Green Thumb Tuesday: Taking out the Christmas Tree

When the holiday season is over, Christmas trees do not have to end up in the trash. There are several environmentally friendly alternatives.

• A tree can be out in the back yard where birds and small animals can use it for shelter. Strings of popcorn, gingerbread men or cranberries can be left on the tree to provide food for birds and small animals. Make sure all tinsel and decorations have been removed from the tree.
• Many municipalities have chipping programs. Trees are chipped and used as mulch in parks or citizens take the mulch home. Needles from the tree can also be used in potpourri.
• After Christmas, the tree may also be used to protect pansies and perennials in your garden. Remove all tinsel and ornaments, cut the branches from the trunk and place them in the garden on top of your pansies or perennial plants. The needles will drop into the soil over the winter and can be turned into the soil in the spring, adding organic material.

Today's picture is from WPC Regional Specialist Kathy Trent's garden. She took branches from the lower truck of the tree and put them on her pansies for protection.

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