Recycle your Christmas tree and greens

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas and is getting ready for an equally wonderful New Year. I know that I am ready for a new year — 2021 has to get better, right?

If you had a live, cut Christmas tree in the house and are wondering what to do with it now, I have a few recommendations.

First, a few definitions to be clear on my recommendations! I am referring to a live tree that was cut and placed in water. I am not referring to a balled and burlap live tree that you will be planting in the ground following the holidays. These are treated in a different manner.

I take mine outside and lay it near the bird feeders. This gives the birds additional cover during the winter months. My tree chirps all winter and into spring.

Once it gets a bit warmer, around March, I take it to the compost pile, after cutting off most of the branches. I use the trunk, cut into smaller pieces, for paths inmy perennial garden.

I also use the branches to cover my tender perennials. I did not get my newly-planted mums mulched in the past few weeks so this week, when there is a break in the weather, I will cut the branches into smaller pieces and tuck them in and around the mums.

This helps to insulate the soil, preventing heaving. When the soil freezes and thaws it pushes the roots out of the ground.

This results in the roots drying out and the plant not surviving the winter.

Our wildlife specialist also recommends recycling the trees for wildlife. If you have a wooded area, drop it somewhere for it to provide cover for wildlife and to compost naturally. It takes time for a whole tree to break down, but it will eventually. Cutting it into smaller pieces results in faster decomposition.

Our pond specialist says to anchor it and drop it in the pond for the fish to use for cover. No matter what, do not put the Christmas in the landfill. Check to see if your community collects them and takes them to a mulching facility. Many do.

This also applies to any greens that were used for decorating. Remove any wires or wreath rings and bows before putting in the landscape.

If you had a living, balled and burlapped Christmas tree, specialists recommend keeping it in the garage until the weather warms and the soil is dry to plant. Place it in a pan so that it can be watered periodically.

Finally, I really goofed up last week! An error in my solstice column resulted in the most emails that I have ever received! It is nice knowing that people really do read my column. Thanks for the follow up.

I said that Dec. 21 and June 21 are both the longest day of the year. Not true! In addition, the sun is closest to the Earth in early January and not on the winter solstice; conversely, the sun is farthest from the Earth in early July, not the summer solstice.

Thanks to all of you who notified me about the errors!

Happy New Year to all! Let’s plan on an improved 2021.