Kelly Ferrigan | Technical Writer and Web Designer

Christmas Trees for Wildlife

That time is finally here again: time for the fun and beauty of Christmas trees in our homes, offices, and stores! You may be wondering, “What does that have to do with Arizona animals?” Keep reading to learn more!

According to About.com, it seems that most, if not all, of the cities in Arizona offer recycling and, in some cases, curbside pickup for real Christmas trees. Unfortunately, the only thing these cities seem to be doing with these trees is grinding them up into compost or mulch. While this saves the city money on public landscaping, there are many more tree disposal options that directly benefit local wildlife.

When your Christmas celebration is over and you are ready to dispose of your tree, there are many reusing options that are available to you that will directly benefit wildlife.

Wild Bird Christmas Tree

Another way to repurpose your christmas tree after the holidays is by making it a feeder for local wild birds in your area.

1. Move the tree outside to your yard.
2. String these bird treats on thin twine or ribbon along with colorful ribbons to attract the birds (do not use fishing line as birds can become tangled in it):
   • Plain (unsalted and unbuttered) popcorn or cranberries
   • Unsalted peanuts in the shell
   • Whole, dried sunflower heads
   • Place bird seed in net or onion bags and tie to the branches.
   • Cut shapes from white or whole wheat bread with cookie cutters and put holes in the top of the bread before it dries. When the bread dries, spread peanut butter on them and sprinkle bird seed on the peanut butter.
3. These treats can be nestled inside the tree or tie to the tree with colorful ribbons:
   • Make a mixture of ½ part peanut butter and ½ part corn meal. Spread this mixture on pinecones.
   • Make a mixture of peanut butter and oatmeal for a thick consistency. Put the mixture on the inside and outside of pinecones and roll in bird seed.
   • Spread a thin layer of peanut butter on bagels and sprinkle with small seeds like millet, thistle, or finch mix.
   • Dried ears of corn

Wildlife Christmas Tree

Remember to keep this far from your property if you do not want wildlife too close to your property. (Be aware of other people's properties as well.)

1. String 100% natural plain popcorn, salt-free crackers, apple/orange slices, grapes, raisins, and/or cranberries on the tree and add other treats and table scraps.
2. Turn your tree into a brush pile and place the brush near other thick cover to encourage animals, such as rabbits, to use it.

Christmas Tree for Fish

Follow these steps to improve fishing.

1. Weight the tree and sink it in deep water. The tree will act as an artificial reef and will attract crappie and other panfish. (Please consult those in charge of the body of water prior to dropping your tree into it.)

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