5 Creative Ideas to Recycle Your Old Christmas Tree

Courtesy Nancy Tully/Country magazine

Now that Christmas is over, you are probably ready to take down the decorations from your Christmas tree and haul it out to the curb for a trip to the nearest landfill.  But, what if you could recycle your tree and get some extra use out of it?

I’ve spent time searching for some fun and creative ways to use your old Christmas tree.  Here are a few of my favorites along with links so you can do them yourself.

1. Pine Needle Sachets

Preserve the scents of Christmas by making fragrant sachets using some of the needles from your tree. This craft is incredibly easy. Here’s how to make your own sachets.

2. Tree Trunk Coasters

Create coasters by cutting sections of your Christmas tree trunk. These would make great gifts. See how to make the coasters.

3. Christmas Tree for the Birds

Once you are finished with your Christmas tree, set it outside where birds can enjoy perching in its fragrant branches (be sure to remove all ornaments and tinsel first).  You can hang pine cones smeared with peanut butter for an extra special tree for the birds as well from its branches. Learn how to make a tomato cage Christmas tree for birds.

4. Plant Markers

Select 1/2″ thick branches from your tree and strip off all the smaller branches/needles.  Use a vegetable peeler to strip off some of the bark, revealing the light-colored interior and write what you are growing using a Sharpie pen.  These plant markers are really simple to make and look great!

5. Garden Signs

Create stepping “stones” or garden signs from your tree trunk rounds. This craft is very similar to the wooden coasters. You could also use the wooden rounds to make small ornaments.

So this year, instead of hauling out your tree to the curb, try one or more of these fun recycled ideas for your old Christmas tree instead!