For many years, we have gone to a particular tree farm in the Santa Cruz mountains and cut our own tree. If cut correctly, leaving several lower branches, the tree will regenerate in about five years. After we take the tree down, DH, who is an arborist by trade, runs the tree through a brush chipper where it becomes mulch. The company that picks up our trash has a very good recycling program. Unflocked trees left on the curb are picked up and chipped.


And speaking of pets and Christmas trees...

We have a couple rescue kitties (both adults, not kittens) that we adopted last February, so this will be our first Christmas with them. One is a 15# Maine Coon who is very curious and loves to be up high. He can jump like nobody's business and he's fearless. I have visions of him trashing the tree while we're at work. We've never had an issue with cats we've had in the past. Our house is small and there is only one spot where there's room for a tree. There is no way to close off this part of the house from the cats. Suggestions anyone?