“The most wonderful time of the year” has come to an end, and it has brought with it the time to take off that tinsel and those stockings.
If a Christmas tree lives on your list of things to remove, you may be wondering what to do with it.
Instead of leaving it to rot in your yard or on the sidewalk, you can take it to a local farm and let the goats have at it.
Popular Christmas Tree Varieties in Massachusetts they include balsam, concolor, Fraser, Douglas and noble fir, along with Scots and white pine.
Whereas firs are not pines but belong to the same family and both have needles.
Needles can act as a natural dewormer for goats and provide essential vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin A, according to TimberCreekFarmer.com.
Any tree given for animal consumption must have all tinsel and ornaments removed.
Massachusetts farms that accept Christmas trees for goats
Channell Homestead, Hanson
Channell Homestead in Hanson, located at 92 South St., he told CBS News Christmas the trees are a sweet treat for their goats and the public can leave their trees outside the front gate of the farm at any time.
However, the farm asks that you make sure it is free of decorations, pesticides and fire retardants.
The farm is also hosting a farewell event on Saturday, January 11, from 2 to 3 p.m
You can also hug the goats for about an hour after leaving the tree.
Southwick Farms Firefly Fields, Southwick
Located at 9 Babb Road, Southwick Firefly Fields Farms he wants Christmas trees to feed his goats, pigs and sheep.
To donate your tree, Southwick Firefly Fields owner Lindsay Hale asks that trees are still alive, have not yet dropped needles, are still taking water and are cut locally. Hale said Trees purchased at a big box store or grocery store are often treated with flame retardant chemicals, pesticides and herbicides and cannot be used.
Martin Brown Farm, Uxbridge
Located at 104 Mill St., Martin Brown Farm in Uxbridge wants your Christmas tree for its animals.
the farm has shared a video on his social networks of three of his goats—Coco, Lele and Diego—eating the Christmas trees on Sunday.
“Trees are full of nutrients and antioxidants,” the post says. “Please stop by and donate your tree for the goats!”
Whip City Animal Sanctuary, Westfield
Whip City Animal Sanctuary, at 232 Montgomery Road in Westfield, accepts Christmas tree donations for its animals.
Whip City Animal Sanctuary only accepts farm-raised trees, as trees from big-box stores can be covered in toxic chemicals.
You can leave your tree in the sanctuary at any time in the large pile of Christmas trees next to the barn.