THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS EXTENSION OFFICE IS OFFERING SOME IDEAS ABOUT WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE AFTER THE HOLIDAYS. 

IF YOU DON’T HAVE A TREE PICK UP PROGRAM IN YOUR AREA, TRY TO RECYCLE IT SAYS EXTENSION EDUCATOR KATIE PARKER.

MANY COMMUNITIES HAVE A TREE PICK UP OR RECYCLING PROGRAM SO THAT’S ALWAYS AN EASY SOLUTION SAYS THE EXTENSION’S KATIE PARKER. WHAT ABOUT USING IT AS FIREWOOD?

PARKER SAYS THE PINE NEEDLES AND BOUGHS CAN BE USED AS MULCH OR TO PROTECT PLANTS. THE WHOLE TREE CAN BE LEFT OUTSIDE AND ADORNED WITH BIRD FEEDERS OR YOU CAN CUT UP THE TRUNK AND USE THE PIECES FOR TRIVETS, COASTERS, GARDEN EDGING AND MORE.