Print this story |
E-mail story |
Add a comment |
iPod friendly | Bookmark this
What is this?
Many options for Christmas tree disposal
Published Friday, December 28, 2007
Christmas may have come and gone but that doesn’t mean your tree has lost all purpose.
“A live tree like that is very recyclable, it’s highly reusable,” said Nancy Rose, a horticulturist with the University of Minnesota Extension.
Rose recommends the following uses for Christmas trees past their prime:
• Create wood chips for your garden. Rose says she has a 12 horsepower chipper she uses to shred branches up to an inch and a half in diameter.
• Lay small branches across perennial beds to keep them cold during thawing periods.
• Put the tree back out in the yard to be enjoyed by birds. Rose suggested stringing popcorn from tree branches, creating both a feeder and a shelter for birds.
• A tree in water makes a great breeding area for fish, Rose said. If you have a pond on your property, consider submerging your tree. Rose stressed contacting local officials with the Department of Natural Resources before dumping your tree in any body of water.
Of course, there are ways to prolong the life of your tree if you can’t yet bear to send it through the chipper, throw it outdoors or give it to area wildlife. Keeping water in the tree stand is crucial, Rose said. The true tree enthusiast may even consider cutting another inch to two inches off of the trunk, allowing for better water absorption.
If, on the other hand, you’re ready bid your tree a fond farewell, the city will be collecting trees from Fergus Falls curbs Jan. 9, beginning at 6 a.m.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE THIS STORY?
Comments
The Daily Journal is happy to host community conversations about news and life in Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. As hosts, we expect guests will show respect for each other. That means we don't threaten or defame each other, and we keep conversations free of personal attacks. Witty is great. Abusive is not. If you think a post violates these standards, don't escalate the situation. Instead, flag the comment to alert us. We'll take action if necessary. It's not hard. This should be a place where people want to read and contribute -- a place for spirited exchanges of opinion. So those who persist with racist, defamatory or abusive postings risk losing the privilege to post at all.Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)