However, not everyone is aware of when exactly this moment arrives. Here are a few signs indicating that it's time to say goodbye to the Christmas tree and send it to the trash.
The needles are falling off too rapidly.
One of the most obvious signs that the tree has reached its peak "life" is the abundance of falling needles. If you find yourself picking up piles of needles from the floor every day or notice that they drop off with every touch, it means the tree has already dried out. Needle shedding is a natural process indicating that the tree lacks moisture.
Yellowed or darkened needles.
If the needles on your tree have darkened, become limp, and brittle, it is a clear signal that the tree has stopped "breathing." This is especially noticeable at the bottom of the tree, where the needles often take on a grayish or brown hue. Such a tree will no longer bring you joy.
0 Odor issues.
If an unpleasant smell is emanating from under the tree, it may be related to the decomposition of the needles. The fresh pine scent gives way to a musty odor that can spread throughout the house. This occurs when the tree can no longer maintain its natural fragrance due to drying out.
Yellowing and dying branches.
Branches that have become dry and brittle, as well as started to yellow, indicate that the tree is not receiving adequate nutrients. If the tree appears to be "saddening" and its shape is changing, it is a sign that it has lost its vitality.
Decorations won't stay on.
A tree that has long lost its freshness can no longer hold decorations as it used to. If ornaments are falling off the branches, lights are dimming or not turning on, it’s likely that the tree is in such a state that it can no longer support their weight and structure.
1 The tree has lost stability.
If you notice that the tree has become wobbly and is difficult to keep in place, this is another indication that it's time to say goodbye. A tree that can no longer stand upright and stable, as it did at the start of the holidays, has clearly dried out and become too fragile.
You’ve noticed "live" pests.
In warm homes, evergreen trees can attract various insects, such as beetles, flies, and mites. If you see that insects have started to appear actively on your tree, this is a clear sign that the tree has long lost its freshness and has become a breeding ground for pests.
More than a month has passed since the holidays.
It's best to remove the tree after New Year's and Epiphany. If more than a month has passed and the tree is still standing, it becomes not only an aesthetic issue but also a potential health hazard, especially if the needles have started to dry out. In such cases, the tree should be disposed of as soon as possible.
2 When and how to dispose of the tree?
Ideally, the tree should be taken out for disposal as soon as it has lost its decorative qualities. Many cities offer special collection points for Christmas trees, which are then processed into fertilizers or compost. If such an option is unavailable, make sure you dispose of the tree according to the regulations in your area.
Don’t forget that even if your tree no longer pleases the eye, you can try to extend the "life" of other parts of it, such as using the pine branches to create fragrant wreaths or garden mulch.