Many families have chosen to display a live Christmas tree this season, which means more trees will be disposed of now that the holidays are over.

However, people are encouraged not to throw their real Christmas tree into the trash. Rather, trees can be reused or recycled in other ways, such as for mulch or to create a bird feeder.

After all decorations, hooks, garland and tinsel strands have been removed, homeowners can place the tree in their backyards for the birds. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, homeowners can add options such as orange slices, suet cakes and strings of unsweetened cereal such as Cheerios to the tree. All these items will attract birds, which can sit in the branches for shelter. "Ornaments" can be replaced as needed throughout the winter months to provide a good food supply for all visiting birds to eat.

In addition, Christmas trees are biodegradable, which means their branches may be removed and chipped.

Another suggestion provided by the National Christmas Tree Association is to sink the tree into a local lake or pond because trees can create a safe space and feeding area for fish. People should always check with local officials or the landowner for permission.

Lancaster County residents can recycle real Christmas trees by dropping them off at designated spots like township facilities or parks for chipping into mulch. All decorations, including tinsel, must be removed first. Specific dates vary by township. The Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority (LCSWMA) publishes a guide with dates for different boroughs and townships. To access the guide, visit http://www.lcswma.org, click on "Services," choose "Recycling Drop-off" and scroll down to "Municipal Christmas Tree Recycling Programs." Those with questions may email info@lcswma.org.

Those who would like to take a trip and drive to Parkesburg to drop off their trees are welcome to bring them to the goats that reside at Rusty Jax Farm.

According to Jacqui Maxwell, who operates the farm with her husband, Russell, goats love eating all parts of the tree, from the needles to the branches. "They will eat ... down to bare tree," said Jacqui, noting that pine needles provide trace nutrients and minerals and that pine trees act as a natural dewormer. "It also supplements their feed during the winter months when the pastures are barren. In addition to the hay and grain that we feed them, the trees are a help."

Trees should be placed in the parking area at the farm near the donated pumpkins, which are also fed to the goats.

"We ask for pumpkins around Halloween and Thanksgiving and at Christmas, and we ask for Christmas trees for our herd," said Jacqui. "We have a parking area down by the barn. (Visitors) will see the pumpkins. We will toss the trees over (the fence) as needed. We do ask that there is no tinsel, as that can be quite dangerous for the goats to ingest. I check the trees before tossing them over."

"When people bring (tree) donations, they can come and see the goats if they want to and play with them," she added. "They are very friendly."

Rusty Jax Farm is located at 3801 Upper Valley Road, Parkesburg. For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/rustyjaxfarm or email rustyjaxfarm@gmail.com.