How can I reuse or recycle Christmas tree needles?
I know a lot of people go for no-drop types of Christmas tree these days but some of them still shed like billy-o.
Pine needles can be composted – they can be quite acidic though so if that’s undesirable, make sure you balance them out in your heap with some alkali things (wood ash, for example). Also don’t drop a heavy layer into the heap all in one place – they sit pretty densely together and can restrict airflow.
They can be used for lots of other things too – Crunchy Chicken linked to a range of recipes using pine needles in drinks and biscuits, and you can use them to stuff pin cushions.
Any other suggestions?
Oh, and happy Christmas to those that celebrate it :)
Pine burns really well – chop branches off, saw the trunk up and leave it somewhere dry to season (dry out properly), then use them on bonfires in the summer.
Allotment holders may take them for doing this with if you’re not the type of person yourself to have axes or saws lying around your house :-)
Just spotted some pine needle vinegar updates on The Cottage Smallholder – they made it back in November from this recipe from Eat Weeds. Apparently it should taste a bit like Balsamic vinegar.
Dry them out and use as potpourri
I like the potpourri idea, i will try that!
Keep them. Even when they dry, they can be used for herbal baths. Spa….
Boil them for an instant aromatherapy.
Stuff with them pet’s mattress.