Each year, Michiganders purchase millions of live Christmas trees. And when the holidays are over many people wonder if there are beneficial uses for their trees rather than sending them to a landfill.
In a news release, the Department of Natural Resources answers this question and says yes. There are many ways that your old Christmas trees can keep on giving as habitat. But officials say it’s important to think carefully about the best way to do so.
Michigan DNR officials say many trees are classified as softwoods, like balsam or Douglas fir, and they are often too dense for many fish to use as a habitat. So instead of sinking your tree in a lake for fish habitat, the DNR encourages other alternatives, like creating a brush pile on your property to provide habitat; wildlife may use it for nesting or as a food source.
Just make sure that the tree is pesticide-free and that you’ve removed all of the ornaments and other decorations. DNR officials say you could also cut the tree into mulch and use it for garden pots or landscaping or give the tree to a friend who has chickens or goats. Chickens can roost on trees and goats love to chew on them.
And finally, a likely popular option is recycling your tree through your municipality. Check your location for designated drop off spots.