Christmas trees are the stars of the show over the festive holiday. They're one of the first things families put up and decorate to get into the spirit, some as early as November, as their twinkling branches and colourful baubles are sure to fill you with the utmost joy.
But they are also one of the last Christmas decorations to begrudgingly be taken down. If you have an artificial tree, it can be easy to box it back up and place it in the loft, however for those who have had a real tree this year, then you might now be thinking about what you should do with it as we approach January.
Garden experts have explained the best ways to say farewell to your beloved tree, with plenty of 'green' ways to dispose of it, giving something back to the soil as a little thank you. One wildlife pro has also warned about the one thing you shouldn't do - sending it to landfill.
Guy Barter, chief horticulturist at the RHS, says: "Potted trees can simply be replanted outside until it's needed the following year, but even cut trees can be reused to minimise waste.
"For example, shredding Christmas trees can create useful mulch for the garden, while chopping up the trunk to create a woodpile helps support insects, birds and other wildlife."
However, if you bought a Christmas tree with roots this year, and have the space, it can be planted in the garden and you can continue to enjoy it outside for years to come.
Dr Anton Rosenfeld, knowledge officer of horticultural charity Garden Organic, advises: "Plant the tree in a hole at a depth just covering the root ball, when the ground isn't frozen.
"Alternatively, buy a more compact variety that can continue to be grown in a pot, and then it can be used as a Christmas tree next year."
As far as shredding your tree goes, as well as being a great mulch for flower beds and vegetable gardens, Rosenfeld says it can be used as 'brown' addition to your compost bin.
"A garden shredder helps, but if you don't have one you can still put any branches up to a finger's width into your compost bin, if they're chopped up with secateurs and mixed with plenty of green materials."
Rosenfield notes that it will take a while to compost, but "the quality of the material produced is very good."
But most importantly, as Eden Jackson of The Wildlife Trusts puts it, it's vital to make sure your lovely Christmas tree doesn't end up in the bin.
"When it comes to your tree, try to make sure it doesn't end up in landfill," she argues.
"An estimated 8 million are sold every year and there are plenty of ways to dispose of them after the season's over.
"Find out if there's a charity or council recycling scheme near you – some trees end up as woodchips for local parks – or cut it up and put it in a green waste bin.
"Or why not use your old tree as a festive wildlife hideaway for minibeasts?
"You can use the branches and chopped-up trunk, bound together and placed somewhere in your garden.
"It can be a great way to attract wildlife. The spaces made by piling the sticks and branches together are perfect spots for invertebrates to shelter."
Alternatively, think about renting a Christmas tree next year.
"These trees are often grown by local nurseries from seed and potted on each year, so you have a real living tree delivered in a pot," says Jackson.
"They can often be used 10 times or more before they become too big, after which they’re planted and grown to be used as large 'village green' Christmas trees."
What do you normally do with your Christmas tree at the end of the festive season? Let us know in the comments.
