Q: Is there anything else I can do with my Christmas tree besides leave it curbside for pickup? It seems like it could be more useful. —H.S. Northampton
A: Indeed it can have multiple uses, H.S. The tree may be done offering holiday cheer, but now it can be repurposed for other useful tasks.
One new use is as a wildlife hideaway. You can bring the tree to the edge of your yard and leave it either sideways like a hedge or standing in its tree stand to create a bird hiding spot and shelter.
Another option is to use the branches in garden paths. Snip the smaller branches into small, two-to-four-inch bits and put them in your garden paths. It smells nice while you are snipping and the pieces make a nice soft mulch you will be happy to have come spring. While you are working on the paths, you can also place branches over perennials in your gardens as protection from the snow that will likely be coming our way this month.
Branches can also be used for starting a new compost pile. Cut off whole branches and put them upside down as the bottom layer. Their arched habit will allow a bit of airflow and they will break down over time. Stack the branches a few inches high, about three to six inches works well, for a good base.
Once the branches are cut off with loppers or a small saw, you will be left with the tree trunk. What to do with that? It would make a nice tall pole for vines such as pole beans or morning glories.
You can also recycle the tree by having it chipped by the City of Northampton’s DPW. Their website has information on its holiday tree collection where they will chip the tree for you. As of this writing, this service is scheduled to happen this weekend on Saturday, Jan. 5 and again on Saturday, Jan. 12. Check their website northamptonma.gov/751/solidwaste for more information.
Thank you for thinking sustainably about your holiday tree, H.S., and thanks for asking a local Master Gardener!
Have a gardening dilemma? Please send questions, along with your name/initials and community, to the Western Massachusetts Master Gardener Association at AskAMasterGardener@wmmga.org. One question will be selected and answered per week.
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