Ah, the tree. The beloved, needle-dropping, lights-tangling Christmas tree. You spend hours decking it out, only to find yourself a few weeks later staring at it, wondering what on earth to do with it now that the party’s over. Do you just dump it on the curb and try not to look as you drive by? Not so fast! This tree was part of your holiday joy, and with a little creativity, it can be a gift that keeps on giving.

Below, we explore what to do with Christmas trees after the festivities are over.

Create a Bird Feeder

Who says the Christmas tree festivities have to end? A Christmas tree can become a natural bird sanctuary right in your backyard. Birds aren’t particular about how “festive” a tree looks, but they’re thrilled to find shelter and food during the winter months.

First, keep the tree upright by securing it in a pot of soil or standing it up against a fence. Then, slather up a few pinecones with peanut butter (go ahead, make it chunky—birds are foodies too) and roll them in birdseed. Hang them right on the branches, and watch your feathered friends swoop in for a winter feast.

Compost It

Got a garden? Then your tree can keep giving all the way to spring. Pine needles are rich in nutrients. And the branches? They’ll decompose into garden-loving goodness. Toss the whole tree into your compost pile if you have one (or, start one—it’s worth it!). The pine needles help with aeration, while the wood breaks down to add nutrients to your garden soil.

Use It as Mulch

If compost feels a little “wait-and-see” for you, why not make your tree mulch-ready? Yep, your tree can go from living room star to garden star by giving you a nice, fresh layer of mulch for the yard. Pine needles are fantastic for holding moisture in the soil and keeping things from getting too muddy.

Just grab some garden shears, snip the branches, and spread them around flower beds or shrubs. You’ll be left with a blanket of pine-scented goodness that’s as eco-friendly as it is easy on the eyes.

Recycle It

When in doubt, go green—literally! A lot of cities and tree farms run programs to turn old real Christmas trees into mulch, erosion barriers, or even part of local parks and hiking trails. Think of it as your tree’s second life—one minute, it’s standing in your living room, and the next, it’s part of a nature trail where hikers can enjoy it for years to come. If your town offers it, tree recycling is a fantastic option, and some places even do curbside pickup.

Feed Farm Animals with Pine Needles

Farm animals love a post-holiday snack! Check with local farms to see if they’ll accept your Christmas tree for their animals. Many farm animals, like goats and sheep, enjoy nibbling on the pine needles and branches. Pine and fir needles contain vitamin C and other nutrients that make them a tasty winter treat for farm animals.

Before donating your tree or feeding any animals, make sure it hasn’t been sprayed with any chemicals or pesticides, as this can be harmful to livestock.

Use the Branches as Fresheners

What’s a more natural air freshener than, well, nature? Snip off a few branches and place them around the house as natural air fresheners. Tuck them into closets, near shoes, in the garage, or even in your bathroom. That smell of evergreen will keep the holiday spirit lingering around just a little longer.

Replant Your Christmas Tree

Did you pick out a Christmas tree with its roots intact? Well, congratulations! You’ve got a living holiday symbol ready to transition from indoor cheer to outdoor greenery. Just be sure to give it a bit of love before transplanting it.

First, let it acclimate to the cold by placing it in an unheated garage or shed for a few days. Then find a good spot in the yard to dig a cozy hole for its new home. Your tree gets to become a permanent part of the landscape, and you’ll get the joy of watching it grow bigger each year—the ultimate, renewable Christmas gift.

Make Homemade Potpourri

For the DIY enthusiasts, why not turn those pine needles into homemade potpourri? Simply dry out the needles and mix them with some orange peels and cinnamon sticks. Place it in a jar for guests to admire, or simmer it in a pot to fill the whole house with holiday cheer. It’s a way to let your tree’s fragrance stick around in style.

Use It as Firewood

Feeling like an outdoor adventurer? With a little drying time, your tree can be split up and used as firewood. It might not keep the fire roaring all night, but with the resin in those needles, it’ll create a fire that crackles and pops like a scene out of a movie. Pine wood is full of sap, so let it dry for a few months before burning it for a cleaner burn and to avoid smoke. Once it’s seasoned, those logs will be perfect for a little backyard bonfire, giving off that cozy Christmas smell all over again.

Make Your Way to Grange Co-op!

Not sure where to start? For any other post-Christmas tree needs—maybe you need a new shovel after hacking your tree to bits or a fresh compost bin to handle all those pine needles—Grange Co-op has you covered. From gardening gear to composting essentials, it’s a one-stop shop for all things green-thumbed.