01/02/2026
Still waiting to hear from the City of Alpena to release the Christmas Tree 2026 drop off Time and Dates. However, In prior years it has been around the first 3 weeks of January from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM on weekdays at 1001 Long Lake Ave, Alpena, MI. Many townships chip the publics Christmas Trees into mulch and wood chips to be used in public parks, public views, City flower beds, etc.
Despite their drop off. Here are other ways you can repurpose you REAL Christmas Tree. As real Christmas Trees are a part of nature and 100% biodegradable.
1.) Place outsite on deck or porch out of direct sunlight. Stand or tie it upright in a displayed position. Decorate in birdseed and feed. We have been told in previous years from customers about getting spring birds to nests in their christmas trees. In Alpena, Michigan many birds start scouting to build nest in late March. Many migratory songbirds and common backyard species (like bluebirds, robins, red-winged blackbirds, etc.) begin scouting nest sites and starting to build nests as early as late March.
2.) If you have goats you probably already know this one. Leftover Christmas trees are a holiday treat!
• Offer 1 tree per group of goats.
• Let goats browse freely for a few days, then remove
• Best used as occasional winter enrichment.
A real Christmas tree is actually very useful after the holidays 🌲—especially if you’ve got land, wildlife, or a fire pit. Here are practical, proven ways to repurpose it, from easiest to more creative:
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🌿 Yard, Farm & Land Uses
1. Mulch or Wood Chips
• Chip the tree and use it around trees, shrubs, or garden beds
• Great for moisture retention and w**d suppression
2. Erosion Control
• Lay trees sideways on slopes or sandy soil
• Stake them down—excellent for slowing runoff and trapping sediment
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🦌 Wildlife & Habitat
4. Brush Piles for Wildlife
• Stack trees into a pile
• Provides shelter for rabbits, birds, grouse, and small mammals
5. Bird Habitat / Feeder Base
• Stand the tree upright outside
• Hang suet, seed feeders, or pinecones with peanut butter & seed
6. Fish Habitat (where legal)
• Weighted trees can be sunk in ponds/lakes to create fish structure
⚠️ Check local DNR rules before placing in water
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🔥 Fire & Heat (With Caution)
7. Firewood / Kindling
• Cut and split once dry
• Burns hot and fast—best for kindling or outdoor fire pits.
8. Campfire Starter
• Resin-rich branches ignite easily
• Great for campfires or outdoor bonfires
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🛠️ DIY & Crafts
9. Natural Trellis or Plant Support
• Trunks and sturdy branches work well for peas, beans, or tomatoes
10. Woodworking Projects
• Small projects like rustic signs, coasters, or tool handles
• Let the wood dry thoroughly first
11. Wood slice necklace pendants out of thick branches or trunk/stalk.
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♻️ Community & Recycling
11. Municipal Tree Recycling Programs
• Many towns chip trees into mulch for parks or public use
• Usually runs through January
12. Donate to Farms or Zoos
• Some goat farms, wildlife centers, or zoos use them for enrichment and/or browse.
13. The trees can also be laid down to be used like snow fence to stop and collect snow drifts.
14. Even if you do decide to cut up or throw away your REAL tree as a whole it will eventually turn into nutrient rich soil.
🌲 As opposed to artificial Christmas trees…
Did you know that 90% of the world’s artificial Christmas trees are manufactured in China? Unlike real trees, artificial trees don’t turn into soil — they slowly fragment into microplastics that can persist indefinitely and migrate into soil and water. No nutrients are returned to the environment, and the manufacturing process also contributes to pollution.
Key points about artificial trees:
• They don’t decompose into soil
• They slowly fragment into microplastics
• Those plastics can persist indefinitely and migrate into soil and water
• No nutrients are returned to the environment
Real Christmas trees do the opposite!
While being grown at your local tree farm, real trees:
• Absorb carbon and produce oxygen
• Provide habitat for wildlife
• Support the local economy
🎄 Thank you to everyone who came out to get a REAL Christmas Tree!
Seeing so many familiar faces every year never goes unnoticed. We will continue to work to make Real Trees the best they can be for your home, during and after the holiday season.
Here’s to a fantastic 2026 — and making Christmas as real as it can be, with real Chrismas trees! 🌟🎄
-Deans Tree Farm
