Top 5 Christmas Tree Tips

December 2, 2011

Author: Trudi Holden

It is estimated that 30 million real Christmas trees are sold each year – filling homes across the world with the memorable scent of Christmas (and plenty of pine to clean up!) But what happens to your tree after Christmas?

Here are a couple of tips to cut down on tree wastage, whilst adding a truly original touch to your Christmas:

Make your own Christmas tree
Christmas trees aren’t always made from traditional fir trees. Why not decorate trees in your garden with outdoor fairy lights and decorations? Or even better, how about getting the neighbours out on the street for mulled wine and decorate the outside of your houses together.

Feeling a bit more creative? Check out some of Eden Project’s ideas on how to make your own tree out of old tree branches.

Rent a Christmas tree
If it just doesn’t feel like Christmas without a traditional fir tree several companies, including The Little Tree Company, now offer Christmas trees for hire. You choose the size and variety, and they’ll deliver to your door. Once you’ve finished with the tree, they’ll come and pick it up – and plant it out in woodland, where it provides a habitat for wildlife, as well absorbing carbon dioxide.

Share your Christmas tree
Cut down on tree wastage and make some new friends by sharing your Christmas tree. Simply moving your tree from your lounge into your garden or street can help make your whole community join in with the festive fun! There may be people in your neighbourhood who don’t have a tree of their own. Maybe they live in the top flat and can’t carry it, or perhaps they can’t get out of the house to buy one. This is the perfect time of year to pop over for a cup of tea and see if your neighbours need help to make the festive season special!

Plant out your Christmas tree
If you’ve already bought a live, potted Christmas tree with roots you could try planting it out in the garden after Christmas. Get tips on looking after and planting a living Christmas tree, from Wikihow

Recycle your Christmas tree
This year make sure your tree gets properly recycled. It’s a sad sight on Twelfth Night when city streets are strewn with discarded Christmas trees for the bin men to pick up – because when organic matter ends up in landfill, its rich nutrients are no use to anyone. Instead, recycle your tree either by leaving it out for your local green waste collection or by taking it to a nearby waste disposal site. Find out about your local recycling services at Directgov