Once the ornaments are packed away and the holidays come to a close, one big question remains: what should you do with your live Christmas tree? Instead of dragging it to the curb or letting it dry out in the backyard, there are several smart, eco-friendly options to consider. Here are some great ideas - and an easy solution if you’d rather not deal with it at all.
1. Recycle It Through Your City Program
Many cities offer Christmas tree recycling or curbside pickup shortly after the holidays. Trees are typically chipped into mulch and reused for public landscaping or erosion control.
Before recycling:
- Remove all ornaments, lights, and tinsel
- Make sure there’s no flocking, paint, or artificial snow
Check out the city’s website for drop-off locations this program is time sensitive.
2. Turn It into Mulch for Your Yard
If you’re handy (and have the tools), your tree can become free mulch for your garden.
Ways to reuse it:
- Chip the branches into mulch for flower beds
- Lay branches around plants for frost protection
- Use needles as natural weed control
This option is great for gardeners, but it can be time-consuming - and messy.
3. Add It to a Compost Pile
Live Christmas trees are biodegradable and can be composted if cut into smaller pieces.
Best practices:
- Remove all non-organic materials
- Chop branches and trunk into manageable sizes
- Mix with “green” materials like food scraps to balance the compost
This is a slower option, but very eco-friendly.
4. Repurpose It for Wildlife
In some areas, trees can be reused to create habitats for birds, fish, or other wildlife.
Examples include:
- Backyard bird shelters
- Erosion barriers for lakes or ponds (where permitted)
- Natural hiding spots for small animals
Always check local regulations before placing trees in natural areas.
5. Let Junk King Take Care of It for You
If you don’t have the time, tools, or desire to deal with your tree, this is the easiest solution.
When you call Junk King, we:
- Handle all the lifting and hauling
- Offer same-day or next-day service, 7 days a week
- Recycle and responsibly dispose of your live Christmas tree whenever possible
- Treat you - and your home - like royalty
No needles in your car. No mess in your yard. Just one quick call and it’s gone.
A Fresh Start for the New Year
Your Christmas tree brought joy all season long - now it’s time to send it off the right way. Whether you recycle it, reuse it, or let Junk King handle it from start to finish, choosing a responsible option helps your home and the environment.
Ready to reclaim your space?
Call Junk King today and let us take your Christmas tree off your hands - quickly, professionally, and responsibly.
Q&A
Q: How do you dispose of a live Christmas tree after the holidays?
A: Live Christmas trees can be recycled through city programs, mulched, composted, or removed by a professional junk removal service like Junk King, which prioritizes recycling and responsible disposal.
