can we throw it in the forest?

The king of the holidays is already dethroned, once the holidays are over. But is it a good idea to throw your Christmas tree in the forest?

A plant waste that is slow to decompose

It’s the same with fir trees as with any waste: we don’t throw them anywhere. But sometimes we also have to point out the obvious: no, you cannot get rid of your tree in the forest. What may seem like a good idea is a mistake, and is also punishable: you could face a fine of up to 1,500 euros from the ONF, Office National des Forêts.

Indeed, and it’s easy to understand: once a tree is cut down, it can of course no longer be replanted. Leaving it in the forest would simply suffocate and acidify the soil. In fact, plant waste such as fir takes a very long time to decompose. Not to mention the fact that this tree bought at Christmas actually didn’t no connection with the ecosystem of the forest where it would have been thrown.

Discover the lifespan of waste in nature

Approved collection points

Thus, in deciduous forests, the accumulation of plant waste such as pine needles does not constitute the usual diet of the organisms (earthworms, bacteria, fungi, etc.) that live there and would have difficulty adapting to such change. Please note that burning your Christmas tree in your garden is also not permitted, because the tree is considered green waste, as are dead leaves, mowed grass or brushcutting residue.

“On average each year, nearly 5 million natural fir trees are sold in France”, reminds the ONF. In the vast majority of cases, they come from agricultural production, not forestry. While many municipalities and urban communities collect natural fir trees, drop off your tree only at approved collection points so that it can be valued in ecological initiatives supported and supervised by the ONF.

Read also – I usefully get rid of my Christmas tree