Christmas trees get second life as treats for rescue goats

MILLS RIVER, N.C. (WLOS) — Christmas has come and gone. Lights and decorations are being tucked away for next season.

But there is a second life for leftover real trees.

An animal lover in Mills River, Lily Crofut is turning holiday greens into a delicious treat for animals she rescues!

It all started when her first goat began nibbling on the Christmas tree last year. Lily said she was worried that it might be harmful, but she found out it is actually a great high-calorie snack for goats, especially when there is so little natural grass to eat in the winter. She also learned it is also a natural dewormer.

Lily is a foster coordinator for Esther Neonatal Kitten Alliance. Her little one-goat family has grown to 14 goats this year.

We rescued a few. You can really tell by their personalities, the more skittish they are, they're really from rough situations," Lily said.

With multiple goats this season, Lily put out a request for used Christmas trees and a Hendersonville Facebook group. She got over fifty comments and her goats have eaten every tree that they got, right down to the bark and then some!

A local business owner in nearby Horse Shoe heard about the request for trees. Kathy Briggs was especially touched that Lily rescues goats from bad situations.

"Briggs Garden Center donated, I want to say, 20 trees last week, and I think she has about 10 more this week!" Lily said.

She is still accepting those trees and holiday greens. Lily says the goats gobble them up, whether they're fresh or all dried up!

You can contact her at 828-772-7828. She is located on Boylston Highway in Mills River.