As the holiday season comes to an end and the ornaments are carefully packed away, many households face the dilemma of what to do with their once-lively Christmas trees and greenery. Instead of contributing to the growing pile of post-holiday waste, consider the numerous benefits of repurposing these natural decorations. 

Embracing sustainable practices not only helps the environment but also provides an opportunity to extend the joy of the season in creative and meaningful ways, experts say. 

Environmental Impact
One of the most compelling reasons to repurpose live Christmas trees is to minimize environmental impact. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, approximately 25-30 million live Christmas trees are sold in the United States each year. 

 When these trees are discarded, they often end up in landfills, where they decompose and produce methane gas, a potent greenhouse gas. By finding alternative uses for these trees, we can reduce the environmental footprint associated with their disposal. 

 Mulching Magic
One of the most practical and eco-friendly ways to repurpose a Christmas tree is through mulching. Many communities offer tree recycling programs that turn discarded trees into nutrient-rich mulch. This mulch can be used to enhance soil quality in parks, gardens, and public spaces, providing a sustainable solution that benefits the local environment. 

 Stephen Brueggerhoff, Galveston County extension agent, horticulture, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, said discarded live Christmas trees can be placed into a chipper/shredder and used directly in the landscape as mulch. 

 “The freshly chipped material is called arborist mulch, and is made up of bark, wood, and leaves. The textural diversity of this mixed material provides resistance to compaction and decomposes at different rates,” Brueggerhoff said. 

 

 Some of the many advantages of utilizing arborist or aged mulch include weed control, moisture retention, erosion reduction, and that the nutrients release gradually into the soil through decomposition, he added.

 “And, arborist or aged mulch can be used on landscapes with ornamental or vegetable plantings.” 

If that’s not enough incentive, “there is a bit of cost saving using recycled green waste rather than supplementing with mulch purchased from local retail outlets.” 

Habitat Havens
Another environmentally conscious option is to repurpose Christmas trees to create habitats for wildlife. Stripped of their ornaments and tinsel, these trees can be strategically placed in parks or natural areas to provide shelter for birds and other small animals. 

 Over time, the decomposing tree serves as a natural habitat and contributes to the biodiversity of the ecosystem. 

 DIY Decor
Repurposing Christmas greenery doesn’t have to stop at the tree. Consider transforming wreaths, garlands, and other decorations into DIY projects. Get creative with crafting and turn these festive remnants into unique home decor items, such as potpourri, fragrant sachets, or even handmade ornaments for next year. 

 Brueggerhoff suggests cutting Christmas tree trunks into “tree cookies” - half-inch thick medallions that can be decorated and used as an ornament or beverage coaster. 

“Tree cookies can also be used for education, having your child estimate the age of a tree and inviting discussion about the benefits of trees in the landscape,” he said. “Evergreen branches can be cut and woven into a wreath or create a unique garland for the fireplace mantel and embellish with dried pinecones. You can also make a pinecone bird feeder with your little one. Slather the pinecone with peanut butter or suet, roll it in some birdseed placed on a paper plate until well covered, then hang it by a sturdy string in a tree for a food source.” 

Natural Healing
Cedar has diverse applications in natural healing practices, spanning traditional medicine, aromatherapy, and herbalism. Various types of cedar, including cedarwood, are harnessed for their potential health benefits. 

 Extracted from cedar trees, cedarwood essential oil is a popular choice in aromatherapy, believed to impart calming and grounding effects. It is commonly used in diffusers, massage oils, or added to bathwater. 

 Cedarwood oil is sometimes employed to bolster respiratory health. Whether inhaled through steam inhalation or diffused, it is utilized to ease congestion and facilitate smoother breathing.

 Recognized also for its potential antimicrobial properties, cedarwood essential oil is applied topically to address skin concerns like acne, eczema, or fungal infections. Typically, it is diluted with a carrier oil before skin application. Some natural health practitioners propose that cedarwood may exhibit anti-inflammatory properties too, making it suitable for topical application or aromatherapy to address inflammatory conditions. 

 And cedarwood is often linked with stress reduction and relaxation. Aromatherapy utilizing cedarwood essential oil is a common method to establish a tranquil environment. Certified herbalist Amy Coward said she grew up with the wonderful scent of cedar being an integral part of the holiday season, and she loves to keep the good holiday vibes going for months afterward. 

 “My mamaw and papaw Crenshaw always had a cedar tree for a Christmas tree. The smell of cedar brings warm memories to mind,” said Howard, who lives in the Texas Hill Country but heads south to Galveston with her husband as often as possible. 

 “Mike and I love Galveston and stay at the Galvestonian when there. I adore the history of the town and its old homes.” 

 Similar to pine, Coward said cedar has citrusy overtones and is high in vitamin C - but a word of caution: it’s important to note that while cedar is generally considered safe for many people, individual responses can differ, said Coward, a registered nurse. 

 “I love the medicinal properties of cedar and pine. I love using cedar for medicine after enjoying it as greenery for decoration,” Coward said. “Two of my favorite ways to use cedar are as an infused oil and as invigorating bath salts.” 

 As the holiday season concludes, let’s extend the spirit of giving and gratitude to the environment. Repurposing live Christmas trees and greenery is a simple yet impactful way to contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. By embracing these practices, we not only reduce waste but also create opportunities for community engagement, wildlife preservation, and creative expression that goes beyond the festive season. 

 So, before you bid farewell to your Christmas decorations, consider the many ways you can continue to spread joy and goodwill through thoughtful and sustainable actions.