A HORTICULTURE EXPERT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION IS OFFERING SOME IDEAS ABOUT WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR LIVE CHRISTMAS TREE. 

WHETHER YOU’RE READY TO GET THE TREE OUT OF YOUR HOUSE OR PLAN ON KEEPING IT UP A LITTLE LONGER, THE U OF I EXTENSION’S RICHARD HENTSCHEL SAYS THERE ARE PLENTY OF OPTIONS. MANY COMMUNITIES OFFER CURBSIDE PICK-UP. OR, YOU MAY WANT TO SET UP A BIRD BUFFET.

HENTSCHEL CAUTIONS AGAINST BURNING CHRISTMAS TREE WOOD INSIDE SINCE IT'S FULL OF SAP AND CAN SPARK AND SPLATTER.

ADDITIONALLY, HENTSCHEL SAYS YOU CAN CUT THE BRANCHES OFF AND USE THEM AS MULCH TO PROTECT YOUR PLANTS.