Having a natural Christmas tree adds a certain charm to the festive season. However what does one do after the season is over? The answer is treecycling. Treecycling is the process of converting your tree into compost or mulch to be reused. Trees should not be wasted as they contain valuable nutrients which can be used for other purposes.
Every year at Christmas time, there are almost 30 to 35 million natural Christmas trees sold. A natural tree is always better than a plastic one as it is a renewable source of energy. On the other hand a plastic tree will contain non biodegradable plastics which are harmful for the environment. In order to ensure that the cutting down of Christmas trees remain eco friendly, for every tree that is cut down at least three seedlings need to be planted in the following spring to maintain a balance. In America most of the trees are grown in the states of Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Washington. The majority of Christmas trees are grown on farms.
Recycled Christmas trees can be utilized for a number of purposes. Some of the major ways in which Christmas trees are re used are chipping, beach front erosion prevention, lake and river shoreline stabilization and fish habitat. The recycled product is also sometimes used in river delta sedimentation management.
Treecycling should be a process that is undertaken by an entire community. Having sponsors for your community’s tree recycling program will help in gaining resources to make the program a successful one. The first step in conducting such a program is to evaluate how many trees in the community can be recycled after the festive season. Once this is determined the method in which the entire program can be effectively conducted is then devised. Collection of the trees can be done gradually or on a certain day or over a weekend. Another method is to organize a recycling event which will allow people in the community to come together. A drop off site should be designated, a place that is easily accessible for the major participants of the recycling program. Examples of drop off sites include school parking lots or the parking lot of a local mall or a business that is participating in the program. If the tree cycling program is conducted over a long period then a drop off point can be designated. Trees will then be chipped at a later date on location. This is a more permanent establishment and customers may buy mulch and chippings later and use them for their gardening. The advantage of having such a scenario is that people have more options to drop off their trees and less staff is required to recycle the community’s trees. The method also eliminates the need for numerous chippers especially if a number of drop off sites are being used. �� �
Whole trees can also be used effectively. Trees can be used for a number of purposes such as dune and costal restoration, rebuilding of wetlands, in wildlife habitats and in fishing spots.
When implementing your program there are a number of factors that are to be taken into consideration to make it successful. Ensure that you have enough volunteers and also backups if the volunteers are not able to make it. Extra volunteers may also be necessary if there is very bad weather. Delegate your work amongst the volunteers effectively. Don’t forget to take photos and get quotes to use for the next year’s treecycling drive.
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