By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Another Christmas has come and gone and the tree served its purpose well. Discarded Christmas trees can still be put to use. Alicia Boor, agriculture and natural resources agent in the Cottonwood District for K-State Research and Extension, said sinking the trees in a pond can be beneficial for wildlife.
"As things grow around it, it makes a really good fish habitat," she said. "It will protect smaller fish and give them places to hide away from the larger predators. The larger fish are drawn to it because of the shade and the presence of the smaller fish. It really improves their habitats and gives them more spots for both the predator and prey."
After removing all decorations, tie a cinderblock to the base of the tree using a short, stout rope to assist with the sinking. Obtain permission from any relevant landowners before discarding the tree this way. Trees can also be cut and left to dry for a few weeks for firewood.
"It's probably a better outdoor firewood for a firepit or something like that because the resin pockets inside conifers do tend to create little mini explosions," said Boor. "You can use it inside, just be very careful and have your eye on the fire. It makes it really entertaining to be able to watch the fire pop."
Trees can also be tied to the corner of a backyard deck or nearby tree to provide a habitat for birds and block the wind. Clipped branches can be used as insulation and mulch for other plants like roses.