Each year millions of live Christmas trees are sold across the United States. The question of what to do with the trees after the holiday season is over remains a conundrum for many. Plus, recycling your live Christmas tree isn’t just about being environmentally friendly. It’s especially important to consider safe recycling and disposal in L.A. County due to the higher risk of fire hazards in the area during fire season.
L.A. County Christmas Tree Recycling Program
The L.A. County Sanitation Districts offer free Christmas tree recycling for all L.A. residents. Simply cut up your tree and place it in a green waste container. If you’re unable to cut up your tree, bring it to one of the drop-off sites operated by the City. For more information on L.A. County’s Christmas Tree Recycling program, call 1-888-CleanLA (1-888-253-2652) or visit their website here.
Professional Christmas Tree Removal
If you need a little extra help taking down your Christmas tree, you can always call a professional. California Christmas Tree Recycling will come into your home, remove the water, remove the tree, and vacuum inside starting at only $30. Plus, they donate funds for planting a new tree in the local area for every tree they recycle.
DIY Recycling
However, if you’d rather go the do-it-yourself route, then try one of these home-friendly recycling methods. Remember, don’t burn your tree! It’s still too fresh and moist to burn, and it could be quite dangerous if you try to do so. Try one of these other safer methods for recycling at home.
- Make mulch
- Once your tree is dry, the branches may be removed, chipped up, and used as mulch in the garden.
- Insulate your garden
- Protect your garden from sharp temperature changes by insulating your plants with branches cut from the tree. It’s a great way to keep your garden healthy by using what you already have at hand.
- Create a bird sanctuary
- If you’re blessed to have a backyard, prop up the tree in a spot where it can become a haven for wildlife. Birds can nest and rest in its branches.
- Sink it in a pond
- If you have a pond or other small body of water on your property, you can sink the tree into the water. It will create a nice habitat for fish and other aquatic creatures. You can also check with local officials and see if you can drop your tree in a nearby lake or pond.
- Make air fresheners
- If the needles are still fresh, strip them and place them in small cloth or paper bags to use as air fresheners. The needles will keep their scent for months and make your home smell fresh long after Christmas is over.
- Make a pine-scented cleaning spray
- Simply chop up a few branches of pine needles and put them in an airtight jar. Add a couple cups of vinegar and set it in a sunny place for about a week. The vinegar will extract the oils and antibacterial properties of the pine. Then, add a shot of vodka or rubbing alcohol, and strain the liquid through a coffee filter into a spray bottle. Use it to clean around your home.