January 2nd: You’re dragging your Christmas tree to the curb. STOP. It can save 20 birds’ lives for 3 more months.
CHRISTMAS TREE AFTERLIFE (smart use):
**PUT IN YARD (January-March):**
→ Birds use as windbreak shelter
→ Protection from hawks (cover while feeding)
→ Dry perch during snow/rain
→ Roosting spot at night (warmer than exposed branches)
**WHERE TO PLACE:**
– Near bird feeder (3-5 feet away)
– Windward side (blocks wind)
– Branches facing UP (birds perch inside)
– Stable (weight it with rocks if needed)
**WHO USES IT:**
→ Cardinals (need dense cover)
→ Sparrows (ground feeders need quick escape)
→ Juncos (winter visitors from Canada)
→ Chickadees (shelter between feeding trips)
→ Finches
**BONUS USES:**
**APRIL (after birds done):**
→ Cut branches = mulch for garden beds (free)
→ Trunk = firewood next winter
→ City chipper = free wood chips delivered
**VS. CURB TRASH:**
→ Curb: Landfill in 1 day, zero value
→ Yard: 3 months bird shelter + spring mulch = $30 value
Your $50 tree can work for 4 months instead of 3 weeks.
“But it looks dead in my yard!” — It IS dead. But it’s useful dead. Better than useless in landfill.
Cardinals don’t care about your curb appeal. They care about not freezing.
