bit early yet,but Q re composting christmas trees

[elvis2003]

Hi folks,got our tree up today and it dawned on me,with some alarm,that we have never composted our christmas tree in four years of having a plot. What does everyone else do with theirs...am wondering if it would be good for blueberries as they like ericachious nutrients (sp) and if so,could we just apply the branches as a mulch?

[elvis2003]

[rugbypost]

It takes about a year to break down , and thats when it is shreded take it to your local council recycling plant after xmas they will have a date when this will begin bag and bring home fun for all . been thinking for a while to plant one in the back garden  thats 30 years of thinking(LOL) but it takes about 12 years to grow and you can start shaping it after about 6 years i think how about a pot plant to use yearly some one here will tell us both how to do it  Have a great xmas and new year  :)

[elvis2003]

our council gives us a designated spot in the local park to drop trees off for recycling,which is what we have always done before.Happy Christmas to you too Rugby
Rach x

[saddad]

It's never too early to compost a Christmas Tree...  :-X

[Borlotti]

Our Council collects them after Xmas for recycling.  Wonderful Enfield Council, but I have got an artificial one as have a new carpet.  Have got one growing up the allotment that I bought years ago, and don't like to dig it up as it has got big and is happy up there.  I do love a real tree and the smell, and the cats love playing with the decorations.  Only got a small house but before the Christmas tree went to the allotment was growing in a pot in the front garden and I decorated it there, not so much mess.

[elvis2003]

our cats,well one of them,is having great fun knockng off decorations from the tree.dont really mind as he is really enjoying himself! must get round to getting a planted tree too,how lovely to have one at your plot! we have a holly bush outside in the shape of a christmas tree,have decorated it with fat balls etc for the birds

[Monkey Brains]

There was a short piece from a professional christmas tree grower on the Christmas Special Gardeners World programme at the weekend, which talked about how and when to prune & shape trees.

As for composting, they're slow to rot, but one thing to look out for is that the needles are quite acidic, I think?