BUFFALO, N.Y. — If you're getting ready to throw out your Christmas tree, stop right there.

A nature expert says it's better for Mother Nature to recycle it instead.

The easiest alternative is to plop your tree in the yard.

It can become shelter for birds and eventually decompose into the soil.

Another option is to cut the branches off and use them to cover your plants, protecting them from freezing over the winter.

A third way grind the branches up for mulch.

Whatever you choose, recycling certainly benefits nature.

"Every little bit helps. My business is called ‘Lessons from Nature’ because we have to learn how to live sustainable and we learn by watching nature. Nature reuses itself, that’s how the soil is built, that's how plants get fed and it's just so easy to do and it makes you feel good about buying a tree,” said Lyn Chimera, Lessons from Nature garden consultant.

If these alternatives don't work for you, you can always ask your town or city whether they have Christmas tree recycling locations.