As the holiday season approaches, many people look forward to decorating their homes with festive Christmas trees. But why not extend the holiday cheer outdoors and create a special treat for your local wildlife? Decorating an outdoor Christmas tree with edible ornaments and garlands is a wonderful way to spread joy and provide much-needed nourishment to birds and small animals during the winter months.
Choosing the Right Tree
The first step is to select a suitable outdoor tree. Look for a sturdy evergreen tree, such as spruce, pine, or fir, that has plenty of branches to hold ornaments. Evergreen trees are ideal as they retain their needles throughout the winter, providing shelter for wildlife.
Edible Ornaments
Get creative with homemade ornaments using a variety of bird-friendly treats. Mix together birdseed, peanut butter, and gelatin to form dough-like balls. Roll the dough into shapes and press them into cookie cutters for festive designs. Alternatively, coat pinecones with peanut butter and roll them in birdseed. Secure all ornaments with a sturdy natural twine.
Edible Garlands
String together edible treats to create colorful garlands. Thread cranberries, popcorn, dried fruit slices, and peanuts onto a thick natural string . Hang the garlands around the tree for a festive touch.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables are a welcome treat for many wildlife species. Hang apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, carrots, and berries on the tree using a natural twine. Choose fruits and vegetables that are firm and not overripe.
Suet Balls
Suet is a high-energy food source that is particularly appealing to woodpeckers, chickadees, and nuthatches. Render beef suet and mix it with birdseed, nuts, and dried fruit. Form the mixture into balls and hang them from the tree using suet feeders or sturdy natural twine.
Natural Decorations
Incorporate natural elements like pinecones, dried leaves, and twigs into your decorations. These add a rustic touch and provide additional shelter for wildlife.
Placement
If you are using your cut Christmas tree from inside, position the tree in a visible location, preferably near natural areas or sources of food and water. Ensure the tree is stable and secure to prevent it from tipping over and harming wildlife. Also ensure all unnatural elements have been removed. Plastic and foil tinsels, hooks, plastic beads, and fake snow are harmfu; (and even can be deadly) to wildlife.
Replenish Treats
As treats are consumed, replenish them regularly to keep the feast going throughout the winter. Replace any spoiled or moldy fruits or vegetables promptly.
Safety First
Remember to choose decorations that are safe for the enviornment, wildlife and avoid using materials that could pose a choking hazard, entangle animals or cause litter.
Enjoy the Spectacle
Relax, enjoy and have your live or still cameras ready to share the view as your wildlife-friendly Christmas tree attracts a variety of feathered and furry visitors, bringing joy and nourishment to your space this holiday season.
