Tree disposal done right

As the holidays wrap up, it’s time to safely and responsibly take care of the Christmas tree.

Live and artificial trees can be tossed, but there are some things to consider:

• Please do not dump trees in roadways, ditches, creeks, or wooded areas. Improper disposal can create safety hazards, block drainage, and increase fire risks once trees dry out.
• Before discarding a live Christmas tree, remove all decorations, lights, tinsel, nails, and the tree stand. Live trees can be recycled through local collection sites, curbside pickup where available, or approved recycling programs.

A local sheriff offers these helpful tips:

• Many landowners and anglers actively look for used live Christmas trees to place in farm ponds. These trees create excellent fish habitat by providing cover for baitfish and improving pond structure. If you’re on Facebook, consider checking local community pages where people often post requests for live trees specifically for pond use. Always make sure the tree is completely clean and coordinate directly with the person collecting it.
• Artificial trees should be disposed of according to normal household trash guidelines.

Lessening fire risks

According to the National Fire Protection Association, If you’re struggling to part ways with your Christmas tree, consider this: More than one-third (35 percent) of U.S. home fires involving Christmas trees occur in January.

With this post-holiday fire hazard in mind, the NFPA strongly encourages prompt removal of Christmas trees after the holiday season.

“As much as we all enjoy the look and feel of Christmas trees in our homes, they’re large combustible items that have the potential to result in serious fires,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “The longer they’re in the home, the more of a risk they present.”

According to NFPA data, Christmas tree fires don’t happen often, but when they do occur, they’re more likely to be serious. That’s in part because fresh Christmas trees dry out over time, making them more flammable the longer they’re in the home. A dried-out Christmas tree will burn much more quickly than a well-watered one.

Between 2020 and 2024, there was an estimated annual average of 143 home structure fires that began with Christmas trees, resulting in seven civilian deaths, 13 civilian injuries, and $15 million in direct property damage.

“Fires that begin with Christmas trees represent a very small but notable part of the U.S. fire problem, considering that they are generally in use for a short time each year,” said Carli.

To safely dispose of a Christmas tree, NFPA recommends using the local community’s recycling program, if possible; trees should not be put in the garage or left outside. NFPA also offers these tips for safely removing lighting and decorations to ensure that they remain in good condition:

• Use the gripping area on the plug when unplugging electrical decorations. Never pull the cord to unplug any device from an electrical outlet, as this can harm the wire and insulation of the cord, increasing the risk for shock or electrical fire.
• As you pack up light strings, inspect each set for damage. Throw out any that have loose connections, broken sockets or cracked or bare wires.
• Wrap each set of lights and put them in individual plastic bags or wrap them around a piece of cardboard.
• Store electrical decorations away from children and pets, and in a dry place where they will not be damaged by water or dampness.

Another word to the wise: Always check with your county administration for any burn bans that might be in place.