Christmas trees can be used to create a feeding station for birds and other backyard wildlife. Popcorn garlands and strings of cranberries, unshelled peanuts, stale marshmallows or cereal will attract birds initially, but plan to add treats throughout the winter. Add snacks such as apple slices, orange wedges, leftover holiday breads, fruit cakes or nuts, suet cakes or pine cones smeared with peanut butter and rolled in bird seed. Early returning robins enjoy bunches of grapes. Place a bird feeder in or under the old Christmas tree.
Birds love the sheltered dining area.
Add a dish of fresh water daily to complete the backyard wildlife refuge. Christmas tree limbs can be laid over perennial flowers such as mums and bulbs to insulate plants against wind, severe cold and soil heaving from freezing and thawing temperatures. Evergreen branches stuck into the ground like a picket fence around broad leaved evergreens such as holly or rhododendrons will protect plants from drying winter winds. Christmas wreaths are a perfect size to lay around many perennials as a mulch. In the spring use the old Christmas tree skeleton as a trellis for scarlet runner beans or climbing sweet peas.