Given all the planning and decorating that goes into Christmas, it’s hard to believe that the festivities are already over. While many of us still have decorations up, the dreaded chore of getting rid of the tree cannot be ignored forever.
But rather than taking it to the tip, why not look to a more sustainable or creative way to use this tree?
Here is a list of 10 better ways you can recycle your tree, use it in the garden, or even make some rustic items for your home.
1. Recycle it
Most local governments in Australia, including the City of Sydney and City of Melbourne, are still running the pickups throughout January and can be booked online.
Brisbane residents also have the option of contacting Real Christmas Trees to arrange a pickup service, available for a fee.
The McRobies Gully Waste Management Centre offers Hobart locals a dumping ground for their trees to be turned into mulch, for a fee.
In Darwin, trees can be dropped at the Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility, though it may be best to call first.
For other areas, check with your council, local tip or waste centre.
2. Get free mulch
If your own backyard is in need of a little TLC, hiring a chipper to make your own mulch is a great way to freshen up your garden.
mulch
3. Give the birds a feeder
Although the tree may be beyond saving, using it to feed birds is a great way to bring it back to life in nature. Hallow out some of the trunk, fill it with seed, hang it from a tree and voilà!
4. Build a garden bed border
Semi-circle pieces of wood can be perfect to line your garden beds. Simply cut the tree trunk in slices and cut the slices in half to give you all the materials you need to jazz up your garden.
gardenborder
5. Make coasters
Who knew that wood slices from an old Christmas tree could be so useful? We love these floral printed coasters which can easily be made from the trunk.
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6. Craft a photo frame
Do you have photos sitting in boxes under the bed? Rustic photo frames are a great way to display some of your favourite pictures, and the best part is that they can be made from scrap Christmas tree wood.
photoframe
7. Make a unique noticeboard
If your house needs a little bit of personality, country style decorative boards are easy to make and look great next to a vase of flowers.
wordboard
8. Create Christmas ornaments
They say that it’s never too early to start planning for next Christmas. Just like coasters, wood slices can be decorated with seasonal patterns and stored away to be hung on next year’s tree.
9. Design natural candle holders
We think these candle holders look amazing! Who would have thought such style can come from a dead tree?
10. Create potpourri
Pine needles from the tree are perfect to make potpourri, to use decoratively around the house or as a table centerpiece. They can also be great in lavender bags to place in drawers for a clean pine scent.
potpourri