our first christmas

Seth made such a huge deal about getting a real tree this year. I always grew up with a real tree, and then after the cats knocked our real tree down 2 or 3 times in one week, from the next year on, mom decided that a fake tree was just a good idea. I was kinda bitter about that one for a couple years, but then I came to appreciate not having to clean up the needles, not having to go to a tree lot and freeze your toes off while everyone chimed in on which tree was perfect. You just went into the attic, no fuss, no muss, and about 1/2 hr later, you had a tree! So I was torn between nostalgia and convenience, but Seth insisted and away we went. He really enjoyed the process of picking out a tree, the smell of the pine, the excitement of us having our first christmas together, it was very sweet.
So we got it home. We've been watering it furiously, making sure that it won't dry out; yes, there are needles everywhere (and I mean everywhere - some got into our bathroom, which is entirely the opposite end of our living room), and we decorated it and have presents under it and everything, it's quite lovely.
And then Seth came home with some interesting news yesterday, "so yeah, did you know what I heard from Megan today? Having a live christmas tree in your apartment is illegal!"
Oops.
I'll claim ignorance because since living on my own I've never had a live christmas tree, so never had any cause to look into it. And this is my first time ever in an apartment, so I really wouldn't have known those things anyway. AND, our apartment is usually really good at sending out little memos about rules and such around the complex, but neither I nor my husband remember ever receiving anything about christmas trees.
So we're keeping the tree, and are being extra cautious to keep it well watered so we don't burn down the building, but then how do we inconspicuously get rid of it? I have this mental image of us waiting until late at night, and then tossing the tree over the balcony into the courtyard so as not to be noticed dragging a dead tree down the hall. But then someone will notice that there is a tree carcass in the trash dump with the rest of the garbage and know that there was illegal activity perpetrated over the holidays. I can just imagine them calling the CSI team to figure out who did it so they could levy a hefty fine on the guilty party. And then we're toast, because those guys can always crack the case....or maybe I've just been watching too much tv.