Artificial Christmas trees are a godsend for people who want to celebrate the joy of Christmas without the hassle. Artificial trees, though, have their own problems. Are you getting the most out of your artificial tree if you’re using it only one month (if that much) out of the year? Eventually that tree will wear down and need to be replaced; but what do you do with the old one?
Whether you want to do more with your artificial Christmas tree or you’re looking for something to do with an old one, here are some tips that can save you money while you decorate your home and yard.
Using your Tree Year-round
An artificial Christmas tree is truly evergreen, so why enjoy that greenery only one month a year? When it starts to warm up in February, anchor that artificial tree in your backyard or put it on your back porch and decorate it year-round:
- Handmade and store-bought hearts hanging from branches intertwined with red or pink ribbon can make a great Valentine’s Tree.
- Add green on green on green when St. Patrick’s Day comes around, and top the tree with a giant shamrock.
- Bring your crosses and/or egg-shaped ornaments back out to create your very own Easter Tree. (You could even hide plastic eggs in its branches.)
- Mark Memorial Day by adding yellow ribbons, red poppies and American flags to your year-round tree.
- Show your patriotism by decorating your Independence Day Tree in red, white and blue.
- A Halloween Tree can become a haven for ghosts, goblins, skeletons and other creepy Halloween decorations in October.
Having a year-round tree to mark seasons, holidays and even birthdays creates some great and imaginative crafting opportunities for children and adults alike. For a less attention-grabbing tree, consider marking the beginning of each new season with a new set of decorations that matches your current décor.
Reusing an Old Tree
Artificial Christmas trees don’t last forever. Taking them down and putting them back up can cause particular stress, and eventually, you’ll want to replace your artificial tree. (Pro tip: Do it in the summer, when you can get deep discounts on artificial Christmas trees.)
But before you pitch that old tree, consider how you might reuse it first:
- Make a wreath. With a hot glue gun, some fishing wire and a little ingenuity, you can turn salvageable artificial branches into an attractive wreath to hang from the house, a shed or the garage.
- Use branches in floral arrangements. Stick a few of the removable branches into a planter, vase or basket with artificial pussy willow, ornamental grasses, pine cones or other greenery as a dining room centerpiece or outdoor arrangement.
- Save the top. The top quarter or so of most artificial Christmas trees comes off as a single piece. If it’s still in workable shape on its own, keep it as a small Christmas tree for a bedroom or dorm room.
- Protect your garden. “Plant” artificial evergreen branches around growing sprouts or over bulbs to protect them from damage by cold winds.
Although the idea of a live Christmas tree is appealing, the hassle that involves steers many people away. An artificial tree simplifies your Christmas decorating and, as outlined above, can do so much more than a real evergreen that will turn brown by February. So get the most out of your artificial tree and turn your outdoor decorating up a notch.