How To Repurpose An Artificial Christmas Tree - Ten Top Tips
Cindy VenerioArtificial Christmas trees are a wonderful way to enjoy the holidays without the hassle of dropped needles or constant watering. But when the season ends, many people wonder what to do with an old fake Christmas tree. The good news is, if your tree is still beautiful year after year, you can tweak some decorating to keep using it before you box it up until next year. If you have an old tree that’s starting to come apart, you may want to give it a second life instead of sending it to the landfill.
The good news is there are plenty of creative ways to repurpose artificial Christmas trees into décor you can enjoy year-round. Our interior decorators have shared 10 of their favorite ideas below, from simply changing the decorations to creating wreaths, wall art, and more.
1. Swap Out The Decorations
You don’t have to take the whole tree down when Christmas ends. Instead, refresh it into a winter tree. Remove Santa ornaments, candy canes, and tinsel, and replace them with natural touches like pinecones, twigs, and faux snowflakes. Add small stags or winter birds for a cozy woodland look.
This simple switch lets you repurpose your old fake Christmas tree into something that still feels festive through January.
2. Give It A Covering Of Snow
If you love wintry décor, lean into the look. Fake snow spray or a dusting of white or silver paint can instantly transform an outdated tree. This trick hides worn branches and creates a snowy, frosted appearance.
You’ll end up with a refreshed, upcycled artificial Christmas tree that feels brand new and perfectly on-trend.
3. Spray It For Valentines Day
A little color can go a long way. Once Christmas is over, paint your tree pink or red to reuse it for Valentine’s Day if you don’t plan to use it for Christmas next year or want a colorful tree next Chrstimas. Add heart-shaped ornaments or ribbon, and you’ve got a playful conversation piece for February.
You’ll want to be careful though. Spray paint can sometimes damage the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) needles used in most artificial trees. Test a small area first.
4. Turn the Branches into Small Wreaths
Looking for what to do with an old artificial Christmas tree that’s falling apart? Cut off the wired branches and bend them into small wreath rings. Add dried flowers, berries, or bows for a rustic touch.
These DIY wreaths can decorate your doors or walls all winter, a smart way to repurpose fake Christmas trees into something new and charming.5. Build The Branches Into One Giant Wreath
If you have a larger tree or several broken ones, twist the branches together to form one oversized wreath. Hang it over a mantel or around a mirror as a dramatic winter accent.
Big statement wreaths like this look stunning with natural elements like pinecones, dried oranges, or small fairy lights.
6. String the Branches into a Long Garland
For another creative way to repurpose old fake Christmas trees, tie or wire the branches together into a garland. Drape it along your stair rail, around your entryway, or on your fireplace mantel.
Garlands add texture and warmth to any space. Reusing what you already have to create garlands saves money and keeps plastic artificial trees out of landfills.7. Create Faux-Fir Letters for Wall Art
Get crafty by shaping leftover branches into decorative letters. Spell out words like HOME, JOY, or LOVE and hang them in your living space.
This is a fun and meaningful way to upcycle artificial Christmas trees and add natural-looking greenery to your walls long after the holidays.
8. Build a Fun Hanging Planter
All that wire and greenery can be reshaped into something completely new. Bend the branches into a deep bowl shape and line it with moss or fabric to create a hanging planter.
Your repurposed fake Christmas tree can now hold potted plants, flowers, or succulents on the porch, perfect for welcoming spring.9. Put Small Cuttings into Baubles for Next Year
Don’t throw away every piece! Cut a few small snippets from the branches and tuck them into clear ornaments for next year’s décor.
It’s a sentimental way to repurpose old artificial Christmas trees while keeping a little piece of your family’s holiday history alive.
10. Make Mini Christmas Trees For Next Year
These mini versions are ideal for office desks, side tables, or as handmade gifts for friends and family.
Bonus Idea: Donate or Recycle
If you’ve exhausted your DIY options, check local thrift stores, schools, or community centers. Many accept donations of gently used artificial trees for crafts and displays.
Recycling centers may also take trees made from polyvinyl chloride or metal if properly separated. When you can, choose reuse over disposal.
Final Thoughts
There are endless ways to extend a usable tree’s season or repurpose an artificial Christmas tree instead of throwing it out. Whether you’re turning branches into garlands, wreaths, or new décor, you’ll be helping the planet while adding creativity to your home.
So before you package your tree up for the year or toss that old tree, think again. With a little imagination, it can bring joy long after the holidays are over.
