Now that the Christmas holiday is over, ‘tis the season to recycle your Christmas tree.

Many cities have recycling programs that may involve residential collection or drop-off location.

You can also chip and shred your Christmas tree into mulch for your garden or cut off the boughs and place them on your perennial beds for added protection against spring thaws.

When sunk in private ponds, a discarded Christmas tree can provide protection for pond fish over the winter. Be sure to remove all decorations, lights, tinsel, or any nails used in the base of the trunk.

Don’t try to recycle trees or greens that have been spray painted.

Do not burn Christmas trees in the fireplace because a tree can contribute to creosote buildup in the chimney.

Take down all those holiday greens before they lose the freshness that made them so attractive during the holidays.

Coarse materials, such as evergreen boughs, can be used to mulch chrysanthemums when extra protection is needed during winter. This is a great use for leftover holiday tree branches.

Check houseplants closely for insect infestations. Quarantine gift plants until you determine that they aren’t harboring any pests.

Water watchwords

January is a great time to make New Year’s resolutions about water.

Reduce storm water impacts with best management practices:

Install a rain barrel on a roof downspout. Consider permeable pavement for your sidewalk.

Try landscaping practices like a rain garden for wet areas in your yard. All of these things can help reduce storm water runoff to local waterways.

Decrease your use of unnecessary lawn chemicals:

Consider more earth-friendly alternatives or just use less. Always follow the label and don’t over-apply to reduce runoff impacts to local waterways.

Pick up after your pet:

Dog waste is a pollutant, too. Not only does it introduce bacteria to our waterways, but it can contribute to nutrient overload causing overgrowth of algae and nuisance plants.

Pay attention to litter and anything you put on the ground:

Paper waste, oil and gas from a leaky vehicle, yard waste and grass clippings end up in storm drains and contribute to pollution of local waterways. Recycle whenever possible. If you wouldn’t drink it, don’t dump it.

Make a storm water plan for your property:

Look at areas on your property where runoff is causing erosion. Check streambanks that may be eroding or falling in.

Are there changes you can make to redirect storm water?

Are there some best management practices that you can try?

Install water-saving devices in your home:

Low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators and water-efficient appliances are all ways to reduce your water use and conserve resources.

Everything doesn’t have to be replaced all at once, but when you do replace, consider more water-efficient choices.

Have a private well? Have your water tested. Nearly half of homeowners have never had their water tested.

As a private well owner, it’s up to you to take action to have your water tested to be sure it meets drinking water standards.

Create a well head protection zone:

The 100-foot radius around your well is the most critical and the most susceptible to immediate impacts to your water supply. Keep any potential pollutants out of this area: pesticides, fertilizers, pet waste, etc.

“Growing Green” is contributed by Diane Dorn, Lehigh County Extension Office Staff, and Master Gardeners. Information: Lehigh County Extension Office, 610-391-9840; Northampton County Extension Office, 610-813-6613.