Christmas is over, but recycled trees have many uses.

Curbside pickup for recycling: Many providers will collect trees during regular pickup schedules on the two weeks following Christmas. There are often requirements for size, removing ornaments, flocking, etc.• Take your tree to a drop-off recycling center: Most counties have free drop-off locations. Usually, you may take up to two trees to a drop-off location at no charge.• Yard waste: Cut the tree to fit loosely into your yard waste container.• Tree recycling/mulching programs: Tree recycling and mulching programs are a fast-growing trend in communities throughout the nation. Check with your local department of public works for information. They chip and shred the trees, then make the mulch available for use in your garden. Your hauler will notify you of pickup dates in your area. Be sure to check with your local hauler.• Fish feeders: Sunk into private fish ponds, trees make an excellent refuge and feeding area for fish.• Bird feeders: Place the Christmas tree in the garden or backyard and use it as a bird feeder and sanctuary. Fresh orange slices or strung popcorn will attract the birds and they can sit in the branches for shelter. (Make sure all decorations, hooks, garland and tinsel strands are removed). Eventually (within a year) the branches will become brittle and you can break the tree apart by hand or chip it in a chipper. See this article from Purdue University for more information.• Mulch: A Tree is biodegradable; its branches may be removed, chipped, and used as mulch in the garden.