Tree care · 4 min read
Sustainable ways to recycle your tree in January.
Give your Christmas tree a second life, with our favourite recycling and reuse ideas for Oxfordshire households.
From the Christmas Trees Oxford family ·
The short answer
Bring it back to the farm and we can give it to our donkey and goats (ask us first). Or recycle it through your local council, or reuse it at home: as garden mulch, as shelter for birds, or for crafts.
Once the decorations are packed away, your tree can still do good for your garden and your community. Here are five easy options that keep waste to a minimum.
1 · Back to the farm
Can I bring my tree back to the farm?
Yes, just ask us first. We don’t chip or compost trees, but we can give yours to our donkey and goats.
Please take off every decoration, hook and strand of tinsel before you bring it.
2 · Recycle it locally
Where can I recycle my tree locally?
Through your council. In South Oxfordshire, the district council lists its drop-off points and garden waste collections. In Oxford, the city council collects bare trees and has drop-off points too.
Check this season’s dates before you put your tree out. Remove all the decorations, and follow the instructions for your address.
3 · Garden mulch
Can I use my tree in the garden?
Yes. Strip the branches and lay them around flower beds to protect the soil.
The trunk can be cut into sections for wildlife habitats or borders.
4 · Bird shelters
How can my tree help the birds?
Secure the tree in your garden, to give birds shelter during cold snaps. Add fat balls to encourage visits.
5 · Creative crafts
What can I make from my old tree?
Slice the trunk into discs for coasters or ornaments.
Smaller branches make fire starters, once they are fully dried.