How to reuse your Christmas tree!
SALISBURY, Md. — Christmas may be over, and your tree could be nearing its last days, but before you toss it, consider how you can reuse it. WMDT visited Nichols Farm as they wrap up the Christmas tree season and gathered some ideas on how to recycle your tree.
Local hunter George Stoll encourages recycling, saying, “I encourage people to recycle the Christmas trees, not just have them ground up, because that, although good for the environment, doesn’t really serve a full purpose.”
Before discarding your tree, think of the animals that might benefit from it.
Nichols Farm laborer Bill Jones said, “We really believe in nature and the birds and wildlife we have. We enjoy the habitat, the scenery, and watching the animals and the birds.”
Whether used for mulch, a wildlife habitat in the yard, or for firewood, local farmers say there are many ways to recycle your Christmas tree.
Jones shared a creative example: “What we’ve made is a birdhouse out of recycled parts of a Christmas tree. It’s not your typical birdhouse. It’s something that inspires you to think, ‘I can do something with this.'”
If you’re looking for a way to use up cooking grease from the holidays, Nichols Farm laborer Jace Chance has a tip.
“I’ve seen people do it right out of a Crisco can — smear it on the tree, then put seeds on it. The seed actually sticks to the cooled grease better than hot grease,” Chance said.
The birds love the treat, and they’re sure to appreciate their newly spruced-up home.
Stoll also noted that “a brush pile is a sanctuary for these animals, whether it’s Christmas trees, tree limbs, or anything they can hide in.”
You can also use pine needles to mulch plants, helping them retain moisture and protect them from cold, windy weather.
Nichols Farm owner and laborer Bruce Nichols explained, “The vegetation will actually grow twice as fast when it’s protected. It’s all about harnessing carbon — it’s just a great thing for the environment.”
Nichols also suggested checking with neighbors who have farm animals to see if they would like the trees for enrichment or food.
