This news item expired on Thursday, January 31, 2019 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
It's easy and free to recycle your Christmas Tree after the holiday season ends. Between now and Jan. 31, the Buncombe County landfill will dispose of your tree for free. Please remember to remove all ornaments and lights before taking it to the landfill.
The Buncombe County landfill is located at 85 Panther Branch Road, Alexander and is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For directions, click here.
Trees brought to the landfill will be turned into mulch that you can purchase for your lawn, garden, or compost bin.
Per the City of Asheville, if you live in City limits you can put your tree at the curb for regular brush collection.
Of course, you can always decide to recycle your tree with some of these innovative ways to make use of them at your own home:
- You can use a living Christmas tree with intact roots and just plant it in your yard outside of the holiday season.
- A whole Christmas tree (with ornaments removed) makes an excellent bird feeder for your backyard. You can stick the tree in the ground with popcorn, dried fruit, and stale bread to let a variety of sparrows, cardinals, and more have a feast.
- Cut off all the branches and use the trunk to edge a garden. It can even be a resting spot for squirrels, birds, and other critters.
- Place whole evergreens on top of perennial beds or nursery rows to offer more protection from winter freezes and spring thaws. They will provide a steady temperature plants need.
- You can use the trunk for firewood - make sure all the branches are cut off as they can send off sparks.
- You can use the needles to make aromatic potpourris and sachets to enjoy year round.
- For the craft-savvy, you can use the trees for woodworking, like making birdhouses, candlesticks, paperweights, or even next year's Christmas decorations