When to take down your Christmas decor and how to dispose of your real tree: Video
There's always a moment when it’s time to take the lights and ornaments off the tree and pack them away until it’s Christmas once again.
As for when to take down the decor, that's really up to you. Some people might take their trees down on New Year's Day, while others keep their trees up until February (or later!). Some Christian denominations wait at least 12 days after Christmas until January 6th, also known as The Epiphany or Three Kings Day. Whenever you decide the season is done, here’s what you should do to get your real Christmas tree out of your house with less mess and where to take it once it’s out the door.
Watch this video to see how to dispose of your real Christmas tree properly.
How do you dispose of a Christmas tree?
The simplest solution for a reduced-mess disposal starts when you bring the tree home. Many stores and tree lots sell a tree disposal bag that goes under the tree stand when you set it up. It can be easily hidden away during the season using a tree skirt.
Once the adornments have been removed from your tree, remove the stand from the tree. This might take more than one set of hands, depending on the size and weight of your tree. Pull the bag up and around the tree until it’s covered. This will collect and hold the loose and dry pine needles that would otherwise cover your floor as you remove the tree from your home.
A plastic drop cloth or a large outdoor trash bag is an easy alternative to the tree removal bag.
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Donate Christmas tree
The tree is out of the house, but where does it go now? Check if your community has a tree recycling program and drop-off locations. Sometimes they can repurpose your tree into mulch for parks and gardens. They may also accept donations of old and broken lights and other decorations. To find out more, search for "Christmas tree donations near me."
Your local zoo or animal sanctuary may also take donations. Sometimes the trees can be used for animal enrichment; however, some zoos may not accept trees that have been decorated or used in homes.