After the holidays, live-cut Christmas trees can be repurposed as habitat for various species of animals, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Before you discard your tree, remember that it can find life after the holidays for Ohio’s birds, fish, mammals, and more.

Each winter, recycled live-cut Christmas trees are donated to the Division of Wildlife and placed at select wildlife areas and public lakes around Ohio. The trees are bundled together and weighed down so they sink to the bottom of lakes, attracting fish and providing cover. Many species are attracted to this dense cover, including crappie, bluegill, and largemouth bass.

An interactive lake map showing where trees are placed to attract fish is available at wildohio.gov and on the HuntFish OH mobile app. Anglers can target these spots, which are often productive for both panfish and their larger predators. Sunken trees provide structure for baitfish, which attract sport fish. Decomposing trees also feed zooplankton, which provide food for aquatic invertebrates and attract larger fish.

Private pond owners may also want to consider repurposing trees to add habitat to their ponds.

A live-cut Christmas tree can also be recycled as the centerpiece of a wildlife-friendly brush pile. Place the tree in a desirable location and layer limbs around it in a square arrangement. Cover the top with additional brush to create a unique and valuable shelter for small animals.

Songbirds including cardinals, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, and wrens travel in and out of brush piles for food, nesting, and to escape predators. Small mammals such as rabbits and chipmunks also use brush piles for shelter and raising young. Brush piles are valuable shelter for overwintering insects like bees, moths, and butterflies, as well.

Live-cut Christmas trees are also useful as compost, mulch, and more. Here are some options for your live-cut Christmas tree following the holidays:

Central Ohio

• The Morrow County Soil and Water Conservation District accepts live-cut trees to benefit wildlife at the Headwaters Outdoor Education Center, 151 Home Road, Mount Gilead, until Jan. 20, 2025.

Northeast Ohio

• The Mahoning County Green Team accepts donated trees at designated drop-off sites until Jan. 31, 2025. The Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office Community Service Program collects and prepares trees to be used for fish and wildlife habitat in partnership with ODNR.

Southeast Ohio

• The Athens-Hocking Solid Waste District will collect trees between now and January 22, 2025 at the Sutton Road Recycling Center (Logan), Southeast Ohio Recycling Terminal (The Plains), and Rural Action Zero Waste/Upcycle (Athens). The trees will be used for fish structure in coordination with ODNR.
• City of Athens residents can arrange pickup on Tuesdays and Fridays through Jan. 31, 2025. Call the city at 740-592-3343 and leave undecorated trees on the curb. The trees will be used for fish structure.
• City of Chillicothe residents can drop off trees at the Yoctangee Park Annex between now and January 24, 2025. The trees will be used for fish structure.
• Lawrence County residents can drop their trees at designated locations for collection by Wayne National Forest staff. The trees will be used for wildlife structure.
• Drop off trees at the park administrative office at Salt Fork State Park, 14755 Cadiz Road, Lore City, until Jan. 31, 2025.

Southwest Ohio

• Drop off your undecorated tree at the North Pool Boat Ramp at Caesar Creek State Park, 8570 E. State Route 73, Waynesville, until Jan. 19, 2025. Trees are used to create fish habitat.
• Eastwood MetroPark, 1401 Harshman Road, Dayton, accepts undecorated live trees until Jan. 28, 2025. Trees will be used as fish habitat in the lake.

Before repurposing or disposing of a live-cut Christmas tree, remember to remove all trimmings including tinsel, garland, lights, and ornaments as these can be harmful to the environment and wildlife. Please obtain proper permission before discarding your tree on public or private property. Discarding trees without permission could result in a litter violation.

Interested in learning more about the fish and wildlife near you? Check out the Division of Wildlife’s collection of field guides and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for instant news stories, outdoor recreation ideas, and local wildlife information.

The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.

ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.