Real trees can be recycled into mulch or wildlife habitats, while artificial trees usually end up in landfills. Experts say to recycle real trees promptly and never burn them indoors due to fire risks.(Photo courtesy of the Michigan Christmas Tree Association)

If you went the real-tree route this Christmas, there are several ways to put those fragrant evergreens to use after the holiday season. They can be recycled into mulch, wildlife habitats and other useful things.

Artificial trees, on the other hand, usually stick around longer than you’d like: made from polyvinyl chloride, a plastic that can’t be recycled, they often end up in landfills, according to the National Christmas Tree Association.

Real trees — stripped of lights, tinsel and other adornments — can be recycled and repurposed for different things.

Some towns offer curbside pickup for Christmas trees, while others let residents drop them off at designated recycling sites. You can see if your area participates by checking the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s recycling directory.

Nationally, the website Earth911 has a searchable database–just enter “Christmas tree” and your ZIP code. Certain Home Depot locations also accept trees for recycling, so it’s worth calling your local store.

Christmas tree scraps

DIY enthusiasts and backyard gardeners have ways to put trees to use.

The best option is probably to put your tree out on the curb so crews can turn it into mulch and bark for the next year, Bill Lindberg, a Christmas tree expert with MSU Extension, told Bridge Michigan.

The branches also help with regulating plants’ temperature as the weather fluctuates, which can increase the chances of them surviving the winter.

In some neighborhoods, you might be able to place your tree outside for wildlife to nibble on and let it naturally decompose.

Keep in mind, though, that while animals like goats and alpacas often enjoy Christmas trees, some farms and zoos won’t accept them due to possible pesticide or chemical treatments.

“The thing we would want to avoid, from an environmental standpoint, is putting it in a landfill,” Lindberg said. “That would just cause more methane production.”

If your community doesn’t recycle Christmas trees or you can’t find a site to take them near you, it might be worth calling a Christmas tree farm, because some also recycle trees for their customers.

Don’t wait, don’t burn

Leaving the tree up for an extended time is not recommended. The National Fire Protection Association says trees should be removed from the home promptly after Christmas or if they are dried out. Don’t leave them inside the home, garage or place them outside against the house.

It’s not safe to toss your Christmas tree into the fireplace. Real trees are highly flammable, and burning them indoors can quickly lead to an uncontrollable fire. They also contribute to creosote buildup in chimneys, increasing the risk of a chimney fire. On top of that, pine needles release nitrogen and terpenes, which produce toxic fumes when burned.

“You do not want to burn it in your fireplace; that’s a bad idea. But, if you have a burn bucket outside, you can absolutely burn it,” said Amy Start, executive director of the Michigan Christmas Tree Association. “You have to be really careful when you burn anything. It’s the end of the season, so it’ll be a little bit more dry.”

Before burning a Christmas tree outdoors, check local laws and follow safety guidelines.

“Be creative and figure out a way to just recycle it,” she said.