Wondering what to do with your Christmas tree? Here are three solutions.

Jack Perry, The Providence Journal
Updated ·3 min read

Editor's Note: This story was updated in 2023 for accuracy and additional information

Who knew Christmas trees could be good for trout?

If you're watching the needles fall from your evergreen and wondering what to do with it, you could use the old tree to help trout and other fish. Turning the tree into compost to nourish other trees and plants is another possibility.

Here's more information on those and other options:

Drop off your Christmas tree to help restore trout habitat

Continuing a program called Trees for Trout, the Trout Unlimited Rhode Island Chapter is partnering with the state Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish and Wildlife to collect trees and put them in Rhode Island rivers and streams to restore the water bodies and help trout and other aquatic animals hide from predators.

"Strategic placement of the trees helps restore streams and rivers that have become wide and shallow due to flooding and storms, provide refuge habitat, and stabilize stream banks. Known as 'conifer revetments,' the trees trap sediment and decompose to gradually become part of the banks themselves," the organizations say. "The tree branches along the edges in the water offer protection for small trout and other aquatic animals seeking a place to hide from predators."

In this August 2019 photograph, Department of Environmental Management employees and members of the Trout Unlimited Narragansett Chapter 225 place donated Christmas trees along the bank of the Upper Falls River, just downstream from the Lawson Cary Access Point of the Wood River.
In this August 2019 photograph, Department of Environmental Management employees and members of the Trout Unlimited Narragansett Chapter 225 place donated Christmas trees along the bank of the Upper Falls River, just downstream from the Lawson Cary Access Point of the Wood River.

Trees can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at the Arcadia Check Station in the Wood River Arcadia Management Area, 2224 Ten Rod Road, Exeter.

Drop off real trees only, not artificial trees or trees that have been sprayed with fire-retardant chemicals. All decorations and lights must be removed. The program accepts only whole conifers, not trimmings.

Curbside pickup for Christmas trees

Most Rhode Island cities and towns make it even easier for residents to get rid of their old trees. They offer curbside pickup for transport to the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation/Central Landfill, where the trees are turned into compost.

"Fortunately, many Rhode Island communities have programs designed to help you dispose of Christmas trees with a minimum of fuss," John Campanini, technical adviser to the Rhode Island Tree Council, wrote on the organization's website.

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In most places, the trees can be left curbside on regularly scheduled pick up days. Trees should be placed at the curb on the day trash and recycling is normally picked up. Ornaments, lights and other decorations must be removed.

The Rhode Island Resource Corporation has an online guide with detailed information on when cities and towns pick up trees. All decorations must be removed. Rhode Islanders can also bring the trees directly to the Johnston facility.

During the 2021-2022 holiday season, Resource Recovery received 180.11 tons of real Christmas trees and greenery from Rhode Island cities and towns, according to Madison Burke-Hindle, education and outreach manager. Those trees are ground up and added to a composting operation that produces 40,000 tons of compost annually, she said.

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The finished compost is certified as Class A by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, meaning it's certified for use in organic growing, she said. It's sold directly to the public at the Johnston facility and also through a wholesaler. It's also given to Rhode Island cities, towns and schools.

The Pick Your own Christmas Tree website provides a warning on Christmas tree disposal: "Never burn your Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove. Burning the tree may contribute to creosote buildup and could cause a chimney fire."

In his blog, Campanini notes that some environmentally friendly options exist for people to put their old trees to good use right in their own yards. For example, a tree can have a second life as "a backyard bird sanctuary." Homeowners can also use them for erosion control, or make their own mulch, he wrote.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: How do you get rid of your Christmas tree in RI? 3 solutions.