After the holiday season, you may be wondering what can be done with your discarded “live” Christmas tree. There are several options to repurpose your trees to benefit wildlife, your yard, and even your pond.
The first step in re-purposing your Christmas tree is to remove tinsel, ornaments, or any other synthetic materials that have been applied to the tree.
In the Yard
Living habitats require food, water, and shelter. Adding an old Christmas tree to your yard or pond will benefit the environment by adding organic matter, shelter, and shade, and reducing erosion.
Re-Plant or Intact
If your tree still has roots and a bulb, it may be possible to re-plant it as a live tree. To determine if the tree will thrive in the chosen site conditions, assure it is the right plant for the right place. These trees have the best chance of flourishing in South Carolina: Arizona Cypress (Blue Ice, Carolina Sapphire, and Clemson Greenspire), Deodar Cedar, Eastern Red Cedar, Pine (Eastern White, Scotch, and Virginia), Leyland Cypress, and Murray Cypress.
A tree without roots can still be planted to attract wildlife. A standing dead tree, called a snag, can provide habitat or food to many wildlife species, from raccoons to birds and everything in-between. The snag should be planted far away from vehicles or play areas for children and pets as the decomposing tree will eventually fall.
Mulch or Compost
A tree can also be shredded to create mulch by using a woodchipper or other heavy equipment, which may not be readily available. Mulch can also be used in your compost pile as an additional form of organic material. If you opt to mulch your tree, check with your local government agencies, as many have community mulch centers that will collect trees and create mulch for free for you or others in your community to pick up at a later date.
In the Water
With special considerations and permission from the pond owner, you can recycle your Christmas tree by sinking it to create a fish habitat, often called a fish structure. In water, a tree can become a food source and provide a sanctuary and protective structure. Creating a habitat for fish is beneficial for anglers or anyone who wants a healthy pond ecosystem.
Considerations and requirements
Sinking old Christmas trees is not for every pond. There are a few requirements and considerations to make before deciding to sink a tree or a group of trees into a pond.
Pond type
Stormwater ponds that receive runoff in order to treat the water before it reaches rivers and streams are not designed for fish structures. They not only reduce the amount of water the pond can hold, but can also add nutrients into an already nutrient-rich environment. Recreational fishing ponds are ideal candidates; however, algae and other aquatic plant growth must be under control before sinking the tree.
Design and Implementation
Do not place the tree in areas with significant boat traffic or areas where people or pets may swim. Consider placing a visible marker in the area to warn visitors of a potential underwater hazard. Know the type of fish you want to attract and where other attractors are located. Trees sunk in areas with a mucky or muddy bottom may sink into the substrate over time; rocky or sandy bottoms will be more stable.
Depth and Spacing Recommendations
Small Ponds
- When sinking multiple trees, small groups of 3-4 trees at varying depths are most effective.
- The depth can vary from 6 – 10 feet.
- Structures placed less than 6 feet deep can run the risk of getting too warm.
Large Ponds and Reservoirs
- When sinking multiple trees, long lines of small groups are more beneficial. (See figure 2)
- Deeper ponds and lakes allow for deeper trees, 10-20 feet, but take care not to place them too deep.
- Water deeper than 20 feet runs the risk of not having enough oxygen for fish to thrive.
Public land notice: SCDNR asks the public not to add their own fish structures in publicly managed lakes; in some lakes it is against the law without a permit. Instead, donate trees to identified sites located across the state to be placed by SCDNR biologists.
How to Sink a Tree
Always check with your local government agencies for locations, permissions, allowed uses, and any fees. If you do not have plans for your tree, consider donating it so others can take advantage of this resource and use it to benefit wildlife.
Resources
HGIC Factsheet 1754: Repurposing Your Old “Live” Christmas Tree To Benefit Wildlife
HGIC Factsheet 1750: Selecting A Christmas Tree
United States Department of Agriculture
HGIC Factsheet 1001: Planting Trees Correctly
HGIC Factsheet 1600: Composting
Placing Artificial Fish Attractors in Ponds and Reservoirs
https://www.dnr.sc.gov/admin/regions.html
Citation
Bassett, Charles E. “Use and Evaluation of Fish Habitat Structures in Lakes of the Eastern United States by the USDA Forest Service.” Bulletin of Marine Science, vol. 55, Sept. 1994, pp. 1137–1148.
Author(s)
Susan Lunt, Cooperative Extension, Water Resources Agent
Tancey Cullum Belken, Cooperative Extension, Water Resources Agent
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