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.

Top

This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and deliver personalised ads. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.

More Information Accept All Cookies

5/ 5

Verified customer feedback

5 rating based on

594 reviews

Excellent

Anonymous

Artemis removed a tree and neatened a hedge. The work was very neat. In all my dealings with Artemis, they have always been very reliable and trustworthy, and I have recommended them to a neighbour.... Artemis removed a tree and neatened a hedge. The work was very neat. In all my dealings with Artemis, they have always been very reliable and trustworthy, and I have recommended them to a neighbour.

6 days ago

Vicki

Very professional, efficient and friendly service. The team did an excellent job of taking down an old tree, planting a new one and pruning three others. Everything was left very tidy.... Very professional, efficient and friendly service. The team did an excellent job of taking down an old tree, planting a new one and pruning three others. Everything was left very tidy.

2 weeks ago

Jill Lesley Sloley

The tree work was carried out by friendly operatives who arrived on time and worked efficiently and well. They took away all the debris and left me with a tidy garden. The office people I have spok... The tree work was carried out by friendly operatives who arrived on time and worked efficiently and well. They took away all the debris and left me with a tidy garden. The office people I have spoken to have also been friendly, helpful and efficient.

3 weeks ago

Maggie

This is the first occasion using Artemis and we found the service from start to finish prompt, professional and friendly. The interaction prior to the commencement of the work was really efficient, a... This is the first occasion using Artemis and we found the service from start to finish prompt, professional and friendly. The interaction prior to the commencement of the work was really efficient, and the team on the day were great and the work completed was to an exceptional standard, as was the clear up afterwards. A big thanks to Loise, Lewis, Mo and Marchin for your hard work on the day, and to Scott too who did the initial quotation. Well done boys and we are so pleased with the end result!

1 month ago

Anonymous

Survey completed quickly after our enquiry and clear and concise quote provided within a day. Great booking and pre-visit communication. The chaps that did the work were courteous and professional - k... Survey completed quickly after our enquiry and clear and concise quote provided within a day. Great booking and pre-visit communication. The chaps that did the work were courteous and professional - knew what they were doing and clearly communicated how the job was going and answered any questions we had during the work. They took their time to do the job well. Site left tidy with trees pruned and shaped as agreed. Artemis are expert and professional.

1 month ago

steve lynch

Artemis have undertaken two pieces of tree work for us in the last few weeks and on both occasions they did an absolutely great job. excellent value for money, I would thoroughly recommend them!... Artemis have undertaken two pieces of tree work for us in the last few weeks and on both occasions they did an absolutely great job. excellent value for money, I would thoroughly recommend them!

2 months ago

Anonymous

I would recommend this company to anyone. They were amazing from start to finish. They cleaned all the mess and took it away with them. Very happy, thank you again... I would recommend this company to anyone. They were amazing from start to finish. They cleaned all the mess and took it away with them. Very happy, thank you again

3 months ago

Ken And Joan Richardson

As usual our Magnolia tree was cut to perfection .The teamleft our property clean and tidy ,We have used Artemis tree Services for about 15 years and would not want to have anyone else to do the work ... As usual our Magnolia tree was cut to perfection .The teamleft our property clean and tidy ,We have used Artemis tree Services for about 15 years and would not want to have anyone else to do the work A big Thank you to the team ,

3 months ago

Michael Quy

A prompt professional team. I have used Artemis before and recommend them highly....

3 months ago

Gordon Trievnor

Another first class job completed by this exceptional Contractor. From initial site inspection to quotation and actual works, plus an amazing clear up after, it is always a real pleasure to use Arte... Another first class job completed by this exceptional Contractor. From initial site inspection to quotation and actual works, plus an amazing clear up after, it is always a real pleasure to use Artemis. Highly recommended.

4 months ago

Keith

Very efficient customer service. Did the job when they said they would. Met all our expectations. Would recommend....

4 months ago

Francis Xavier Emmanuel

This was the third occasion that we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. We were completely satisfied with their service at every stage of their work. Perhaps what pleased us most was to see th... This was the third occasion that we used the services of Artemis Tree Services. We were completely satisfied with their service at every stage of their work. Perhaps what pleased us most was to see the two young lads genuinely enjoying their work! 57 Bow Lane, Finchley, N12 0JL.

5 months ago

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!

6 months 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.

6 months 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!

6 months ago

Derek Welch, Chalfont St Peter

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

6 months ago

Peter

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

7 months ago

M Pearce

Polite, efficient, helpful - highly reccomended...

8 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.

8 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...

9 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.

9 months ago