Released: December 17, 2001

Tips for Christmas Tree Disposal

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Once the shreds of wrapping paper have been discarded and the left-overs of holiday feasts have been consumed, the focus turns to getting rid of the Christmas tree.

The life span of a fresh tree varies depending on room temperatures, water availability and species, said Charles Barden, Kansas State University Research and Extension forester.

"We strongly suggest not to keep Christmas trees longer than three weeks,"said Bill Loucks, Kansas Forest Service conservation forester. "They will simply dry out in time. If people still have trees after the first of the year, they’re asking for trouble."

The proper way to dispose of Christmas trees varies by community. Since trees are biodegradable and recyclable, there are many options for extending the use of trees, he said.

"The alternative to reusing the tree involves sending it to the dump to take up precious space," Loucks said.

Chipping Program

Many cities organize a curbside pickup to collect Christmas trees to run through a chipper. Wood chips can be used for mulch or ground cover in parks or private residences.

For example, Caroline Hofford, an environmental trainer in Sedgewick County, said the "Spread Christmas Cheer" mulching program will run Dec. 22 to Jan 23. In Wichita and nine other Sedgewick County sites, the program will transform the trees into wood chips.

"People are becoming more aware and conscious as far as disposal of items," Hofford said. "They can see the immediate results as they stand and watch their tree be made into a useful product."

Wildlife Habitat

Creative conservation practices can benefit from the seasonal decorations. In some state park areas near lakes and reservoir, the trees are sunk to become fish habitat.

"At the designated collection sites, there are a mountain of trees by January," Barden said. "The local offices can be contacted to determine if such programs are offered in specific areas."

Additional options allow for the tree to be moved outside to become songbird habitat. Peanut butter-packed pine cones and suet can be hung from the branches to entice and feed birds through the winter.

"The dense trees provide some shelter for the birds as they make their way to the feeder," Barden said. "I usually tie it to the deck to watch the activity close to the house."

However, with this method the tree will still be a problem when spring comes, especially when chipping programs shut down.

Protection for Plants

Aside from city programs, "there are still a couple of things people can do themselves to extend the use of trees to other hobbies," Barden said.

The branches can be clipped and laid around plants to provide extra protection from the winter conditions. The trunk can be dried for a few weeks and burned in a supervised wood stove or fireplace.

"Most evergreens will sparkle a bit," Barden said. "So, it can be enjoyable to hear and watch with the pitch popping."

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Lucas Shivers, Communications Assistant
lshivers@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News