COUNTRY GARDENING
Reuse live Christmas tree as food, shelter for birds By Trisha Gedon Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service he holidays may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t continue getting some enjoyment out of your Christmas tree. Many families keep their decorations up in the home for a while after the holidays, even after all the gifts have been opened, the leftovers have been eaten and guests have returned to their own home. A Christmas tree can certainly add a festive flair to any room with its twinkling lights and sparkling ornaments. Fortunately, there’s a way to get more use out of it, said David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension consumer horticulturist. “When the weather is chilly, birds and 48 — Oklahoma Country
other small wildlife need a place to get out of the cold and wind,” Hillock said. “Unfortunately, deciduous trees don’t have leaves this time of year and birds may have a hard time finding shelter. This is where your old Christmas tree can come in handy. Instead of hauling the tree to the landfill, put it in your yard, instead. You’ll be providing birds a place to hide from the cold and the tree will add a splash of color to your landscape. The dense needles will provide protection from rain, snow and wind.” You can keep the tree in the tree stand, place it in a large bucket of soil or even dig a hole in your yard in which to place the tree.
The tree can serve double duty in the yard. Not only will it be a great source of shelter, it also can be a source of food. If you made strings of cranberries or popcorn for decorations, leave them on the tree when you take it outside. “Spend a relaxing afternoon with your family after the holidays and make some edible ornaments for the tree-turnedbird-feeder in your yard,” Hillock said. “String red and green grapes on a pipe cleaner. These are bright and colorful and will look like miniature wreaths hanging on the tree. Something else that’s fun for kids of all ages is spreading peanut butter on pinecones, then rolling them in bird seed. These will look great