Sustainability Tips
The Caring Christmas Trees project is very focused on sustainability - we believe that the trees we sell should help people and help the planet.
If you're like us, you might be wondering how you can be more sustainable this festive season, and how you can give your Caring Christmas Tree a new life.
We've done the research - now it's up to you!
1
Make mulch from the needles
Keep the tree outside until the needles fall off, then collect the needles to use as a mulch for acid-loving plants.
2
Use it as a frame for climbers
Plant the bare tree in a garden border, then grow climbers over it. You can also use twiggy branches as plant support.
3
Create a wildlife shelter or animal habitat
Trim twigs to short lengths, tie them in a bundle, then hang in a bush for bugs to hide in. Alternatively, consider placing the whole tree in a sheltered spot in your garden for creatures to nestle into during the cold Scottish winter.
4
Use as insulation for tender plants
Chop large branches from the tree, and then lay them over plants on the soil surface to protect them from frost.
5
Donate it to a local nature reserve
You can contact a local nature reserve or community farm to see if they will accept your tree. Some coastal reserves use trees to stabilise sand dunes, and farms may use it to feed animals - goats in particular love to snack!
6
Use branches to make a bird feeder
Cut off the branches, cover them in butter or margarine and then roll them in bird seeds. Grab some brown string and hang the branch in your garden.
7
Use pine needles to make fragrant sachets
You can make these easily by yourself by re-using any leftover fabrics at home and stitching some velvet ribbon around the top to make a tie. Once you've done that, simply pop in the pine needles and tighten shut.
8
Use branches to make a wreath
Wreaths can be beautifully hung on doors all year round. You'll need binding wire, scissors, additional flowers (if you'd like to use them) and craft foam.
9
Provide shelter for pond life
Christmas trees can be repurposed by placing it over a garden pond to offer protection to pond life from predators. They also provide great sanctuary for frogs, toads and newts outside of the water.
10
Local council uplift
Please check your local council uplift services. For Edinburgh and Glasgow, this will be free and will take place across January. You may be able to take your tree to a drop-off point or ask them to collect from your address.
Information about potted trees
Many people believe that potted trees are more sustainable because they can be re-potted after Christmas. So, why don't we sell them?
The majority of potted tree species cannot survive the climate in the UK, so they are shipped from Europe and then returned, which results in a large carbon footprint. In addition, those trees that do stay in Scotland will rarely survive being potted outside after Christmas, but equally will not thrive if kept in the same pot year round.
Our beautiful trees are grown locally and freshly cut at a dedicated Christmas tree farm in West Lothian, ensuring top quality trees at a low carbon cost.
