When the holidays are over, many gardeners ask what to do with their real chopped Christmas trees. While there are schemes to collect them or places to take them for recycling, you can choose a more sustainable option right at home. By reusing your tree, you help local wildlife and give your garden a boost.

The first step is to remove the branches using a sharp pair of loppers or a handsaw. These needle-laden boughs are perfect for creating “dead hedges” or wildlife bundles. Simply gather the branches and tie them together with natural twine or tuck them into a quiet, out-of-the-way corner at the back of a border. These dense thickets provide a safe haven for overwintering insects, as well as protection for small mammals such as hedgehogs until the needs eventually drop.

With branches removed, the sturdy trunk can be chopped into smaller logs and added to your log pile. As the wood slowly decays, it provides a shelter for stag beetles and other wood-boring insects. These logs also support mosses and fungi, adding a woodland touch to your garden.

This way, your previous Christmas centrepiece becomes a foundation for new life. It’s a simple, satisfying January task that supports the ecosystem and keeps the spirit of the tree alive long after the decorations have been packed away.