It’s shared your house for the past couple of weeks – but that tree’s days are numbered (Image: Getty) This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
With Twelfth Night fast approaching, many of us might already be beginning to fret about what to do with our Christmas trees. But for keen gardeners the answer could be very simple.
Garden expert David Denyer has revealed how real Christmas trees can be reused as natural mulch after January 6, helping to insulate plant roots, improve soil health, and even deter slugs and snails during the coldest months of winter.
David, from flower delivery specialists Eflorist, says: “Many people don’t realise just how valuable a Christmas tree becomes once the decorations come down.
“When broken down into mulch, your Christmas tree can be endlessly useful for your garden. Once mulched, the needles and branches of a Christmas tree can help your garden soil retain moisture, suppress any weeds, and gradually enrich the soil as they decompose.”
He adds: “A layer of mulch during January or February will also help protect any plant roots from frost, giving plants extra protection during the coldest weeks of winter while preparing the garden for early spring growth.”
It only seems like yesterday that you bought your tree, but now it’s time to say goodbye (Image: Getty)
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David explains that some plants will benefit from Christmas tree mulch more than others: “Christmas tree needles are naturally acidic, so you should use this mulch on acid-loving plants such as blueberries, azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons.
“However, gardeners shouldn’t worry about Christmas tree mulch dramatically altering soil pH. As pine needles break down, they quickly neutralise, meaning you can safely use them around most shrubs, perennials, and fruit bushes.
“Many gardeners also use pine needles around strawberries, as the sharp, prickly texture can help deter slugs and snails.”
David adds that this is the ideal time of year to protect your plants with an extra layer of mulch: “The timing works perfectly,” he says, “as January and February are when plants need protection most to ensure they have a successful spring.
“A fresh layer of mulch helps shield roots from frost, reduces soil erosion during wet spells, and maintains moisture during dry, cold winds.”
All those needles could come in handy (Image: Getty)
Five steps to mulching your Christmas tree:
1. Shred the branches for faster breakdown
“If you have access to a garden shredder or can borrow one from a neighbour, shredding the tree is the quickest way to turn it into a fine, even mulch.
“Smaller pieces break down far more efficiently and sit neatly around plants, allowing moisture and air to flow through.
“Shredding is the best method if you want a tidy finish across beds and borders and quicker soil improvement over winter.”
2. No shredder? Let the needles fall naturally
“If you don’t have a shredder, simply lay the tree outside on a patio, driveway, or large sheet.
“As it dries out, the needles will fall off naturally over a few days. You can sweep these up and use them as a light mulch around shrubs and fruit bushes.
“The remaining branches can be cut by hand and added to a compost heap or stacked to create an animal-friendly shelter in a quiet corner of the garden.”
Discarded Christmas trees can be a real asset in te hgarden (Image: Getty)3. Spread a 5–10cm layer around plants
“Once you’ve collected your needles or shredded branches, spread a layer around 5–10 centimetres deep around the base of shrubs, perennials, and fruit bushes.
“This depth helps lock in moisture, stabilise soil temperature, and protect exposed roots from frost.
“Just make sure to keep the mulch slightly away from stems and trunks, as leaving a small gap will prevent excess moisture, which can cause rotting.”
4. Use extra branches for wildlife habitats
“Any leftover branches can become a real winter lifeline for wildlife.
“Stack them loosely in a sheltered corner to create a simple habitat for insects, frogs, and hedgehogs, which rely on dry, protected spaces during the coldest weeks.
“The gaps between the branches help trap heat and keep predators out, making it an ideal makeshift refuge until spring.”
5. Store any leftover needles for spring
“Dry pine needles store extremely well and can be used long after the Christmas tree is gone.
“Keep them in a breathable hessian or garden-waste bag–not plastic–so they stay dry and airy.
“They make an excellent spring top-up mulch, helping to keep soil moist as temperatures rise and giving emerging plants an early-season boost.”
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