There’s nothing like the smell of a real tree during the holidays, and for a lot of us, it’s not Christmas without one. In fact, in the US, around 22 million trees are purchased every year (“Christmas Tree Purchases By The Numbers”). But what do you do with your tree once the holidays are over? Good news, there are many great ways to recycle Your Christmas tree in Tennessee.

Check out some solutions that keep them off our roadways and prevent them from doing more harm than good.

1. Replant Your Tree

One of the newest trends is buying a Christmas tree with roots attached. Several Christmas tree farms in Tennessee, as well as many big box stores, offer this option, allowing you to plant it after Christmas and watch it grow for many years to come. (“The 9 Best Christmas Tree Farms in Tennessee!“)

2. Have It Picked Up

In many city and suburban areas, Christmas trees are collected from curbside. Usually, during the first 2 weeks in January, your tree can picked up by a solid waste management company or county brush pickup. It will be turned into mulch or recycled in other ways by your city or county.

Before setting your tree out for pick up, be sure to remove all lights, wire, tinsel, ornaments, nails, stands, other non-organic decorative materials and anything else that is not part of the original tree. Flocked trees are usually accepted, but artificial trees are not. Large trees (over 7 ft) may need to be cut in half to be acceptable for disposal. Check here or with your local resources to find out more. (Tennessee: Where and How to Recycle Your Christmas Tree After the Holidays January 2022)

3. Donate Your Tree

If your area doesn’t offer curbside pickup, consider bringing your tree to a local recycling or mulching center (check our handy recycling guide for more info). Many communities chip trees and turn them into mulch, which is often made available and free to city or county residents.

Another great option is to donate it to your local zoo or wildlife center. Be sure to call ahead and ask if they can use it. Some animals, like giraffes, zebras, and goats, consider Christmas trees a tasty treat. Additionally, bears and large cats enjoy playing with them. This is a wonderful way to reuse your tree and give it a second life.

4. Create a Wildlife Shelter

If you have room at your own house, your old tree can be turned into a shelter for small animals and birds or even fish. Stand your tree or a few of the larger branches in your backyard as a home or feeder for birds, or you can sink pieces of your tree into a backyard pond as a refuge and feeding area for fish. Pine and other evergreen trees break down quickly, so it’s a great way to dispose of your tree responsibly.

5. Get Crafty

You can make a bird feeder from the stump or branches. Branches can also be used for potpourri. Just mix them with cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices and cranberries for a festive smell around your home. Thin slices of the trunk can be cut and turned into coasters or ornaments. They would make great gifts or décor for next Christmas!

What to Avoid

DON’T drop your trees off at landfills or dumpsites. There are so many other ways to dispose of them, and taking trees to landfills creates more harm than good.

Also, refrain from burning your tree in your fireplace as a way to dispose of it. Evergreen’s flammable oils will coat your chimney with creosote and increase your risk of a fire. Burning it outside also sends the tree’s carbon back into the atmosphere, so it’s best to avoid burning it all together.

Recycle Your Christmas Tree in Tennessee

By recycling your Christmas tree in Tennessee, you help reduce waste and contribute to keeping our state clean and green. Whether you choose to plant it, donate it, or use it for crafting, there are plenty of ways to give your tree a second life after the holiday season.

Remember: Don’t let your tree become roadside trash. Recycle your Christmas tree in Tennessee and make a lasting positive impact on the environment!

However you get rid of your Christmas tree, TDOT encourages you to dispose of it safely and sustainably after the holidays!