DIY Christmas Tree Recycling Projects

At the end of the holiday season, you’re left with many things: warm memories, a menagerie of baked goods, and a dead tree hanging out in your living room. Instead of lugging that goliath from your home to your curb, engage in some DIY Christmas tree recycling.

There is a wealth of handmade recycled DIY Christmas decoration projects available that will help turn a felled tree into new home decorations, accessories, or even garden aids. And, yes, if, at the end of the day, your sole goal is to rid your home of this source of shedding pine needles, there are plenty of options available that won’t leave that once cherished Christmas reminder as landfill filler.

So, end the season the right way with a DIY Christmas tree recycling day!

Transform Dead Trees Into Home Decorations

Perhaps the simplest way to transform your Christmas tree is by turning it into a winter wreath. You probably have many of the tools you already need, and you can procure the rest in a quick stop at your local arts and crafts store.

You’ll need:

• Pruning sheers
• Wire cutters
• Plastic locking clip (the kind you use for potato chip bags may work)
• 22-gauge floral wire
• Pine tree boughs
• Wire wreath frame
• Accent greenery, like scotch pine, red winterberry holly, and dogwood

To get started, cut four to six branches from the bottom of your Christmas tree. (We should note here that this Christmas tree recycling project only applies to real trees, as artificial trees should be safely stored until next season’s greetings.)

Then, using pruning shears, cut the ends of the branches into lengths of six to eight inches. Using your wire cutters, cut 14 12-inch pieces of floral wire.

After you complete your cutting, you should have enough snipped Christmas tree branches to bundle into 14 groups. Within each group, align the trimmings by layering them on top of one another.

Clip each group together with your plastic clip. Clipping them along the stems will be easiest and less messy. See the full DIY tutorial here.

DIY Christmas Tree Recycling Projects

For more creative things to do with dead trees, consider busting out your saw. These projects may be slightly more difficult and have additional safety concerns, but the result will be crafts that warm your heart and your home. 

Take, for example, coasters. You can source these humble protectors of table surfaces from slices of tree trunks or even particularly girthy branches.

Beyond a chop or miter saw you’ll also need a sander, wood stain, and waterproof sealer. While not necessary, consider using felt and glue to prevent coaster slippage or scuffing.

First, slice the tree trunk into ½-inch slices and then sand until smooth. Whether you’re using the coaster for yourself or making a set as a gift, try cutting at least five or six coasters from the trunk.

Then, stain, seal, and let it dry. Once dry, apply glue and felt for a no-scratch bottom.

If you already live in a coaster-rich environment, then another DIY tree recycling project is firewood. While you’ll still need a saw, you won’t need to mess around with any sealants or solvents.

Simply cut up your dead Christmas tree into log-sized chunks. Then, toss them in your fireplace as decoration or use them in an outdoor firepit. (It is generally not recommended to burn Christmas trees in an indoor fireplace.)

If you’ve got a new smoker as part of your Christmas day bounty, you may be tempted to toss a few chunks of pine during your next barbecue. Be forewarned, though, that pine trees aren’t suitable for barbecue.

Unique Recycled Christmas Tree Ideas for Your Garden

If, after you turn branches into wreaths and trunks into coasters, you’re now looking to find something to do with leftover pine needles, do not despair. You can easily deploy leftover pine needles as mulch in your garden.

Now, some people may be concerned that pine needles will affect the fragile pH balance of their soil. However, we believe this concern to be misplaced.

First, pine needles become more neutral as they break down. So, their impact is not as dramatic as some may think.

Second, you can reduce any potential issues by mixing them with a thin layer of compost. Compost will take some of the edge of the needles’ acidity and help keep strong seasonal winds from blowing the light needles around.

Recycle Your Christmas Tree

Considering that your post-holiday cleanup list is already a mile long, you may not want to add any new projects centered around DIY Christmas tree recycling. That is certainly understandable, and frankly, everyone deserves a bit of a break after the stress (and mess) of the holidays.

So, if you’re tickled by the idea of creative things to do with dead trees but lack the energy to execute them, look into Christmas tree pickup services in your community. Because trees are biodegradable, it’ll be easier for both you and the Earth to have someone recycle the tree for you than leave it at the curb until the next trash day. Now, you may wonder where can I recycle my Christmas tree.

Several services may prove useful here:

• Your Christmas tree provider may offer their own pickup service, often within the first two weeks after the holiday.
• If you’re willing to pack your tree into your car, many communities offer free tree drop-off recycling centers.
• Your city or a local non-profit may offer its own tree pickup service on scheduled days or by appointment. 

If you end up going the non-profit route, know that some may require a small donation as part of the service. Even if they don’t, it’s always nice to spread some holiday cheer by offering one yourself in exchange for their service.

DIY Christmas Tree Recycling Projects

Your Christmas tree lived a great life by providing you and your holiday with ample yuletide joy. To extend that seasonal merriment even further, try these unique recycled Christmas tree projects!