WAYS CHRISTMAS TREES ARE REUSED AFTER THE HOLIDAYS:
• Underwater Ecosystems – The branches of dead spruces, firs, and pines provide a hiding place from predators and attract food for fish to nibble on in artificial reefs.
• Sand Dunes – Recycled Christmas trees are laid out on beaches and held in place between parallel fences. The sand blows over and … voila! Big sand hill.
• Zoo Fun – Zebras munch on the needles, squirrel monkeys swing from branch-to-branch, and otters play games of ‘smell-and-seek’ with treats hidden in the recycled trees by zookeepers.
• Marshland Restoration – Recycled trees are used to stuff pre-built wooden pens surrounding vulnerable coastal wetlands. The shoreline behind the barricade is thus better protected.
• Energy Source – Trees get fed to a wood chipper, and part of the mulch that comes out is sent to power plants for incineration. Each tree is transformed into about 36¢-worth of energy.
• Hiking Trails – The mulch used to cushion many forest trails is made from old Christmas trees. One advantage is the mulch doesn’t have any invasive species or seeds.
• Gardens – Plenty of municipalities pulverize discarded Christmas trees for use in parks and public spaces. Some allow residents to pick up free mulch for use on private property.
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