It's Water-Wise Wednesdays with Frannie the Fish! {Christmas Trees Everywhere}

Christmas is past and it’s time to start thinking about putting away the decorations. There are boxes and bags for all of Frannie’s ornaments and strings of lights, but what about the Christmas tree?

Don’t worry Frannie! Real Christmas Trees are biodegradable, which means they can be re-purposed into other natural products very easily.  Christmas trees can add a lot to our environment in ways you might not expect. Check out these unique ways you can re-purpose your Christmas tree!

1) Mulch. Ok, this is an easy one. Many communities and businesses may have a drop off site where you can take your Christmas tree or some kind of tree pick-up service.  Mulching your garden with your old tree will help you save water and money in the summer months ahead.  If your city or county Parks departments have a drop off site for trees, then they might be using the mulch as a natural, renewable trail-lining material that works well for the environment and hikers.

2) Bird Feeders. String up popcorn and fresh orange slices and prop up your old Christmas tree outside. Winter is an especially hard time for birds to find food, so take this opportunity to turn your backyard into a bird sanctuary.

3) Fish Feeders and Refuge. Does a local lake have a drop off site for old Christmas trees? You might not realize it, but they could be throwing your old tree into the lake.  The densely needled branches provide shelter, a safe feeding area, and even food for the fish.

4) Soil Erosion Barriers. The heavy logs are a natural and renewable material that make an excellent foundation for deteriorating lake and river shores.

5) Zoo Animal Enrichment. Re-gift your Christmas tree to your local zoo! Zookeepers are always looking for new ways to make the animal enclosures more interesting for their occupants. The animals can climb, hide in, feed from, or destroy the trees, providing them with physical and mental exercise.

To learn more about how Christmas trees are reused or recycled in your community, reach out to your local zoo, parks department, or arboretum. Share what you find with us on our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram pages!

Happy Holidays!