In the Garden
Amy Jordan
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Removing Christmas tree decorations is not nearly as fun as putting them on the tree, but something that must be done.
The tree served its purpose and was enjoyed during the season, but what do you do with the bare, unwanted tree?
There are many creative ways to recycle a Christmas tree. Cut off the branches and place them around plants to insulate the plants and retain moisture. If you have a chipper, run the tree through and use the chips for mulch. Use the tree in the yard for a songbird habitat. Place orange slices or strung popcorn on the tree to attract birds. You could also hang pinecones packed with peanut butter or suet on the tree to feed the birds. The tree could also be thrown on a frozen pond where it will eventually sink and be used by fish to breed.
The City of Emporia will also have locations trees can be taken to recycle. Through Jan. 7, you can take your tree to Dillons East, Reebles South, or the Lyon County Fair Grounds. Trees can also be taken at any time to the City Transfer Station at 3100 W. South Ave. Trees will be chipped or used for wildlife habitat.
Avoid burning wood from a Christmas tree in the fireplace because it can contribute to creosote buildup. The pitch in the wood will also spark and pop, which could easily start an unintentional fire.
Poinsettias are another Christmas decoration that is often best enjoyed through the season and disposed of after the holidays. Many times they have dropped leaves and are looking ragged after Christmas, so starting over with a new plant next year might be in your best interest. However, if you want to carry the plant over to next year, it can successfully be done.
Poinsettias do not like ‘wet feet.’ You need to be very careful not to overwater them. At the same time, though, if you let them dry to the point of wilting, the plants will drop leaves. Check them every day, just by sticking your finger about an inch into the soil. If it’s dry to this depth, the plants want water.
The best process is to use lukewarm water, apply it until water runs out of the pot’s drainage hole, and then discard the drainage water that’s in the saucer.
Poinsettias also want a sunny window or the brightest area of their room. Yet, they do NOT want to touch cold windowpanes, because that can cause damage.
Room temperatures above 75 degrees will shorten their bloom life. Temperatures below 60 can cause root rot. Poinsettias really prefer daytime temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees and nighttime temperatures between 60 and 65. Sometimes the only way to keep them happy is to move them away from windows at night or to draw the drapes between them and a nearby window.
With this kind of care and then some careful trimming and repotting next spring, a poinsettia can become an indoor foliage houseplant or a medium-size garden shrub next summer. Then, if kept or moved indoors next September, but exposed only to natural light as the days get shorter and nights get longer, it also will bloom again in time for the following holiday season.