Can I Recycle My Real Christmas Tree?

The gifts have been exchanged, the turkey consumed and the movie marathon is over. While you might not want to accept the end of Christmas quite yet, it’s time to start thinking about taking the decorations down and disposing of the waste. In these climate conscious times, more and more homeowners are putting more of an emphasis on the amount of waste their household produces – particularly over the Christmas period – and how this can be minimised as much as possible. 

In recent years, ‘treecycling’ has become a popular way of disposing of Christmas trees – this article will look into how this works and the steps you need to take if you are looking to recycle your real Christmas tree once all the celebrations are over. 

a real christmas tree in the wheelie bin

Why should I recycle my tree?

The millions of real trees ending up in landfill every year can create hundreds of thousands of tonnes of greenhouse gases which is having a significant impact on the environment. Recycling real trees can dramatically reduce this number, as they can be shredded into chippings or composed as an eco-friendly solution. Alternatively, you might choose to take the tree back to its roots by replanting it in your garden to prolong the festivities! If you do choose to replant the tree, make sure you place it in your garage or shed first so that it can acclimatise to the colder weather conditions, as exposing it to cold temperatures too quickly can seriously harm the tree.

It’s worth noting that artificial trees cannot be recycled as they are typically made of a PVC material which can’t be recycled using traditional methods. That said, artificial trees can be reused year after year, so you can keep the same tree for a longer period of time. When the time eventually comes to dispose of your artificial tree, you can do so by donating, reselling, or even repurposing into new Christmas decorations.

How can I recycle my real Christmas tree?

Typically, there are a number of tree recycling schemes organised by local councils across the country, so you can dispose of your real Christmas tree in the most environmentally-friendly way possible. This usually takes the form of dedicated drop-off points or collections for complete convenience – simply check your local council’s website to find out where and when you can recycle your real Christmas tree in January. 

Alternatively, you can recycle your tree by chopping it up and disposing of it in your garden waste bin or taking it to the tip. 

How can I prepare my Christmas tree to be recycled?

You must make sure all tinsel and decorations are removed, and any stands or pots are disposed of separately. 

When should I throw away my real Christmas tree?

The signs of when to dispose of your real Christmas tree should be clear – it tends to be when the tree loses its smell and the needles on the branches begin to drop. This indicates that the tree is dry and it’s time to remove the tree from your property. 

So, when recycling your cards, wrapping paper and food packaging once the festivities are over this Christmas, why not try treecycling at the same time? It’s a quick and easy way to reduce the carbon footprint and improve your green credentials.

 


Here at Artemis Tree Services, we specialise in all types of specialist tree work, from tree felling and pollarding to maintenance and tree surveys. Our commitment to the environment means that every tree we cut is turned into biomass for an eco-friendly solution. Additionally, we will chip and recycle any real trees dropped to our yard free of charge. For further information or to arrange an appointment, simply get in touch with our experienced team today.

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Enthusiastic of Eastcote

My wife and I were pleased to welcome Charlie and Ben, to tackle our overgrown Laurel. They telephoned ahead to advise their time of arrival and, once on site, got down to work in a professional and i... My wife and I were pleased to welcome Charlie and Ben, to tackle our overgrown Laurel. They telephoned ahead to advise their time of arrival and, once on site, got down to work in a professional and industrious manner. These young men were friendly and helpful, completing the job to our exact requirements, and tidying up thoroughly afterwards. In addition, they approached their work in full compliance with health and safety regulations. All in all, they were splendid ambassadors for their company!

4 days ago

Mrs S. Beattie

This is the 3rd time I have used this Company. All the staff are professional, friendly and helpful offering high quality service from the moment you contact them to completion of the job and the pri... This is the 3rd time I have used this Company. All the staff are professional, friendly and helpful offering high quality service from the moment you contact them to completion of the job and the price is fair. I wouldn't use anyone else.

5 days ago

Anonymous

We have used Artemis for tree and hedge works several times and would thoroughly recommend them. They give an all round professional service; communication is great, quotes detailed and work fairly pr... We have used Artemis for tree and hedge works several times and would thoroughly recommend them. They give an all round professional service; communication is great, quotes detailed and work fairly priced. If you are looking for trustworthy and reliable tree services look no further!

1 week ago

Derek Welch, Chalfont St Peter

Very professional, work hard, friendly and cooperative. Very highly recommended - they know what they are doing!...

1 week ago

Peter

Always friendly helpful staff, very knowledgable, prune/trim trees very well leaving a good shape and tidy up afterwards....

1 month ago

M Pearce

Polite, efficient, helpful - highly reccomended...

2 months ago

Brian (Pinner)

Artemis recently did some work for us and we were very impressed both with the quality of the work and the communication and value for money. I would recommend them.... Artemis recently did some work for us and we were very impressed both with the quality of the work and the communication and value for money. I would recommend them.

2 months ago

Michelle Hyer

Excellent service, tidy, efficient, on-time and someone at the end of the phone for queries! I would highly recemmend x...

3 months ago

Barbara M Grant, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire

Artemis Tree Services Limited is a professional tree surgeon and is highly recommended. The marketplace is peppered with charlatans purporting to be qualified in this specialist area but Artemis con... Artemis Tree Services Limited is a professional tree surgeon and is highly recommended. The marketplace is peppered with charlatans purporting to be qualified in this specialist area but Artemis continues to uphold and deliver the professional status of this important skill. They offer a a high quality service from the very first contact through to delivery of a clean and crafted conclusion. I have no hesitation in recommending their outstanding service. Many thanks to all involved.

3 months ago

Blake Lewis

The contractors that came to prune my tree were very efficient, polite and effective and I would have no hesitation in recommending Artemis to anyone.... The contractors that came to prune my tree were very efficient, polite and effective and I would have no hesitation in recommending Artemis to anyone.

4 months ago

Jo

Just to say thank you for carrying out the work so professionally. The team were efficient, they took great care to ensure nothing got damaged, they were very friendly and informative and left the ar... Just to say thank you for carrying out the work so professionally. The team were efficient, they took great care to ensure nothing got damaged, they were very friendly and informative and left the area tidy. Work carried out: Removal of deadwood

6 months ago

Savas Sivetidis

Good service all round, polite and efficient....

6 months ago

Declan McManus

Efficient, tidy and courteous service - I have used Artemis on a number of occasions and cannot think of any reason to change....

8 months ago

Gaby

Excellent service with polite considerate operators...

8 months ago

Anonymous

very professional, knowledgeable company. where able to provide advice and options as to needed to be done. Clean, tidy and polite...

8 months ago

John

Very professional We have used them a few times and would not go anywhere else...

8 months ago

Francis Emmanuel

This was the second time we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. This time it was to fell and remove a mature sycamore. The team were excellent throughout - from initial enquiries, advice with ... This was the second time we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. This time it was to fell and remove a mature sycamore. The team were excellent throughout - from initial enquiries, advice with what was suitable, scheduling of the work, the tree work itself, the disposal of the felled tree and invoicing. Very pleasant, smart, tidy and courteous.

8 months ago

Pools Sritharan

Excellent service from the initial contact to completion. Professional ans polite at all times. Many thanks for this wonderful experience. Regards Pools Sritharan 18, The Avenue, Potters Bar.... Excellent service from the initial contact to completion. Professional ans polite at all times. Many thanks for this wonderful experience. Regards Pools Sritharan 18, The Avenue, Potters Bar.

9 months ago

Wendy Fry

Very pleased with work done to prune large sycamore tree. Detailed quote provided same day as Billy came to inspect and advise. All work was done promptly, safely with no mess whatsoever. Would defini... Very pleased with work done to prune large sycamore tree. Detailed quote provided same day as Billy came to inspect and advise. All work was done promptly, safely with no mess whatsoever. Would definitely recommend this firm. Very professional from start to finish.

9 months ago

Chris Pooley

If you require any tree work done I can certainly recommend Artemis. The estimator Billy was great to deal with professional and gave great advice. We required a Laurel and Holly tree to be reduced i... If you require any tree work done I can certainly recommend Artemis. The estimator Billy was great to deal with professional and gave great advice. We required a Laurel and Holly tree to be reduced in height and shaped and several leylandia trees at the back of the garden to be reduced in height and tidied up.A detailed quote was provided within 24 hours. On the day of the scheduled work the crew arrived on time and Tom and Charlie did a fantastic job very courteous and making sure everything was left nice and tidy. I would have no hesitation in contacting them for any future work required this is an extremely well run business.

9 months ago

Wendy Farrell

Great service from the get go. Surveyor was brilliant and took his time advising me on the best value for money for the job. The two guys in the day were fab! Not a leaf was left for me to tidy up. K... Great service from the get go. Surveyor was brilliant and took his time advising me on the best value for money for the job. The two guys in the day were fab! Not a leaf was left for me to tidy up. Kirstie Harvey in the office is a legend! Cannot recommend this company highly enough.

9 months ago