Give Your Christmas Tree a New Life in Michigan

By Andi Anderson

As the holiday season wraps up, Michigan residents can dispose of live Christmas trees at state-approved recycling sites, contributing to environmental conservation efforts. Several communities across the state offer recycling or compost sites where trees are repurposed into mulch or wood chips. 

To find the nearest tree recycling locations, residents can refer to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy's "Michigan Recycling Directory" and search for "Christmas trees." However, ensure that trees are free of ornaments, garlands, tinsel, and plastic tree bags used for covering during removal. 

Alternatively, those wishing to repurpose their live trees can prop them up in their backyards, providing shelter for birds and animals during the winter. 

Michigan's Christmas tree industry, ranking third nationwide, faces a potential threat from the invasive balsam woolly adelgid. Recently detected in the northern part of the state, this pest poses a danger to the nearly 13.5 million fir trees produced annually. 

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development confirmed the presence of this invasive bug in Missaukee County. This sap-feeding insect primarily attacks "true fir trees," such as balsam, Fraser, and concolor fir, causing damage that weakens and kills trees over time. 

Residents are urged to stay vigilant, report any signs of infestation, and assist in efforts to curb the spread of this pest by contacting the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network. 

By responsibly disposing of Christmas trees and remaining vigilant against invasive pests, Michigan residents can contribute to preserving the state's natural beauty and Christmas tree industry. 

If residents notice the invasive pest damaging fir trees, it’s crucial to take photos, note the location, and report it promptly. Contact the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network at mdainfo@michigan.gov or call 800-292-3939 to provide detailed information about the sighting.

Photo Credit: pexels-nataliya-vaitkevich