Brits are warned to make sure they dispose of their real Christmas trees safely – as not doing so can have disastrous consequences.
It’s the time of year when people across the UK begin the mammoth task of packing away their decorations and many are left scratching their heads as what to do with their real tree.
But one method of getting rid of your festive decoration focus has been consistently warned against.
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) is one organisation that in the past has urged Brits to “recycle your Christmas tree, don’t burn it” saying that almost twice as many fires involving Christmas trees are reported in January in comparison to December.
This was believed to be due to people disposing their trees by burning them outside or on the fireplace instead of recycling them safely.
The LFB said that Christmas trees often dry out meaning even when disposed of in an external fire they can burn quickly and cause flames to spread to nearby buildings or trees, putting lives at risk.
Burning a Christmas tree using a fireplace stove inside the home also presents a serious fire risk as an excessive amount of sap contained in the different varieties of Christmas trees, can cause serious problems inside a flue or chimney.
The moisture contained in the unseasoned wood will significantly lower the flue gas temperature so that creosote is formed and any unburned resin, mixed with soot, will stick to the inside of the chimney potentially resulting in a chimney fire.
It can also result in nuisance smoke which is illegal and also end up with unsightly and dirty, difficult to clean, stove glass.
Instead people are urged to contact their local council who may be able to collect a tree or arrange a drop off point where they can organise for it to be recycled.
Ecologists at Arbtech have revealed five eco-friendly ways families can repurpose their real Christmas trees after the festive season has finished
1. Turn it into mulch
One of the most effective ways to dispose of a real Christmas tree is to shred it into mulch. Many local councils offer tree collection services in January, where trees are processed into wood chips that can be used in parks, gardens, or landscaping projects. Homeowners with access to a wood chipper can create their own mulch to use in their garden.
2. Compost it
If you have a compost bin or heap, your Christmas tree can be a great addition – though it’s best to cut it into smaller pieces first. While the pine needles may take a bit longer to break down, they can add valuable nutrients to the soil over time.
3. Replant it
For families that chose a potted tree with roots, replanting it in your garden is a great way to extend its life. With proper care, the tree can continue to grow and even be reused for future Christmases.
4. Create wildlife habitats
By leaving the tree in a quiet corner of your garden, you can create a habitat for birds, insects, and small mammals. Hanging bird feeders or treats on the branches can turn it into a seasonal refuge for wildlife.