Christmas is getting so close! We always get a fresh Christmas tree every year. I love the smell, and the look, but I like to make sure were using that tree to its fullest capacity, so I’m always trying to come up with ways to reuse your old Christmas tree, here are 7 of my favorites.
You might think that throwing out on the curb for trash pick up is your only option, but the truth is, there are so many other cool things you can do with an old Christmas tree! If you are unsure where to begin, take a peek below at 7 ways to reuse your old Christmas tree. Even if you are not crafty, you will still find these easy to implement ideas are a great way to give your tree a new life.
I came up with 7 ideas, I’d love to challenge you to come up with a few more!
7 Ways to Reuse Your Old Christmas Tree
1. Make your own swags.
Cut off the branches and use them to make your own outdoor swags. You can easily group the branches together and tie them with wire and ribbon. Hang them from fencing, porch posts, or other outdoor items to keep your home looking seasonal all winter long.
2. Create a bird haven.
Move the tree out to the yard where birds will adore hanging out in it. You can keep it in the stand or simply lean it up against a sturdy surface. Place seed nearby and some simple building materials such as straw or scrap fabric and in no time the birds will move in. This is a great way to help out your feather friends during the cold months! More tips on attracting winter birds.
3. Craft up some coasters.
You can make your own coasters from the trunk of your tree in no time. Simply saw the trunk off in discs, sand them smooth with some sandpaper, and paint or stain the pieces. The finished product is some easy and inexpensive coasters perfect for holding your beverages.
4. Keep it for kindling.
Pine is great for kindling and giving your bon fires a boost. Chop your tree up and bundle the wood up to use as kindling later. Even if you can’t use it for awhile, it will be nice to have on hand for when you can! Use pine just for your outdoor fires, as the sap can pop and become quite flammable. Because of this, it is not ideal for indoor fires.
5. Make your own mulch.
Pine needles make excellent and FREE mulch. Place the pine needles and branches over your flower beds and around tree bases to keep them protected during the cool months. Simply wear some heavy and protective gloves, pull the needles off, and start laying them down. Nothing beats free, especially when mulch can run as much as $5 a bag.
6. Create a natural border.
Your tree trunk can also be used to create a natural border around your flower beds. Simply cut the trunk into discs as you did with the coasters, but instead place them around flower beds and gardens. There is no need to sand them or finish them, just place them on the ground as is.
7. Recycle it.
You might be tempted in the end to just trash your tree, but call and check if your city has a recycling program first. This is a great way to make sure your tree will get a new life, even if you don’t have the time to try any of the projects listed above.
Don’t let the end of the Christmas season mean it is the end of your tree. Give these tips a try and see how easy it is to reuse your tree in ways that are so fun and frugal. You might be surprised at just how easy it can be.