There’s nothing that says Christmas like the scent of a fir or pine tree. That’s why lots of us opt to get a real tree to decorate each year for Christmas. Getting a fake tree just isn’t the same.
Lots of Christmas trees are harvested from local farms and can help boost the local economy. But the downside to having a cut Christmas tree is the fact that you have to discard it after the season is over.
Most of us recycle or dispose of our trees according to local ordinances. But you there are ways to repurpose your Christmas tree and get the most out of it. It can help protect your outdoor plants in the winter and be turned into all sorts of awesome crafts. First, you’ll want to check this article out for more information on how to prepare your tree for repurposing.
Here are 30 ways to reuse and recycle your Christmas tree:
1) Bird Sanctuary and Feeder
Your Christmas tree can become a late holiday gift to the birds. You can turn it into a sanctuary and bird feeder. Learn how
here.
Christmas trees can be used to restore sand dunes on the beach. Their branches are good at trapping sand and giving structure to your sand dune. You can use your tree to create or restore sand dunes on your own private beach or check with local municipalities of beach towns to see if they could use your tree.
3) Make Wood Chips or Compost
Could your yard use a little sprucing? Make it look nice with some wood chips. Just toss your Christmas tree in a wood chipper to make wood chips. You can also compost your tree.
Your Christmas tree can make a nice fish shelter. You can toss your tree into your private pond or lake. Your fish will love to hide in the branches. You can also check with your town officials to see if you can toss your tree in a local body of water for the fish.
Use your Christmas tree to make a pathway or trail. Learn how to use the Christmas tree and other tree slices as stepping stones
here. You can also turn your tree into some logs to outline a path.
Cut your tree into slices. Give them a nice coating so that they won’t rot or get eaten up by bugs. Then paint and drill a hole in the top to turn them into ornaments.
Who doesn’t want to be cozy by a fire during the winter? You can use your Christmas tree as firewood. But Christmas trees can give off creosote and their needle can spark and burn up quickly. So, you’ll want to only use your tree for outdoor fires.
Use your Christmas tree to protect your perennials. Cut off the boughs and lay them over your perennial beds. This will protect them from snow and frost heaving.
Cut your tree into slices. Sand them until they are smooth then give them a coating or just make sure that they won’t rot or attract bugs on you. Use your Christmas tree slices as coasters. You can also burn images into them.
Your Christmas tree can be used to make edging for your flower beds or walkways. Just slice your tree trunk into 2-inch slices or make longer pieces and halve them. Push your slices into the soil next to one another.
11) Support Your House Plants
Use your Christmas tree to support your house plants. Just cut off your tree branches. Use them to prop up and support your droopy house plants.
Make a fun little hideout for the animals in that roam your property. Cut off the top two feet of your tree and leave it in your yard. You can also drill holes into it and fill them with birdseed. It will serve as a play and snacking ground for your squirrels, birds, and rabbits.
You can turn your tree into a winter wreath. You just need your tree branches and a wire hanger. Learn how to make one
here.
14) Let the Cats Have At It
Your cat has been eyeing your tree all season long. You may have even had to guard your Christmas tree from your cat. Take off the ornaments and let them have at it. You can learn how to construct a cat tree from a real tree
here.
Turn your Christmas tree into a musical instrument. It can be crafted into a digeridoo. Learn how to make one
here.
Use your Christmas tree to make a variety of hooks. Use them to hold a roll of toilet paper or other lightweight items. Just slice up your tree and drill holes into it.
Turn your Christmas tree into a house for fairies. Construct your house with tree twigs and slices. Then decorate to look whimsical.
Your Christmas shelf can also be used to make shelf brackets. Just cut your branches properly and screw it to the shelf and wall. Learn how to make one
here.
You can also make a smaller bird feeder. Chop your logs up and drill holes into it. Stuff your holes with seed or suet. Learn how to make these
here.
Turn your tree into some Christmas decorations for next year. Make little Christmas gnomes out of your twigs. Learn how
here.
Use your logs to create a similar designs. Turn them into Santas or snowmen. Learn how
here.
You can also make a wood slice wreath with your Christmas tree. Cut into slices and glue together. Learn how to make one
here.
Cut up all your branches into slices. Glue them together to create letters. You’ll probably have enought to make a whole word.
24) Candle Stick Holder Centerpiece
You can also use your Christmas tree to make a nice table centerpiece. Let your tree branches serve as candle holders. Place little slices on top or pieces of metal to catch your candle wax.
You can also make a log style tea light holder. Just drill some holes for your tea lights. Learn how to make these
here.
You can also make a banner out of wood slices. Just drill holes and run string through it. Learn more
here.
Use your tree branches to make buttons. You can cut your branches long ways or into slices. Learn how
here.
Christmas tree branches can also be fashioned into jewelery. Just just your branch into slices and drill holes to turn your slices into earrings or necklaces. You can Mod Podge designs onto it or burn designs into the wood.
Remember Lincolin Log? You can use your Christmas tree wood to make your own. Learn how
here.
Turn your Christmas tree into a wall sculpture. Use wood slices to create a piece of wall art. Check out more designs
here.
