Christmas trees are finding a new home at the beach. A northern Michigan company is using old trees along the shoreline to prevent erosion.
Traverse City company, Inhabitect LLC., collected more than 250 old Christmas trees after the holidays.
Officials said the trees will be secured along the bank, bundled up much like when you first purchase a tree. The biodegradable material helps to keep sand from moving and help native plants take root.
Company president, Nathan Griswold, said the the installed trees will slowly decompose over 4 to 8 years, giving native plants enough time to grow.
“That is plenty of time for the shoreline to establish itself and for roots to find their way down and lock that shoreline in.”
He said the roots can grow up to 10 feet deep and “will help keep the land in place and help break down that energy from the waves.”
Griswold said the trees collected will cover around 1,200 linear feet, an area more than 3 football fields long.
The company looks to install trees throughout the winter and spring.