Not a single New Year is complete without a forest beauty - a Christmas tree. But after the celebration is over, the Christmas tree must be taken apart, the tinsel and garlands must be put in a box, and the Christmas tree... in most cases, it is simply thrown away. She has already played her role and is becoming absolutely unnecessary. Artificial Christmas trees will be sent back, assembled in a box, but the living ones have a hard time. Half of the needles will already fall off, the entire attractive appearance will lose its former beauty, and not a trace will remain of the aroma of pine needles. Do not rush to throw the Christmas tree in the trash, because if you approach it wisely, it will still be useful to you.
Using the Christmas tree after the holiday
Few people realize that there are several ways to use the New Year tree. Recycling it at home is not at all difficult, and most importantly it is useful. The trunk, branches and needles of a coniferous tree can be used. Let's consider all possible options.
Plant protection from pests
When planting vegetables in the beds, add some pine needles to the hole. The needles will begin to release substances - phytoncides, which repel insects such as wireworms, mole crickets, and scab.
Wood chips for smoking
The needles should be finely chopped or sawdust cut for further use. Pine sawdust is well suited for smoking fish. But only spruce and pine trees are considered “edible”.
Needles as an element of homemade soap
People who are fond of soap making know many recipes for making soap with a wide variety of ingredients.The needles are crushed with a coffee grinder, then they are poured into a container with a soap base, a couple of drops of essential oil and dye are added as desired. Mix thoroughly. The mixture is transferred into molds and sprinkled with alcohol. After complete hardening, you will have a wonderful soap.
Grow a Christmas tree from a planted tree
Only a tree whose roots are still alive can be planted in open ground. You won't be able to plant a felled tree, but you can use its needles as compost.
Decoction for health
Still living Christmas tree needles must be cut from the tree, pour boiling water over them and leave for up to 8 hours, preferably in a thermos. Strain the liquid through a sieve, add a little honey and lemon for taste.
Animal food
If you are not a city resident and you have a household, then the branches from the Christmas tree will be suitable for goat feed. It will be delicious for them, but you won’t be offended, because this way the tree will end its New Year’s “journey” not in the trash, but with benefit.
Pine baths
Taking baths with pine decoction removes waste and toxins from the body, strengthens the nervous system and immunity, relieves fatigue after a hard day of work and improves blood circulation. Has a beneficial effect on sore joints. Fill the needles with water in a ratio of 1 to 8 and leave for a day. Then boil to half the volume. The decoction is stored in a cool, dark place for about a week. Add no more than 100 grams to the bath, take from 10 to 20 minutes. Do not immerse yourself completely in water; the heart area should be open.
To throw it away or not is up to you to decide!
A Christmas tree thrown into a trash container is the easiest solution, but it was not raised for it to end its existence so mercilessly. As a last resort, take it to a wood recycling facility, if one exists in your city.
