Reduce Your Impact: Extend the Life of your Christmas Tree

Traditionally, the Christmas tree is prized for its fullness, shape and height. However, choosing the right tree is not just about its looks. In fact, it’s important to also consider the environmental impact of the tree you choose.

This year, if you have not yet purchased your Christmas tree, we hope to inspire you to learn the real cost of a tree with Tree Canada’s infographic.

Depending on which type of tree you choose – or already have – we have a few suggestions on how to extend the life of your tree to minimize its environmental impact.

Real Trees: Tips to Repurpose Them After the Holidays

Whenever you choose to take down your tree, there are many ways to extend its life. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Make it into mulch: Mulch is an excellent fertilizer to use around shrubs or trees because it preserves soil moisture, moderates soil temperature, and releases nutrients as it decomposes. If you want to take it a step further, you could also offer to mulch your neighbours’ trees as well!
• Create a wildlife sanctuary: Once you’ve removed all the ornaments and lights, leave your tree outside to attract birds and other small animals to offer them shelter.
• Beautify recreation spaces: Some neighbourhood groups or municipalities will collect old Christmas trees to enhance a skating rink or walking trail. Do some research in your community to see if you can donate your tree to help an organization beautify their outdoor recreation space!
• Recycle: Most municipalities will have a designated collection day for Christmas trees. If you’re unable to make use of your tree in one of the ways listed above, be sure to put it out for collection on that day so that it can be appropriately composted with other yard trimmings.

Artificial Trees: Avoiding the Landfill

Unfortunately, artificial Christmas trees cannot be recycled. So, if you already have one in your home, here are two things you can do to help prevent them from reaching the landfill:

• Reuse: Give your artificial tree a long life and reuse it for as long as you can! The longer you’re able to make use of the tree, the smaller your impact gets with each passing year.
• Donate: If you are ready to part ways with your tree, be sure to donate or gift it to someone in need so that it can be reused for years to come.

More Ways to Go Green this Holiday

Choosing the right Christmas tree for you and the planet is just one way that you can start to lower your environmental impact this holiday season. If you’re looking for other ways to be eco-friendly at this time of year, read “Five Ways to Gift Green this Holiday Season”.