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Reusing a Cut Holiday Tree

Seasoned Gardener : Episode SGN-402 -- More Projects »
Most winter gardening is concerned with keeping animals out of the garden, but there is one group of guests you do want to invite--birds. And when there's snow on the ground, birds may need help finding food and shelter.
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Extend the winter tradition of your cut holiday tree by creating a decorative bird feeder and shelter in your yard.
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Make edible ornaments for birds by stringing unsalted, unbuttered popcorn, cranberries, apples, oranges and shelled peanuts to hang on the tree.
A quick and easy way to provide shelter and food is to recycle your cut holiday tree into a temporary haven for birds.

  • Remove tinsel and other ornamentation from the tree.
  • Put the tree into a bucket or galvanized pail filled with wet sand.
  • Put the tree in an area away from your house that is sheltered from strong winds.
  • Lean it against a tree or fence, but don't lay it on the ground because birds like height.
  • Once the sand is frozen, the tree can be stood upright. The frozen sand acts as a cement to create a base for the trunk. Add store bought bird-food ornaments as a special after-holiday decoration.

If the tree is still fresh when you bring it outdoors, it should stay green for a month or two. You get to enjoy the tree as snowfall adorns the branches, and birds get to enjoy their new winter home.

Also in this Episode
Seasoned Gardener : Episode SGN-402
•Repairing Winter Damage to Trees and Shrubs
•Protecting Plants from Snow and De-icers
•Animal Deterrents
•Reusing a Cut Holiday Tree
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