By Charlie Carey
If youB次元官网网址檙e in need of extending some Christmas cheer, the Nature Conservancy of Canada suggests keeping your Christmas tree in your backyard over the winter, this year.
Mimicking what happens in a forest when a tree naturally decomposes, letting nature help you recycle your tree can be done easily by propping the tree against a fence or laying it on the ground in a garden. However, itB次元官网网址檚 important to make sure itB次元官网网址檚 a tree that can grow in B.C., and not leave exotic species outdoors.
Not only a way to provide extra shelter and a new habitat for bird populations, the trees can also be repurposed to a crafting activity for the whole family, said Dan Kraus, NCC senior conservation biologist. Adding natural ornaments, such as pine cones or a string of peanuts, can be an easy way to attract birds into your yard.
B次元官网网址淓vergreens offer a safe place for birds to rest while they visit your feeder,B次元官网网址� said Kraus. B次元官网网址淎nother benefit is that if you leave the tree in your garden over the summer, it will continue to provide habitat for wildlife and improve your soil as it decomposes.B次元官网网址�
As it will likely lose most of its needles by spring, your new meager Charlie Brown Christmas tree can be pulled-apart, where the trunk and branches can get a new lease on life as hide-outs for toads, insects, and bees.
B次元官网网址淏y fall, the branches and trunk will begin to decompose and turn into soil,B次元官网网址� said Kaus. B次元官网网址淢any of our Christmas trees, particularly spruce and balsam fir, have very low rot resistance and break down quickly when exposed to the elements.B次元官网网址� To speed up the decomposition of the tree, you can even drill holes in the trunk to allow for more air and moisture.
If a decomposing reminder of the holiday season isnB次元官网网址檛 on your new year to-do list, there are other options to rehome your tree. Christmas trees are often recycled to be used as trail bedding and burnt for alternative fuels, so contact your local municipality about pick-ups and drop-offs.
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