Tree Disposal Could Help Environment, Wildlife

Oh, the majestic Christmas tree, we remember those of bygone days, brag on what we had to pay, speak of how the needles so splendidly stay in place and finally, what are we going to do with it after it is pulled from the living room.

Most families wait until New Year’s day or shortly after to usher out the dying flag ship of Christmas, Some do the deed 12 days after Christmas, that date promoted as the true date of the joyous holiday, but few push their luck much further than that.

The longest living tree to remain in place and lit without burning down the house, at least to my limited knowledge, was at a house in the Schellsburg area of western Bedford County.

A daughter who brought much pride to the family was born Jan. 29, long after Christmas, but the parents, eager to laud this child, let their live Christmas tree remain in the house, watered and regularly lit until that birth date.

Maybe this is not such a good idea, according to Fred Beers of Roaring Spring.

The 65-year member of the Friendship Fire Company who has fought his share of post Christmas structure fires caused by dried out trees, urges people to use common sense.

“That’s just not a safe thing to do,” Beers said upon hearing of the practice of the Schellsburg family. “Run your hand down over one of the branches and if a good number of needles come off, get it out of the house.”

Few people realize that unless it’s a cut-your-own tree, those sold on lots were likely harvested on the farm, many miles away, in November and some as far back as October.

A dried out pine tree can go up in flames in seconds, “just like a box of matches,” said Beers, the oldest surviving member of the Friendship volunteers.

Once the decision is made to drag out the tree, think things through, said Len Lichvar, head of the Somerset Conservation District.

“Be sure to remove the tinsel and all decorations,” said Lichvar. “You wouldn’t believe how many people let this stuff on.”

This advice is especially important if the intent is to recycle the tree in ways that help the environment.

One of those options is to find a farmer who keeps goats, Lichvar said.

“Goats eat off the needles, which serve as a natural dewormer,” he said.

Another good use, if you have a pond, or access to a pond, is to attach a brick to the tree end and sink it into the water.

If there is access to a moving stream, attach the tree to some wood or nearby structure.

Old pine trees make the perfect habitat to benefit aquatic life of all types and sizes, he said.

“As far as streams are concerned, wood is good,” Lichvar said.

Old Christmas trees will help promote insect development, which serves as a food base needed for the survival, health and reproduction of minnows and other aquatic life.

The branches provide shelter for young fish seeking protection from larger predators, he said.

If all else fails, secure the old tree in the back yard and use it as a resting place for suet and other nutritious goods to help birds make it through the cold winter.

An old tree can continue to carry on the look of Christmas if a homeowner strings berries and popcorn and drapes the garlands around the tree boughs.

If all else fails, the branches of the old tree will provide protection for birds and other wildlife battling harsh winter winds.

An education coordinator with the Blair County Intermunicipal Relations Committee, Julie Dilling said standard recycling still is a great option, especially if the local trash hauler does not pick up old trees or there is another local municipality pick up effort.

Tuesdays between noon and 5 p.m. trees will be accepted at the committee’s facility, 16906 Dunnings Highway, Duncansville.

No charge is made for up to three trash bags of yard waste taken to the facility and a Christmas tree will be accepted as long as it is undecorated, Dilling said.

But she urges, consider cutting the branches off and placing them across the residential perennial bed, where they will serve as winter protection and slow down the plants heaving from the soil as spring approaches.

Better yet, gardeners with a compost pile can position the tree upright in the center of the pile and birds and wildlife will soon find it for winter protection, she said.

In the spring, the trunk and what’s left of the branches can be shredded and used as mulch.