environment
Recycle Christmas trees instead of throwing them away
Christmas trees are reused in the garden and in the kitchen.
© Andrew E Gardner / Shutterstock.com
Christmas trees are mostly not good for the environment. Instead of throwing them away after the holidays, they should be used for other purposes.
After Christmas the big tidying up begins. The Christmas trees in particular take care of the disposal work after the holidays. Every year, the cut fir trees leave a large ecological footprint. Both needles and twigs can be recycled in different areas.
Aromatic cooking with pine needles
Pine needles give dishes with mushrooms or game a spicy aroma. But don't just throw them in the pan when you're cooking. Instead, let the needles dry for a few days and grind them finely in a mortar. Since they contain essential oils and many important vital substances, they are also ideal for a tea infusion. You can either put the needles together with the twig in hot water or separate them beforehand and squeeze them a little, so the ingredients dissolve better in the water.
Frost protection in the garden
The trunk and branches are especially useful in the garden. With the help of a chopper, they can be processed into mulch, which can serve as frost protection for the soil and plants. If you do not have such a device, you can cut thin branches with secateurs, an ax helps with the large trunk. By the way: The pine needles are also good in the vegetable patch as they keep snails away.
Firewood for the fireplace
Anyone who owns a fireplace can use their Christmas tree as firewood. Important: Once the wood has been sawn into pieces suitable for the oven, it must be stored in a dry place for some time. Otherwise, the moisture creates a lot of smoke and a sooty stove.
A joy for the animals
If you don't want to do anything with your Christmas tree, you can hand it in at zoos, horse farms or the local forester instead. For wild animals such as deer, the fir branches are a delicious snack and at the same time a welcome change from conventional food.