can you replant a Christmas tree?

Replanting Cut Trees Isn't Possible
However, even a freshly cut tree has been separated from its roots and replanting a Christmas tree without roots simply isn't possible. If you're determined to plant your Christmas tree, purchase a tree with a healthy root ball that has been securely wrapped in burlap.

How do you bring a Christmas tree home?


Fresh trees tend to be damp and sappy so a blanket or tarp will help protect your roof. You can also wrap the tree in the tarp or blanket, which will make it easier to carry into your home (and spare you the trail of pine needles up the stairs and across the kitchen). Center the tree and aim the trunk end forward.

How can I sell my Christmas tree?

Here is a quick overall guide on how to get a Christmas tree-selling business going.
  1. Find a Supplier (Tree Farms) To start a Christmas tree business, you need a supplier that can get you trees in bulk.
  2. Pick a Lot.
  3. Get Your Tree Lot Ready.
  4. Market the Heck out of Your Christmas Tree Selling Business.

How do you wrap a Christmas tree for disposal?

Here's the best way to dispose of a real tree in five simple steps.
  1. Step One: Remove ornaments and lights.
  2. Step Two: Wrap the tree in a plastic bag.
  3. Step Three: Wrap up the stump.
  4. Step Four: Put the tree outside for pickup.
  5. Step Five: Clean up.