the staff off the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, received this the other day from a reader its from Texas A&M Forest Services with some ideas on what to do with used Christmas Trees :
Many Americans love the experience of having real Christmas trees in their homes for the holidays. But what many don’t realize is producing real Christmas trees also benefits the environment by sequestering carbon while growing and supporting local businesses and tree farmers.
“Getting outside, selecting that perfect tree, cutting it down, and carrying it home can be a wonderful family tradition,” said Paul Johnson, Texas A&M Forest Service urban and community forestry program leader.
For the month of December, the tree serves its purpose as the pinnacle of Christmas ambiance — providing a fragrant backdrop for parties, a soft glow in the evenings and towering over the festivities on Christmas Day. But now, it’s time to dispose of the tree.
Those who enjoy a real trees can continue to have a positive impact by sustainably disposing of them after the holidays.
Recycling
Real trees are biodegradable, and many communities have tree recycling programs. Check with your local waste management company, a nearby garden center or local conservation organization to find out if Christmas tree recycling via curbside pickup or drop-off is available in your area. Texas A&M Forest Service wildfire safety experts recommend recycling trees rather than burning them to prevent unnecessary wildfire danger.
Mulch
Used Christmas trees may be chipped and turned into mulch that can be used in the yard or around the base of trees and in your garden. Mulch helps prevent soil erosion and compaction.
Pond habitat
If you have a pond or lake on your property, you can place your Christmas tree in the water to serve as shelter and a food source for fish. The weight of the tree will hold it at the bottom of the pond. If you don’t have a pond or lake on your property, contact local officials to see if there is another suitable pond or lake where you can dispose of your tree.
“Live trees can be key for celebrating, and they can continue to provide benefits after the holidays,” Johnson said. “Mulch or fish and wildlife habitat are our favorites.”
Wildlife habitat
You can choose to set your tree out in your yard or on your land to create a habitat for wildlife. Birds can use the tree as shelter. You can tie bird feed, orange slices, popcorn and other treats suitable for birds to the branches. Be sure to remove all ornaments and decorations before placing the tree outside.
Insulate your garden from cold weather
You can cut the limbs off of your Christmas tree and lay them along your garden to insulate the plants in your garden and protect them against the cold and wind.
Tree cookies and coasters
If you can cut the trunk of your tree into tree cookies, you can then use the slices as drink coasters or wood accents in your home. Be sure to choose a sustainable option, like those mentioned above, to dispose of the remaining wood and branches to ensure the whole tree is disposed of sustainably.
Yes that’s the drop off zone at Graydon pool. I drop my tree off there a few days ago great location. But they should have a sign up so more of our fellow residents Cvs. Because some of them are taking trees to recycling yard. All residents should drop the tree off at the drop off zone, not just throw them in the street. Because how did they get them home ,They pick them up right. So why can’t they drop them off like some of us did .There’s no excuse.
Unless they are entitled.
I saw one tree in the lot that was probably from Glen Rock. We can’t let them do that. We need to build a wall.
What , you sound weird.