Once the holiday is over and the decorations are put away, you may still have a large tree looming in your living room. Before you drag it to the curb, consider giving it a second life. Learn how you can recycle a Christmas tree to benefit your landscape, wildlife, and the environment as a whole.

Depending on where you live, there may be local options for tree recycling that includes curbside pickup. There are also designated centers that chip trees into mulch to use in local parks or sell to garden centers or residents. But there are also ways you can reuse parts of the tree in your own yard.

1. The whole tree can act as a shelter for birds and other wildlife. You can even hang feeders from its branches
2. If you live in a wooded area, use the tree as a natural barrier or simply let it decompose naturally in the forest.
3. Use boughs to help insulate and protect perennial plants from winter frost.
4. Sink branches in ponds to create shelter for fish.
5. Use smaller branches as supports in the garden or potted plants.
6. Remove needles and place in sachets or water for a fresh, pine fragrance.
7. Cut the trunk into pieces for wood crafts, such as slices for coasters or trivets.
8. Dry the branches and trunk for outdoor fire pits. Do not use for indoor firewood as it can increase creosote buildup.

Before you recycle your tree, make sure all the lights, ornaments, and tinsel are removed. However, feel free to keep any natural decorative elements such as berries or popcorn if you’re setting it out for wildlife. Any artificial trees or use of faux snow or flocking should be properly disposed of. Recycling your Christmas tree can be a gift to nature that keeps on giving.