If you live in an area with a lot of hardwood trees, chances are you’ve got some downed ones lying around your property. Such trees can be a hindrance or safety hazard, but you don’t have to dispose of them. Instead, repurpose them.
If you have a tree that’s been cut down by you or a tree services provider and don’t have a use for it, here are some ideas on how to repurpose it.
Display it in your home
The smell of pine needles is wonderful, but you may want to display your tree outside after Christmas. Hang it on your front porch or near an open window to enjoy the smell all year round. You can also plant your tree outside after Christmas as long as there’s room in your yard and if your climate allows.
A live Christmas tree may take some adjusting for those who are used to artificial trees, but it’s worth it for the natural beauty of a live tree and the memories made from cutting one down together as a family each year.
Make a Christmas wreath.
This is an easy way to use your cut tree and preserve it for years. Take the root ball and place it on top of a wreath form. Then, use floral wire or ribbon to secure the tree in place while you weave the rest of the branches through the wreath.
You can hang this wreath on your front door or inside, so that everyone who enters can see what remains of your beautiful holiday display.
Make pine needle tea.
If you have a pine tree, the needles are the most flavorful part. To make pine needle tea, collect whole branches of needles mid-afternoon when they’re still green and fresh. Strip all but the first two rows of needles off each branch, then crush them with your hands or a mortar and pestle.
Put the crushed needles into a heatproof pitcher or container and pour boiling water over them. Let steep for at least 2 hours before straining out the needles and serving.
Use them as firewood.
Not only are trees great for keeping the house warm during winter, but the flames from burning them also add nutrients to the soil around your house. If you have a fireplace, this is an easy solution. Otherwise, use them to build a bonfire in your backyard or at campgrounds where they’re allowed. However, you need to check with local authorities before doing so.
Use as compost or mulch.
The peels of fruit and vegetables make great mulch, which helps keep weeds down, retains moisture, and prevents soil erosion. So why not use the same idea with a cut tree? If you’re lucky enough to get one with plenty of needles still attached, they’ll provide an extra layer of protection for whatever plants you put them around.
If your tree is still fresh enough to keep its needles, lay it on the garden bed and cover it with dirt. If not, or if there’s no room left in your yard, mix the branches into the soil before planting. This will also help prevent transplant shock when planting seeds or seedlings.
Make bird nests for your garden birds.
You can use the branches for a bird’s nest and hang them from trees where birds often nest. The birds will love the added branch cover, and your recycling efforts will be appreciated by both humans and animals alike.
Bottom Line
After hiring tree removal services MD and bringing down a tree, there are plenty of options when it comes to repurposing cut trees. The most popular option is to have them chipped and used as mulch or compost material. But other options are available if you don’t have time to wait for your tree to be chipped.